Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo 2023

Overview

Vivid Sydney is back. The perennially popular festival of lights, music and ideas is returning to Sydney from Friday, May 26. One Sydney icon that always gets involved in the celebrations is Taronga Zoo, utilising its unbeatable harbour views and a brand new light walk to create vibrant experiences during the festival while also shining a light on conservation.

This year, the zoo's Wild Lights series is back to give visitors the opportunity to explore the zoo after dark with a brand-new luminous light walk guiding you through the park and festival-favourite animal lanterns. As you explore the attractions and installations, you'll be greeted by lit-up emus, dingos, platypuses, kangaroos and koalas among the lineup of illuminated animals.

These nature sculptures celebrate native Australian fauna and have been created by First Nations artist Nathan Peckham of YURANA CREATIVE in collaboration with precinct director Nicholas Tory and the team at Ample Projects. Other installations you can expect to find at Taronga over the 18 nights include the return of Ample Projects' illuminated beasts and jellyfish bloom.

Beyond the lights, guests can enjoy a cup of mulled wine alongside food truck-inspired menus, First Nations-style snacks and koala-shaped fairy floss. Those looking to completely immerse themselves in the experience can book a stay at Taronga Zoo's on-site Wildlife Retreat. For the uninitiated, the luxury accommodation is located right in the heart of the zoo, meaning you'll be treated to the sights and sounds of the animal enclosures during your stay, not to mention the panoramic harbour views.

Open throughout Vivid until Saturday, June 17, tickets to Wild Lights will grant you entry at your choice of two ticketed entry times — 5.30pm or 7.30pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for concession passes and $25 for children aged between four and 15.

Destination NSW

Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo will run from Friday, May 26 to Saturday, June 17 with sessions at 5.30 and 7.30pm nightly. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the website.

Images: Destination NSW