Dubbed as the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, the festival brings together more than 150 artists from 23 countries to design projections, 3D mapping and artworks to light up the city. 

Every day until June 18, all iconic sites and urban spaces, from the Sydney Harbor Bridge, which for the first time ever will be illuminated with thousands of multicolored LEDs, to the regular precincts at Circular Quay, will sparkle like never before.

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling to Sydney while the festival is on, here are the ten top light installations and projections that you may want to visit or take a selfie at during your nights out in the city. 

Lighting the Sails: Songlines

The large-projection at the Sydney Opera House, perhaps the city’s most iconic sight, is a must-see every year. For the eighth year, the site has been transformed into an animated canvas of Australian indigenous paintings made by six of the country's most-influential artists. 

The displays depict Australia’s diverse cultures, providing visitors with a visual tapestry that weaves through time and distance.

Where: Sydney Opera House

When: starting from 6 p.m. 

Cost: Free

An animated painting projected on the sails of the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Sydney 2016, Australia. Dubbed "Lighting the Sails: Songlines", the grand-scale illumination features iconic temporary work of Australian indigenous artists.(JP/Marguerite Afra Sapiie)

Cathedral of Light

The 70-meter-long tunnel is inspired by a traditional arched church window, illuminated by tens of thousands of LED globes. It shines brightly in the dark not far from the Queen Elizabeth II Gate, the entrance to the Garden of Light.

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens

When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

The 70-meter light tunnel titled "The Cathedral of Light" looking out onto the Sydney Opera House from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia, during Vivid Sydney 2016.(Destination New South Wales/-)

The Matter of Painting

Western Sydney Artist Huseyin Sami and French artistic collective Danny Rose have collaborated to transform the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) into a huge canvas, creating an illusion that the facade is being brushed, cut, carved and painted. According to Sami, the work explores the process of making art.

Where: The Rocks

When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

The "The Matter of Painting" light projection at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia ( MCA ), Sydney, at night during Vivid Sydney 2016.(JP/Marguerite Afra Sapiie)

Light Rocket by Captain Starlight

Also made by Starlight Children's Foundation, the 15-meter rocket is dedicated to kids all over Australia. Inside, it consists of a giant kaleidoscope of light, mirrors and sound.  

While enjoying the rocket itself is free, if you opt to purchase a Starlight Wand, you will make a big contribution to support seriously ill children and their families in the country.

Where: Circular Quay

When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

The installation "Light Rocket by Captain Starlight" stands at First Fleet Park, Circular Quay, Sydney, one one of the Vivid Sydney 2016 nights.(JP/Marguerite Afra Sapiie)

Be the Light for the Wild

As part of Taronga Zoo's centenary celebrations, Vivid Sydney is for the first time presenting 10 giant animal multimedia light sculptures. They represent critically endangered species that are set to be protected by the government such as the Sumatran tiger, sun bear and Asian elephant.

Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road

When: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Cost: A$17.95 (US$13.4) for adults and $11.95 for children/concession. All purchases help the zoo's wildlife conservation efforts.

(Read also: Creativity glows over Vivid Sydney, its biggest light festival yet)

An Asian Elephant light sculpture displayed at "Be the Light For the Wild" exhibition at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia, as part of Vivid Sydney 2016.(Destination New South Wales/-)

X-Factory

A thrilling sound and light show that depicts the concept of disruptive technology and the 'rise of the robot' brings the facade of the heritage-listed Carlton & United Brewery building back to animated life. It explores the idea of a great shift from human labor to intelligent machines.

Where: 28 Broadway, Chippendale

When: 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Cost: Free

The 3D-mapped projection "X-Factory" as a facade on the heritage-listed Carlton and United Brewery building in Central Park, Sydney, Australia, during Vivid Sydney 2016.(Destination New South Wales/Jim Tan)

Synthesis

This 3D-mapped projection explores the magic and history behind the heritage-listed Moreton Bay Fig Tree. With its multicolored patterns, Synthesis re-imagines the beauty of the natural environment.

Where: Royal Botanic Garden

When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

Multicolored light patterns cover the heritage-listed Moreton Bay Fig Tree at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia, for Vivid Sydney 2016.(JP/Marguerite Afra Sapiie)

Sydney's Hidden Stories

The facade of the Customs House, which is a home to Sydney's main public library, features an adventurous blue-tongue lizard, who tells of his magical journey through the hidden landscapes of the city. The story spreads a message of sustainability to those who come to witness the wonder.

Where: 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay

When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

The dreamlike 3D animation titled "Sydney's Hidden Stories" is projected on the facade of Customs House in Sydney, Australia, as one of the large-scale illuminations of Vivid Sydney 2016.(JP/Marguerite Afra Sapiie)

Laser-Dragon Water-Theater

The multimedia water theater is the world-first, water-screen mounted on a 13-meter robotic arm. Floating above 56 fountains and equipped with flame jets and powerful lasers, the moving water-screen assumes many forms, from ferocious dragons to the characters of commedia dell'arte.

Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbor

When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. (the show runs every half an hour)

Cost: Free

Laser-Dragon Water-Theatre at Darling Harbor, Sydney, Australia, at the opening of Vivid Sydney 2016.(Destination New South Wales/-)

I Love You

When walking past the First Fleet Park, sudden shouts of "I love you" may cause visitors to blush. But there is no cause for anxiety, this is not a would-be suitor, but the “I Love You” installation.

The giant heart-shaped "Love-O-Meter" will only illuminate after couples declare their love for each other, creating a playful, interactive and often hilarious take on the expression of love. (kes)

Where: Circular Quay

When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

An interactive light installation titled "I Love You" featuring a giant heart-shaped "Love-O-Meter" that will only illuminate after couples declare their love for each other.(JP/Marguerite Afra Sapiie)