Vivid food: Food trucks, First Nations dining, fire pits and more

More than just lights are lighting up this year’s Vivid Sydney Festival.

A roaring fire to warm up the night, the scent of roasting meat floating on the air and food trucks lining the city: Vivid kicks off tonight and the light displays aren’t the only drawcard. In fact, the Vivid food lineup is worth a trip on its own.

Vivid Fire Kitchen

Returning to The Goods Line in Ultimo, Vivid Fire Kitchen will share 23 nights of live fire cooking as part of Vivid Food 2025. See leading some of Australia’s finest chefs, as well as pitmasters and barbecue experts from around the world show you how it’s done, all following the Vivid theme of ‘Dream’.

“It’s fantastic being back in the fire kitchen for the third year running," said live fire cook Jess Pryles, who will appear at Vivid Fire Kitchen in 2025 for the third year running. “Getting to work with amazing Aussie produce over an incredible live fire rig is a dream. I think sharing the crowd samplers from the demo is easily my favorite part – and you can count on us to be grilling up some tasty treats".

Also on this year’s program, catch acclaimed American chef and TV personality Nyesha Arrington, the award-winning chef behind Viand, Annita Potter, organ McGlone of Bar Copains and many more.

a demonstration at Vivif Fire Kitchen — See live demonstrations. (Image: Destination NSW)

Free to attend, a continual lineup of food trucks – including Hoy Pinoy’s Filipino skewers, Burn City Smokers with South American-style BBQ, Pocket Rocketz’ unique take on vegetarian Indian cuisine and dessert ooptions like Mapo Gelato, Mr Spanish Churro, Miss Sina Korean Donuts and many more – will keep guests well fed each night. If you’re more seafood than barbeque, stop by the seafood BBQ stand for flame-grilled favourites like seared prawns and smoky grilled fish.

A dedicated wine bar will showcase a selection of NSW wines. Check the schedule to catch a masterclass at the bar, led by expert Mike Bennie, as well as curated wine pairings by NSW Wine Industry Association with dishes prepared by local and international pitmasters at the fire pit stage.

vivid food at vivid fire kitchen — Taste delicious flavours. (Image: Destination NSW)

Food trucks

Speaking of food trucks, you’ll find plenty around the festival outside of Vivid Fire Kitchen. Explore global flavours (in between global sounds) at Tumbalong Park . Enter an archway of light into this mini food hub with tasty wines, beers and cocktails, Korean fried chicken from Birdman, Mexican from Ash’s Nachos, Japanese doughnuts from Mochii Mochii and more.

Or, take a mid-light walk break at Barangaroo . Here, the highlight has to be blacklight-reactive desserts at the immersive Blacklight Dessert Lab. Think doughnuts, cheesecake and ice cream that glow under a UV light.

Dream Mist

Book a seat at this Botanic Gardens of Sydney table for an after-dark three-course Vietnamese-inspired menu by chef Luke Nguyen. Expect blending bold flavours and personal storytelling, as well as an interactive wishing tree for guests to share their dreams with. Oh, and keep the experience going with a take-home bottle of Dream Mist botanical perfume.

Neon Dreams

Not only is this event a roller-disco dream, it will feature a delicious plant-based dinner by vegan masterchef Shannon Martinez and Trolley’d, exclusively for Vivid. Wash down your veggie burger with a milkshake or cocktail whipped up by Trolly’d bar.

Hollywood Dreaming

If your nostalgia and neon cravings aren’t yet satisfied, head to Foster Street in Surry Hills on 31 May for Hollywood Dreaming . The street will shut down to traffic to make way for an al fresco food festival within a festival. Watch live music and roving performers while feasting on the best of Sydney dishes from the likes of Firedoor, Nomad, Gildas, Nel, Kiln, Poly, Brooklyn Boy Bagels and Butter.

Rooftop dining

Be sure to check out the best of Sydney’s rooftop bars for drinks, snacks and a delectable view of the Vivid lights, all festival long. You’ll find our top picks here.

a couple watching the lights of Vivid Sydney at Aster, InterContinental Sydney — Watch the dancing lights of Vivid Sydney atop the InterContinental Sydney.

The Native Food Experience

Celebrate First Nations culture and cuisine at The Native Food Experience . Held at NSW Parliament House, Parliament of NSW executive chef Vanessa Harcourt will collaborate with pioneering First Nations chef Dwayne Bannon-Harrison to create an equal parts tasty and thought-provoking degustation. Expect a menu that heroes native Australian produce, from rainforest fruits and coastal seafood to game meats and desert botanicals, all to tell a story of Country, culture and community.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Food trucks, diners and fire pits: The Vivid food events not to miss