Accessibility has been front and centre during Vivid Sydney 2026, with the festival designed and delivered to ensure people of all abilities can experience the event across Sydney.

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington joined Member for Gosford and former Paralympian Liesl Tesch AM at Vivid Sydney to highlight the festival's commitment to inclusion and experience some of the accessibility initiatives helping more people enjoy the event.

From accessible transport hubs, facilities and volunteer information points to accessible viewing areas, quiet spaces, lower-sensory installations and technology for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, the festival has been designed to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

Visitors can access a range of features designed to support different accessibility needs, including:

  • An accessibility festival map to help locate accessible routes, ramps and toilets
  • Booths staffed by volunteers who can assist with directions and accessibility information
  • Accessible viewing areas at Hickson Road Reserve, Dawes Point, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia’s lawn, Cockle Bay and Tumbalong Park
  • Dedicated quiet spaces in Circular Quay and Tumbalong Park
  • Low-medium sensory installations at Circular Quay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour
  • Accessible amenities at Vivid Fire Kitchen’s new home in Barangaroo Reserve
  • Haptic technology for visitors who are deaf, hard of hearing at Feel The Beat at Tumbalong Park
  • Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyards for visitors who require additional understanding or assistance from staff and volunteers
  • Access to A Visual Story, developed with Autism Spectrum Australia, to help visitors prepare for the festival environment
  • Vivid Music, Minds and Food pillars feature accessible venues, companion card access, Auslan-interpreted events and more.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehey AO said: “I’m so proud of the work the Vivid Sydney Access Team has done to embed inclusion into every pillar of the festival.

“The city’s streets, parks and buildings have transformed into a wonderland of Light, Music, Minds and Food programming, ensuring the Harbour City is a place where everyone – regardless of ability, identity, or background – feels welcome.

“With the festival continuing until 13 June, we encourage visitors of all abilities to make the most of the accessibility features available and experience Vivid Sydney for themselves.”


The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 identifies inclusion and accessibility as a key strength for the state.

Tourism Research Australia data shows more than 70 million trips are taken each year in Australia by travellers with accessible needs, with NSW attracting more total trip nights than any other state or territory.

The NSW Government is working with Get Skilled Access, founded by Paralympian and disability advocate Dylan Alcott AO, to improve accessibility and inclusion in the NSW visitor economy.

Led by Destination NSW, the initiative includes providing practical tools and insights to help visitor economy businesses be more accessible and inclusive.

Destination NSW and Get Skilled Access will deliver a webinar on hosting inclusive and accessible events on 18 June 2026. Led by inclusion experts, the session will cover universal design, inclusive language, customer service and practical event planning considerations.

More information on the webinar is available here.

Vivid Sydney continues to power NSW’s visitor and night-time economies while reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a global leader in immersive cultural experiences.

Major events such as Vivid Sydney play a key role in the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to grow the state’s visitor economy to $91 billion over the next decade.

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by the NSW. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit using Vivid Sydney's accessibility resources, including maps, visitor information and accessibility guides, available here.