Vivid Pop-Up at Cruise Bar Lets You Get Among the Lights

Want to get the most out of Vivid? Here’s a tip. Try, not only watching the lights from afar, but getting among them, too. And I don’t mean attempting to climb the Opera House sails.

Cruise Bar, on Level 3 of the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, has taken on the Vivid mantle with the installation of an illuminated pop-up bar. Created in conjunction with Belvedere Vodka and named Belvedere BEAT, it’s situated on the Cruise rooftop, affording panoramic views of the Opera House, city skyline and Harbour.

Each night, from May 21 to June 9, you’ll be able to sip on Belvedere-spiked concoctions while surrounded by light installations designed to complement the show outside — from the Opera House’s ever-shifting display to the glittering, multicoloured ferries darting around the Harbour — and listening to soulful local grooves. Entry is free.

If you’re looking to match your Vivid experience with a meal, make a booking at the Cruise Restaurant on level two. Contemporary Australian fare with an emphasis on fresh, local, seasonal produce is on the menu. Think Sydney rock oysters, crispy skin smoked salmon and Gippsland lamb rump. Star of the dessert menu is whisky lemon cake (mandarin curd, whisky jelly, ginger ice cream and lavender meringue).

And down on level one, there’s the Cruise Bar, where you can either sit inside or enjoy a beverage in the Heineken outdoor bar in the courtyard, set up for Vivid’s duration.

Our bet is that Cruise is going to be an incredibly popular spot over the next couple of weeks. So if you’re planning a visit, make a reservation. You can do so by calling (02) 9251 1188 or emailing [email protected].