Are you wondering what it’s really like to experience the best of Sydney, the Vivid festival, and a road trip through Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley—all in one unforgettable journey? I recently joined a Vivid trip and discovered just how much variety, culture, and adventure this region offers in just a few days.
Short answer:
If you want a trip that combines world-class city vibes, natural wonders, hands-on wildlife encounters, top-tier food and wine, and the dazzling spectacle of Vivid Sydney, this itinerary is a dream come true. Here’s how it felt, what stood out, and my honest advice for travellers…
TL;DR / Quick Summary
- Experience Vivid Sydney up close—both on land and water, with a premium sunset cruise with so much on offer city wide from immersive tunnel installations to squares lit up with cartoons across churches!
- Discover wine, distilleries, lush garden cafés, and fine dining in the heart of the city.
- Enjoy exclusive overnight stays at the zoo, luxury hotels, and harbourfront boutique accommodation.
- Explore the wildlife and conservation focus of Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
- Try hands-on adventures like oyster shucking, quad biking on massive sand dunes, and a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley.
- Sip and savour at award-winning wineries, top restaurants, and heritage distilleries.
- This trip suits families, solo adventurers, luxury seekers, and foodies: each destination offers something unique.
My First Impressions: Sydney Comes Alive for Vivid
Landing in Sydney, the city’s energy was already palpable—crowds gathering, anticipation in the air for the first night of the Vivid light show. Before the festival, we dove right into some of Sydney’s hidden gems and bold experiences.
Archie Rose Distillery: A Spirited Welcome
We went straight from the airport to Archie Rose Distilling Co., Australia’s most awarded distillery. The knowledgeable staff set the tone for the trip, guiding us through a tutored tasting across their gin range—a lovely introduction to local craft spirits in a stylish, welcoming setting close to the city. Have a look at the splendid Archie Rose Distillery in Sydney here.
The Grounds & The Potting Shed: Urban Oasis
Lunch at The Potting Shed in The Grounds, Alexandria, was a sensory treat: lush greenery everywhere, themed nooks, a vibrant garden bar, and barbecue area. It felt like stepping into a tropical escape, all while being in central Sydney. Such a great spot! Their website is here…
First Glimpse of Luxury: Crown Sydney
A site visit at Crown Sydney Hotel gave us a taste of ultra-premium city living. Positioned right on the water, it boasts outstanding views of both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Having stayed there previously, I can vouch for its beautiful rooms and world-class dining led by renowned chefs. Dining? For absolutely First Class with the only, and the first British female chef to hold three Michelin stars in the UK, experience Clare Smyth’s first and only international restaurant.
Vivid Sydney: Lights, Water, and Citywide Wonder
The highlight of our first night was the Captain Cook Premium Sunset Cruise. As the city lit up and fireworks erupted, the harbour became a canvas of colour and movement. From the water, Vivid’s installations and city lights were everywhere—Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and hidden corners all aglow. The sheer scale was dizzying, and being on the water gave us a unique, all-encompassing vantage point.
Later, we experienced the “Dark Spectrum: A New Journey” at Wynyard Tunnels—a kilometre-long immersive light and sound experience. Hundreds of lasers, lanterns, and an epic soundtrack turned the underworld into a surreal, club-like journey. It was one of the most immersive festival installations I’ve ever walked through.
Culture, Wildlife, and Food: Sydney’s Daytime Delights
Taronga Zoo:
The next day brought us to Taronga Zoo, where you can stay overnight and enjoy after-hours animal encounters. The zoo blends world-class animal exhibits with stunning harbour views and top-quality accommodation—an ideal family experience.
Art & Dining:
A private tour and lunch at the newly renovated Art Gallery of NSW (M.O.D. Dining) offered a dose of culture in a sleek, modern setting. The $344 million refurbishment has made it a dynamic and inspiring stop.
A by Adina & 6HEAD Dining:
We visited A by Adina for a look at their beautifully designed apartments and then dined at 6HEAD, a heritage waterside restaurant known for prime steak, seafood, and incredible harbour views. Dinner was memorable for both the flavours and the history in every sandstone block.
