Vivid Sydney returns to Taronga Zoo in 2023, with a brand-new line-up of captivating installations and lanterns inspired by Australia’s rare and miraculous wildlife in line with Vivid Sydney’s 2023 theme, Vivid Sydney, Naturally. Pre-sale tickets are on sale now! 

Located on beautiful Cammeraigal Country, Taronga’s 2023 Vivid Sydney adventure will present a dramatic tide of light more than 65,000 years in the making. Running for 18 unforgettable nights this year's Wild Lights at Taronga has been inspired by ancient and present wisdom of the oldest 
continuing culture on the planet and will see Australia’s unique wildlife be transformed into a spectacle of light never seen before. 

With a strong focus on caring for Country and driving change, this year's Wild Lights will debut a variety of new breathtaking lanterns that shine a light on some of the country's most iconic species, such as the emu, possum, echidna, dingo, platypus, kangaroo and koala and the landscapes they call home.

These never-before-seen captivating light art sculptures have been created by cutting-edge Aboriginal artist Nathan Peckham of YURANA CREATIVE and is a collaboration between precinct director Nicholas Tory and his technical and creative team at Ample Projects. 

Taking inspiration and learnings from his Elders, Nathan has weaved together a vibrant mix of both modern and traditional art forms to deliver a vibrancy of colour and light that enhances the Wild Lights at Taronga experience. 

Executive Director of Taronga Zoo Simon Duffy said: “After a two-year hiatus it was such a pleasure to see the grounds of Taronga once again alive with colour and filled with guests as part of Vivid Sydney 2022.

“For Vivid Sydney 2023, the Wild Lights experience will once more be elevated with the unveiling of a completely-new night trail that will take guests through areas undiscovered including Taronga’s brand-new immersive habitat – Nura Diya Australia. 

“We hope that our guests not only leave feeling inspired to see and do more for the planet but that they leave with a deeper connection, understanding and respect of the Country that we are caring for.” Mr Duffy said.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said, “Taronga Zoo is a Sydney icon for both locals and visitors, and I’m delighted it has returned as a location for Vivid Sydney 2023. 

“We can’t wait to welcome audiences to Vivid Sydney and Wild Lights to showcase the significant contribution of First Nations peoples and cultures to the creative industries and the importance of the conservation of our wildlife.” 

Alongside the six new installations and lanterns, the ever-so-popular Ample Project Mini Beast collection will be returning. They are joined by six interactive and breathtakingly beautiful Jellyfish blooms also contributed by Ample Projects. Over 100 fireflies will also take to the skies and trees above lighting up the illuminated night trail helping guests navigate their way. 

This year, Wild Lights will also see the return Cushman & Wakefield, Taronga’s valued Access and Inclusion partner. This partnership will help Taronga to deliver a considered Wild Lights experience for guests of all abilities. 

Wild Lights at Taronga is an all-ages, ticketed and inclusive event that makes for the ultimate family night out or the perfect addition to any Zoo visit or overnight stay at either the Wildlife Retreat or Roar and Snore. Pre-sale tickets are on sale from today, with general admission tickets available from 
Thursday the 16th of March. 

Taronga is for the wild and as a not-for-profit organisation is committed to securing a shared future for wildlife and people. A ticket to Wild Lights at Taronga has the power to protect. Taronga is a not-for-profit, so all proceeds save wildlife. 

The creation of the new content for Wild Lights at Taronga is an artistic collaboration between artist Nathan Peckham of YURANA CREATIVE and precinct director Nicholas Tory and his technical and creative team at Ample Projects. 

For more information visit: www.taronga.org.au/vividsydney