Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tumbalong Lights?
Tumbalong Lights is an inclusive playSPACE that celebrates the art of play and the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. A playground for the young and young at heart, there are 5 interactive light installations and a stop motion film, all created with universal design principles to ensure that visitors of all abilities can participate.
Who should go to Tumbalong Lights?
Tumbalong Lights is open to all Vivid Sydney visitors. The playSPACE has been designed in conjunction with leading light artists and designers, artists with a disability, and community groups to ensure that the space meets the principles of universal design and accessibility.
What are the Tumbalong Lights opening times?
Lights switch on at 5pm and remain on until 11pm, throughout the Vivid Sydney festival 24 May – 15 June. Please note that 5pm – 6pm is a dedicated low sensory hour, with limited light and noise to allow visitors with sensory processing disorders the ability to enjoy Tumbalong Lights prior to peak crowds, lighting and ambient noise.
Do I need to book tickets?
No, you do not need to book tickets for Tumbalong Lights.
How much does it cost?
Free! Tumbalong Lights is funded by Cushman & Wakefield and key light contributors, ARA Group, Charter Hall, MinterEllison, Suncorp and Westpac, and is free for you to enjoy.
When is the best time to visit?
Peak times for visitation are between 6:30 – 9:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Low sensory sessions are recommended for visitors with sensory processing disorders – these sessions run daily from 5-6pm, however a weekday visit is recommended to typical weekend crowds.
How long do you need to spend at Tumbalong Lights?
Navigating the Tumbalong Lights playSPACE will take approximately 30-45 minutes but there are no time limits.
How do I get to Tumbalong Lights?
Tumbalong Lights playSPACE is accessible via Light Rail, alighting at Exhibition Centre stop, via bus 389 and 501 stopping at Harris Street near Allen Street, or via train to Town Hall station followed by a 10-15 minute walk to Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour. Remember, public transport services may be affected during the festival, for more information visit transportnsw.info.
What are 'universal design principles'?
There are 7 key universal design principles included in the creation of the Tumbalong Lights playSPACE. These include Equitable use, Flexibility in use, Simple and intuitive use, Perceptible information, Tolerance for error, Low physical effort and Size and space for approach and use. Read more here.
Where are the nearest bathrooms and accessible bathroom?
The closest accessible bathrooms are located within Car Park 1 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), whilst there are also public restrooms located next to Darling Quarter within the thoroughfare to Liverpool Street (east-end of Tumbalong Park).
Where is the closest parking and accessible parking?
Parking is available in the Darling Quarter Carpark at 1-11 Harbour Street, Sydney or in the International Convention Centre (ICC) at 14 Darling Drive, Sydney. Both carparks feature accessible parking bays. Read more here.
What food and drink options are located nearby?
Tumbalong Lights is located within close proximity to an enormous selection of restaurants, eateries and cafes. Darling Quarter, Chinatown, Steam Mill Lane, Cockle Bay Wharf and Harbourside are all within walking distance and offer a range of dining options for all tastes and budgets.
What other Vivid Sydney attractions are located nearby?
The main activations in the Darling Harbour Precinct are; Robot SPACEland in Cockle Bay, BLACKLIGHT: Dessert Lab at Darling Square
Florescentia at Darling Quarter, On Sharks projection on the Australian National Maritime Museum rooftop, Dream States on the ICC Sydney building façade and Tetra at King Street Wharf.
There will also be a fireworks show on Cockle Bay each Friday and Saturday evening at 7:40pm and 9pm.
Who is Cushman & Wakefield and why did you build Tumbalong Lights?
Cushman & Wakefield is a leading commercial real estate firm with over 51,000 employees around the world. Cushman & Wakefield is proud to be the Access and Inclusion partner for Vivid Sydney for the third year in a row in 2019.
A commitment to inclusion runs deep in the veins of all Cushman & Wakefield team members and it is with this commitment and vision, that Tumbalong Lights was born, aiming to make Vivid Sydney as inclusive and accessible as possible. The playSPACE is fully operated by volunteers from Cushman & Wakefield and Tumbalong Lights light contributors ARA Group, Charter Hall, MinterEllison, Suncorp and Westpac, as well as charity partner Variety – The Children’s Charity.