This winter, Vivid Sydney returns brighter and bolder than ever, transforming Darling Harbour into a spectacular playground of light, music and immersive experiences. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is placing guests at the center of the action with luxurious stays, glowing wellness rituals, vibrant dining experiences and unrivalled waterfront views. 

Running from 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will illuminate the city for 23 dazzling nights, with Darling Harbour emerging as one of the festival's most dynamic precincts. Guests can wander through the Vivid Light Walk, experience interactive installations, witness Australia's largest free laser show over Cockle Bay and enjoy live music performances throughout the precinct.  

Positioned directly on the harbour foreshore, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers one of the best locations in the city to experience the festival, with panoramic views stretching across Cockle Bay and the illuminated skyline. The hotel's Luxury Corner Rooms provide a front-row seat to the nightly spectacle, allowing guests to enjoy the lights of Vivid Sydney from the comfort of a private luxury retreat. 

One of this year's most anticipated attractions is the return of the Vivid Sydney drone show, Star-Bound, taking place above Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour. Featuring 1,000 synchronised drones moving in harmony across the night sky, the show celebrates universal connection through mesmerising formations inspired by galaxies, waves, Fibonacci spirals and the natural world. Set to an orchestral-electronic soundtrack by acclaimed Australian composer Antony Partos, the experience unfolds twice nightly at 7:30pm and 9:30pm from Sunday to Wednesday throughout the festival.  

Guests staying at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour can enjoy uninterrupted views of the aerial spectacle without leaving the hotel, making it one of the most coveted vantage points for Vivid Sydney 2026. 

Beyond the lights, the hotel has curated a collection of limited-edition experiences inspired by the festival's colour and creativity: 

Sofitel SPA at Darling Harbour 

At Sofitel Spa Darling Harbour, the exclusive Vivid Lumière Package offers a radiant 90-minute treatment designed to restore and illuminate. Inspired by the glow of Vivid Sydney, the indulgent ritual combines native Australian botanicals with French spa artistry, featuring a Lime Caviar Radiance Facial and full-body relaxation experience. 

Champagne Bar 

Meanwhile, Champagne Bar invites guests to toast to the season with a menu of luminous cocktails overlooking the glowing harbour. Signature serves include the celestial-inspired Starry Night cocktail, a colour-changing creation featuring Grey Goose vodka, Creme de Peche', Luxardo Maraschino, Butterfly Pea, lemon and egg whites. The seasonal Pink Vertigo cocktail includes Bombay Sapphire gin, raspberry liquor, lemon, and rose syrup, both enhanced by champagne and sparkling cocktails designed to complement the festival atmosphere. Champagne Bar is open 7 days a week during Vivid Sydney.  

Atelier by Sofitel 

At Atelier by Sofitel, guests can indulge in a limited-edition Vivid dessert, Passionfruit Charlotte – a white chocolate Bavarian, vanilla sponge with passionfruit creme and coulis - created exclusively for the Vivid season. Vibrant, playful and visually striking, the dessert celebrates light and artistry through bold colours, intricate textures and French-inspired pastry techniques, offering a theatrical finale to an evening immersed in Vivid Sydney. 

“Vivid Sydney transforms Darling Harbour into one of the most exciting destinations in the country, and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers guests an elevated way to experience it,” says General Manager, Sam Panetta. “From luxurious accommodation with panoramic festival views to immersive dining and wellness experiences, every element has been designed to capture the vibrancy and creativity of Vivid Sydney.” 

Whether enjoying a glamorous city staycation, a winter family escape or indulgent evening after exploring the festival, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour invites guests to discover Vivid Sydney through a lens of French-inspired luxury and waterfront sophistication. 

For bookings and more information, visit Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.