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Best winter illumination destinations in Oceania

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Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
8.7
Light plays across the sails of the Sydney Opera House during Vivid Sydney. Circular Quay, The Rocks and Darling Harbour are the core areas of the festival. It began in 2009 as a low energy light walk around Circular Quay. In 2023 about 3.28 million people attended the festival in this city.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Bondi Beach
  • 🎭 Admire the Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay
  • 🌉 Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views
Melbourne
The heart of culture and coffee
8.7
The Puffing Billy railway first opened in 1900 and now runs heritage steam trains. Its Train of Lights night ride has light shows and wildlife projections. Lightscape in the Royal Botanic Gardens has a two kilometre lakeside trail of light installations. RISING festival projections on the Hamer Hall facade show First Nations stories.
Highlights:
  • 🏏 Watch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
  • 🌆 Admire city views from the Eureka Skydeck
  • 🎨 Explore the laneways full of vibrant street art and cafés
Auckland
Where Urban Life Meets Nature
7.5
Aotea Square and Queen Street have hosted large illuminated art installations for Matariki, the Māori new year. Neon artworks inspired by crochet have hung over Elliott Street. A video installation called Mihi is projected onto Auckland Town Hall. Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge are switched on at night during the festival.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Climb Mount Eden for panoramic views over volcanic landscapes
  • 🍷 Cruise across Waitematā Harbour and visit Waiheke Island’s vineyards
  • 🌆 Take in sweeping city views from the Sky Tower
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