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Home / Sponsored Stories

Sponsored by YOU Travel & Cruise

YOU Travel & Cruise

Let there be music And light! Sydney is coming alive with outdoor opera and dazzling light shows

1 Feb, 2026 11:00 AM

Sponsored by YOU Travel & Cruise

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A trip to Sydney with YOU Travel & Cruise offers the ultimate in restful urban luxury and exciting new cultural attractions to explore.

Imagine being outside on a mild Sydney evening as Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera soars across the water, and fireworks explode in the sky. Or cruising on Sydney Harbour for a dégustation dinner cruise, taking in Sydney’s iconic landmarks illuminated by dazzling light installations.

Captain Cook Cruises - Vivid Sydney
Captain Cook Cruises - Vivid Sydney

This autumn and winter, Sydney comes alive with spectacular events. From a special open-air season of The Phantom of the Opera to the annual Vivid Sydney with its 3D light shows, tickets and accommodation are selling fast, making it essential to book now.

Sydney is also the ideal place from which to visit the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens or venture further afield – and for those keen to make the most of an urban excursion, YOU Travel & Cruise provide excellent packages and exclusive offerings that align with the Australian city’s many events.

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Every year Australia’s renowned Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, well known for its spectacular open-air staging, performs a new show on the harbour. This year is a fitting tribute to the world’s most popular opera to mark its 40th anniversary (March 27-May 3). Phantom fans will be seated at Fleet Steps on Mrs Macquarie’s Point, overlooking the harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to catch the stirring open-air performance on a custom-built stage on the water, complete with iconic chandelier.

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - The Phantom of the Opera
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - The Phantom of the Opera

Booking with YOU Travel & Cruise ensures access to some tantalising dining packages. This includes the ultimate pop-up dining experience at HSBC Platinum Club, with gourmet menus and five-star table service to complement the performance.

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival, Destination NSW’s Vivid Sydney (May 22-June 13) is now in its 16th year, with an all-new line up of transformational 3D light projections, with a wide range of events covering Light, Music, Minds and Food. The lights will be switched on from 6pm each night, elevating a wander around Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and the city’s streets with brilliant displays on some of the city’s best loved landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art and Customs House, as well as the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Through YOU Travel & Cruise you can book a very special way to appreciate Vivid Sydney from the water. Take in the glittering skyline from the Captain Cook Vivid Gold Penfolds Dinner, a gourmet food and wine cruise experience on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a six-course dégustation, each dish matched with a premium Penfolds wine, as you float alongside the festival’s awe-inspiring cityscape.

Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour

Evenings are just as vibey on YCK Laneway. Sydney is popular for its rich variety of precincts, and York, Clarence and Kent Streets, located in the heart of the entertainment district, live up to the hype. YCK is one of many vibrant precincts encouraging locals and visitors to experience the best of Sydney’s eateries, bars and speakeasies after dark. It makes it easy to turn a single meal into a progressive experience, so you can have a nibble and a cocktail, then pop across the lane for dinner and dessert.

YOU Travel & Cruise has partnered with some of Sydney’s most luxurious centrally located hotels to offer an experience that marries top service, beautifully appointed rooms and easy access to the city’s attractions. This includes Capella Sydney, renowned for its impeccable service and understated luxury, set in the historic Department of Education building. Intercontinental Sydney boasts Aster Rooftop Bar, a glamorous spot to sip a drink, taking in 270-degree views 32 floors up. Meanwhile the newly refurbished Intercontinental Coogee Beach (formerly the Crown Plaza) offers a Sydney beach holiday in the city like no other, complete with infinity pool, and all-new facilities open by March. Seafood lovers must try the hotel’s brand-new restaurant Rick Stein Coogee Beach, the latest offering from the famous British chef.

YCK Laneway, Gami, Chicken & Beer
YCK Laneway, Gami, Chicken & Beer

For travellers keen to experience a different vibe to the classic Sydney Opera House view, the architecturally lauded The Old Clare Hotel is a great option, providing a local inner-city ambience. Those seeking a cultural art-filled urban excursion will appreciate this boutique hotel located in the former Carlton and United Breweries admin building in Chippendale, (in the upper city). This renowned art precinct is home to The White Rabbit Gallery, housing one of the world’s most significant Chinese contemporary collections. It’s also close to the popular Southeast Asian streetfood-inspired Spice Alley, and excellent shopping. There’s plenty to do on a Sydney getaway between those must-see events.

Contact your YOU Travel & Cruise agent to curate the ultimate Sydney package, including luxury accommodation, dining options and tickets for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s The Phantom of the Opera and Vivid Sydney. Visit YOU Travel & Cruise for more details.

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