Vivid on the water
Transport for NSW Maritime vessels will be on the water to monitor safe navigation and cooperation from vessel operators during Vivid Sydney 2024.
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This year’s event will take place over 23 days and nights from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June 2024.
The annual event of light, music, food and ideas will display unique creations on and around popular Sydney landmarks including:
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Sydney Opera House
- Circular Quay
- The Rocks
- The Royal Botanic Gardens
- Luna Park
- Darling Harbour
- Barangaroo
Viewing from the water
Viewing Vivid Sydney from the water is becoming popular for both commercial and recreational vessels. With increased vessel activity during the event, safe navigation practices are paramount. Plan ahead with our marine viewing map and look for the illuminated signs on the shoreline advising of restricted areas.
Download the CINEWAV app which allows users to watch the large public displays while listening to a soundtrack perfectly in sync with the visuals. Visit the website for more information.
Marine viewing map
This map can be used as a guide for those boaters interested in viewing Vivid Sydney from the waters of Sydney Harbour.
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Information for recreational vessels
Recreational vessels will not be permitted to enter Darling Harbour south of a line drawn between the Northern tip of Darling Island and North of Barangaroo Ferry Wharf between 5:30pm and 9:30pm during Vivid Sydney.
Vessels wishing to access the marina and other waterfront facilities in Pyrmont Bay between Darling Island and Sydney Casino Wharf may do so only with authorisation from a control vessel.
Electronic message signs will be in place at Darling Island and Dawes Point advising recreational vessels where they are not permitted to enter.
All vessel operators are reminded that there is no stopping or drifting in the Transit Zone between Kirribilli Point to Bennelong Point and Millers Point to Blues Point. It’s recommended that all vessels keep to the starboard (right) side in channels. This helps to make your actions clearer to vessels coming the other way and avoid the risk of collision.
Before heading out, be sure to check all your navigation lights are operational. Navigation lights are required to be displayed between sunset and sunrise. For more information on which navigation lights are required for your vessel please refer to page 110 in the Boating handbook and refresh your knowledge on how to identify vessel at night here.
Information for commercial vessels
Sydney Cove will be closed for the ‘Vivid Love is in the Air Drone Show’ on the following times and dates:
Saturday 8th June, Saturday 9th June, Saturday 15th June from 9:00pm to 9:30pm. During this time, no commercial vessels are to operate in Sydney Cove. Water Taxis are also not permitted to operate during this period.
Refer to Marine Notice SE2406 and SE2404 for more information.
The following wharves will be closed to commercial vessel bookings from 5:45pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday evenings from 24 May to 15 June and on Sunday 9 June:
- Commissioners Steps and Harbourmasters Steps
Water taxis will only be permitted to pick up passengers during these times. Any revised restrictions to water taxi operations will be broadcast via VHF13 by Sydney Ports and Maritime patrol crews.
- Campbells Cove
Closed to water taxi operations during Drone Show on Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th and Saturday 15th from 8:45pm to 9:30pm.
- Eastern Pontoon
The western face will be closed to vessels greater than 10m. Alternate blockages will apply on the northern and southern faces due to large crowds on shore.
Security will be in place at Commissioners Steps and Harbourmasters Steps, Campbells Cove and Eastern Pontoon, in addition to King Street wharves 6-9 and Aquarium Wharf (Darling Harbour) on Fridays, Saturdays and the duration of the June long weekend.
Commercial operators will be required to adhere to the usual navigational requirements for entering and departing Sydney Cove. Vessel operators are reminded not to enter Sydney Cove without a wharf booking or authorisation to do so and adhere to the North - South rule.
All vessel operators are reminded that there is no stopping or drifting in the Transit Zone between Kirribilli Point to Bennelong Point and Millers Point to Blues Point.
This is particularly important in the vicinity of Milsons Point Wharf, Dawes Point and adjacent to Campbells Cove where significant vessel traffic coordination is required. Vessels are not to loiter near the waiting line in Sydney Cove.
Due to the high frequency of commercial vessel movements expected around the Barangaroo Ferry Wharf and King Street wharves, vessels without bookings are requested not to enter the area.
To facilitate on-water events, Cockle Bay will be closed to all vessels for the duration of Vivid Sydney with the only exception being vessels with a Cockle Bay Marina booking.