Flavours, lights & culture — Why Vivid is the perfect time to visit Sydney

Time of India

2 days ago

While the world heads to Europe for summer break, we decided to give Sydney, Australia a try during this summers. And we were in for one of the best vacations. It's not every day you find yourself halfway across the world and feel instantly at home — but that's exactly what happened on this recent trip to Sydney.
We've always heard stories about Australia's magnetic blend of nature, culture, and culinary brilliance, but being there in person during Vivid Sydney was experiencing all of this firsthand.
Why visit now? For one, it's winter down under — which means cool, comfortable weather. Second, fewer crowds. You're not jostling for food and drinks, paying through your nose for stay and travel. Sydney was just the perfect setting for long walks, long lunches, and slow sips of great wine or coffee.
Australia, at this time of the year, is in that sweet travel spot — calm yet buzzing, inviting yet laidback.
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My journey began with an Aboriginal cultural tour by Dreamtime Southern X. It was a grounding and powerful introduction to the First Nations people, the history and culture and a reminder of the deep stories that shape this land. From there, it was time to explore the iconic Sydney Opera House, understand what led to the making of one of the most iconic landmarks and how it has remained a place to enjoy best of music performances.
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This was followed by a native ingredient-focused lunch at Midden by Mark Olive, a restaurant that celebrates Indigenous Australian flavours in the most elegant way.
One of my favourite discoveries was The Rocks precinct and its creative new space, The Collective. I dined at The Diner, had cocktails inspired by fabrics at The Tailor Room (yes, the drinks matched textures like silk and linen!), and felt so charmed, returned for breakfasted there at The Garden.
Each corner had its own personality — thoughtful, quirky, and welcoming.
Vivid Sydney lit up the city — not just with lights but with a cultural charge that flowed through galleries, streets, and kitchens. To get know the contemporary art scene in Australia, head to Museum of Contemporary Arts Australia. After admiring various displays at the museum, we had a breathtaking lunch at Canvas there.
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If you're looking for a whole new perspective of Sydney, try BridgeClimb.
Every step that takes your atop the iconic Harbour Bridge is full if stories on how the city and this icon came up. One at the top, you'd be greeted with unmatched views. Take a moment to soak it all in.
Evenings were for the Fire Kitchens at Darling Harbour, where smoke, fire, beats, and brilliant bites came together. A highlight? Meeting Kabir Singh of Pocket Rocketz — yes, the man behind the viral Butter Chicken Jaffle. Singh is a chef who lost his job during the Covid pandemic and decided to start something of his own.
He fused best of India and Australia and came up with this creation that became a sensation.
Of course, no visit to Sydney is complete without deep dives into coffee and bakeries. Coffee Cupping experience at The Grounds Coffee Factory is a good way to understand how serious is the city about its coffee. We sipped award-winning blends at Toby's Estate, and devoured that viral Watermelon Cake by Black Star Pastry and had croissants at Lune Croissant that deserves every bit of its hype.
For families, Hay St Market is a new food precinct where family-style dining meets buzzing energy. Harris Park is the Little India of Sydney. If you're craving home flavours, that's the area to explore. I satiated my cravings at Adyar Ananda Bhawan.
Other favourites? A relaxed, flavoursome meal at Three Blue Ducks. A refined gin tasting at Archie Rose Distillery. Rounded off this memorable trip with a final dinner at Altitude Restaurant at Shangri-La Sydney overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
This was a perfect time to sit back and soak in all the memorable experiences of last few days.
I missed Maybe Sammy and Don't Tell Aunty this time — but that just means I have reasons to return.
I came for the lights, but left deeply moved by the food, people, and soul of the city. If you're planning a trip, Vivid is truly the time to experience Sydney at its most magical.