Road Trip North: Nature, Adventure & Local Flavours
Oyster Shucking on the Hawkesbury
One of my personal highlights was Sydney Oyster Tours, just an hour north of the city. Out on the Hawkesbury River, we suited up in waders, cruised to the oyster leases, and learned to shuck a dozen fresh Broken Bay Oysters—a rare, hands-on moment that’s both fun and delicious. Finally I got to shuck and eat a dozen myself!
Newcastle: Distilleries and Design
In Newcastle, lunch at Earp Distilling Co. was a relaxed, local affair, followed by a look at QT Newcastle—a designer hotel housed in a heritage building, blending art, gastronomy, and luxury.
Port Stephens: Koalas & Coastal Retreats
A visit to Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary revealed their mission to conserve and rehabilitate local wildlife. The sanctuary’s glamping tents and deluxe studio rooms offer a chance to stay immersed in nature, close to both the bush and the beach.
Our overnight at Bannisters Port Stephens was a nod to retro glamour by the water, topped off with an exquisite dinner at Rick Stein’s restaurant—a culinary highlight tucked away in this seaside haven with with panoramic coastal views.
Sand Dune Adventures & Hunter Valley Magic
Quad biking on the massive sand dunes near Port Stephens with Sanddune Adventures was easy soft-adventure, with sweeping 360-degree views, fresh water lagoons, and fascinating Aboriginal heritage talks from our guides.
A winery visit and fromage experience at Audrey Wilkinson in the Hunter Valley combined panoramic vineyard views, passionate staff, and some of the best local wines and cheeses.
Our stay at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, an IHG Hotel, was a tranquil, art deco escape surrounded by vineyards—a perfect base for wine country explorations.
Sunrise Ballooning: The Ultimate Hunter Valley Moment
Waking up at 4:30 am was worth it for a sunrise flight with Balloon Aloft. Floating above the misty vineyards with the sun rising was truly unforgettable—peaceful, awe-inspiring, and a perfect finale to the journey.
Lunch at Saddles, Mt White, capped things off in quirky style—iconic Australian cuisine, wildlife views, and saddle-shaped bar stools in a building that’s won global design awards.
Who is This Trip Suited For?
- Families: Taronga Zoo’s overnight stays and Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary are outstanding.
- Luxury Travellers: Crown Sydney, Bannisters Port Stephens, and QT Newcastle deliver stand-out comfort, service, and style.
- Adventurers: Quad biking the dunes, oyster shucking, and sunrise ballooning are must-dos.
- Food & Wine Lovers: The Grounds, 6HEAD, Rick Stein at Bannisters, Earp Distilling, and Audrey Wilkinson all offer top-shelf experiences.
- Solo & Group Travellers: The blend of city buzz, nature, and regional charm means you can go at your own pace.
Practical Tips for Travellers
- Best time to visit: May–June for Vivid, or spring/autumn for mild weather and wine region events.
- Book in advance: Vivid accommodations, zoo overnighters, ballooning, and top restaurants fill up quickly if you are looking for specific dates or weekends.
- Getting around: Consider a rental car for flexibility; public transport is good in Sydney and Newcastle, but limited in rural areas.
- Insider tips:
- Don’t miss the immersive Vivid experiences such as paid installations or tunnels.
- Oyster shucking is both educational and fun—you have overtrousers on so dont get wet!
- We can advise on deals at all sorts of properties from 4 star to luxury.
- Many attractions now require online pre-booking.
- Packing: Layers for changing weather, comfortable shoes, camera/phone for photos, and an adventurous appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best way to see Vivid Sydney?
Book a sunset harbour cruise for the best views, and try at least one immersive installation like the Wynyard Tunnels.
Is the Hunter Valley suitable for non-drinkers or families?
Absolutely—there are wildlife parks, balloon rides, gardens, and scenic drives in addition to wineries.
How do I book zoo, balloon, or oyster experiences?
We book it all in for you! – bookings are highly recommended in peak times.
What’s a “must-try” local food or drink?
Shuck and eat a dozen fresh Broken Bay Oysters, taste gin or whiskey at Archie Rose, and sample local cheeses with Hunter Valley wine as one of the many winery experiences.
Any recommended places to stay?
For luxe you can’t beat Crown Sydney, or a ton of other options we can recommend, A by Adina, QT Newcastle, Bannisters Port Stephens, and voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley all offered fantastic service, boutique style with something a bit different and memorable stays.