Sightseeing Cruises

Vivid Sydney Sightseeing Cruise

Ships docked in front of lit up buildings in Sydney Harbour

Woman photographing illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge on Vivid Lights Cruise.

Sydney Vivid Lights Cruise ship in front of the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour cruise ships with Opera House illuminated during Vivid Lights Festival.

Duration

1 hr 30 mins

Cruise Sydney Harbour for 1.5 hours and enjoy panoramic views of Vivid Sydney’s dazzling light displays from spacious indoor and outdoor decks.

See the city’s iconic landmarks—Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, The Rocks, and Circular Quay—illuminated in vibrant color.

On select nights, experience the exclusive Bonus Sparkle Fireworks Show, visible only from official Vivid Sydney vessels on the water.

It’s a flexible, affordable way to experience the festival’s magic—bring your camera and your favourite snacks for a memorable night out

Did you know? The best vantage points for Vivid Sydney’s light installations and fireworks are only accessible from the water.

1.5-hour Vivid Sydney sightseeing cruise

360° waterfront views from spacious indoor and outdoor decks

BYO light snacks permitted

Drinks (available to purchase onboard)

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

How do we collect reviews?
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41 ratings
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Lucio
May, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The Vivid Lights cruise was fantastic, thanks to the team.
Judy
May, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The harbour cruise was great and Headout gave all the information required in advance.
Philippe
May, 2025Verified booking
4/5
It is the BEST WAY to see the vivid But it is very difficult to found the right Cruise
Graham
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The Vivid harbour cruise met our expectations. The boat had plenty of room for all the passengers and we were right in the centre of the Vivid displays. The 1.5 hour duration was perfect. The boarding and disembarking of the boat were very streamlined and easy.
Swanand
Jun, 2025Verified booking
3/5
The overall experience was decent, though not exceptional. While we appreciated the opportunity to view the Vivid lights from the water, there were a few areas that could be improved. Firstly, the seating arrangement was quite limited—there were not enough tables or even chairs for everyone on board, which made it a bit uncomfortable at times. Additionally, the bar had very few purchase options, which was a bit disappointing given the duration of the cruise. On a positive note, the staff were very supportive and provided clear guidance throughout the trip. Their friendly and professional attitude definitely added to the experience. With a few improvements to seating and bar options, this could become a much more enjoyable cruise for future guests.

See Sydney’s Vivid Lights festival from the water on a 1.5-hour cruise with 360° harbour views and exclusive fireworks on select nights.

Getting started

Check in at King St Wharf (No.2 or No.4) in Darling Harbour, where staff will confirm your departure point and validate your ticket. Board your premium sightseeing vessel and settle in on spacious indoor or outdoor decks before departure.

What to expect

1.5-Hour Vivid Sydney Sightseeing Cruise

Experience Sydney’s renowned Vivid Lights festival from a unique on-water perspective, cruising past illuminated landmarks and vibrant foreshore installations. This cruise offers a comfortable, crowd-free way to enjoy the city’s annual celebration of light and creativity.

Features

Vivid light displays: Sail past the illuminated Sydney Opera House sails, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, The Rocks, and Circular Quay, all transformed by large-scale light installations.

360° views: Enjoy unobstructed views from both indoor and outdoor decks, perfect for photography and soaking in the festival atmosphere.

Bonus Sparkle fireworks Show: On select nights, witness an exclusive fireworks display visible only from official Vivid Sydney vessels on the harbour.

Flexible departure times: Choose from nightly departures to fit your schedule.

Onboard facilities: Access a licensed bar (on select vessels) and bring your own light snacks for added comfort during the cruise.

Note: Fireworks are weather-dependent; the cruise operates for Vivid Light viewing even if fireworks are cancelled.

What to bring

It is recommended to wear smart casuals on this cruise.

What's not allowed

Keep in mind outside drinks are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Strict dress code: Thongs, singlets, and beachwear are not allowed.

Please note not all vessels are wheelchair accessible and the final vessel may not be confirmed until the day of departure.

Accessibility

The experience is pram/stroller accessible.

Additional Information

Guests aged under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 30 mins before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at King St Wharf No.2 or No.4.

Address: King Street Wharf, 4, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

The exact boarding point will be confirmed closer to departure. Alternatively, guests can check in at the ticket office located at King St Wharf No.1.

Get directions to the boarding point