Things to do in New South Wales at night

With so many activities and attractions, it’s easy to fill your days while you’re in Sydney and New South Wales. But wait until the sun goes down to discover vibrant light shows, a shining skyline and incredible bioluminescent water that glows.

Get inspired at Vivid Sydney

From 22 May to 13 June 2020, the city of Sydney will become a canvas for brilliant light installations and epic projections during Vivid Sydney - the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. The party starts as the sun goes down with visitors exploring the colourful precincts and interactive exhibitions placed throughout the city. Head to Circular Quay to see the lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails - where vibrant animations are projected onto the iconic building - before watching colours collide on major buildings including Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Take a ferry ride from Circular Quay to walk through an illuminated wildlife wonderland at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

Unwind at Sierra Escape

With its rolling hills and quiet surrounds, Mudgee is the perfect place to escape and unwind. Sierra Escape, located just 20 minutes outside of Mudgee, is the region’s premiere eco glamping experience. Designed for ultimate luxury, you’ll enjoy glamping tents with an open campfire for cosy evenings, a stunning outdoor bathtub for complete relaxation, and a wall of windows to enjoy the breathtaking scenery beyond. Set over 110 hectares (280 acres), Sierra Escape is also home to native wildlife, including kangaroos and deer. Escape the city life and indulge in a weekend of wine tastings, thoughtful food and rejuvenation.

Stargaze at Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park

While New South Wales’ cities are bustling and beautiful, it’s in the lesser-known locations that you’ll find some of the most stunning scenery in the state. Warrumbungle National Park, a 6-hour road trip inland from Sydney, boasts a landscape of rocky spires, rewarding hikes and night sky that comes alive with millions of stars. In fact, Warrumbungle National Park is home to the only Dark Sky Park in Australia, which creates an ideal stargazing environment and allows visitors to watch the stars ablaze in the crystal-clear sky. The Warrumbungle Observatory will bring your stargazing to new heights with up to five telescopes available for spotting the stars, planets and galaxies with incredible clarity. After an up-close viewing, sleep under the stars at one of the park’s many campgrounds.

Uncover beautiful bioluminescence in Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay, located three hours south of Sydney by car, is renowned for its pristine white sand and lush vegetation, but you’ll also find a hidden wonder that’s truly breathtaking. Due to chemical reactions within living organisms such as plankton, the water in Jervis Bay sometimes displays swirls of glowing blue along the shore. This unusual natural phenomenon, which can only be seen at night, can happen at any time of the year, but is more common in Spring and Summer months when the water is warmer. While the magical display is difficult to predict, the presence of red algae during the day may indicate a higher chance of bioluminescence in the evening. Don’t forget to bring your camera; the stunning natural wonder is popular for both professional and amateur photographers.

Embark on a night safari at Taronga Zoo Sydney Roar and Snore

This exclusive zoo experience is something to tell your friends about. At Roar and Snore, you’ll get to spend the night inside Taronga Zoo Sydney, in a cosy glamping tent with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. The evening activities include an after-hours night safari, a behind-the-scenes tour and delicious buffet dinner before the morning brings close up animal encounters and breakfast with a view of the harbour.