During Vivid Sydney 2025, the Australian National Maritime Museum is proud to present Tunku and Ngaadi, the story of Mirriyaal, the creator who shaped the first humans, Tunku and Ngaadi, from the stars to inhabit Earth and entrusted them with the task of creation.
To celebrate Tunku and Ngaadi, the Museum will be hosting a free evening of light, song and storytelling filled with stunning performances, interactive activities, and delicious food for the whole family.
The Sea Gathering Family Event will take place on the Museum’s newly refurbished Boardwalk and will invite visitors to view this immersive experience of animation, sound and storytelling from Action Stations onsite and the optimal vantage point of Pyrmont Bridge as the starting point of the world-famous Vivid Light Walk
The celebrations will take place on May 29, see some of the highlights below. View the full program at: Vivid Sydney 2025 | Australian National Maritime Museum
Tunku and Ngaadi – Through the art of Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison in collaboration with Studio Gilay, this light projection brings to life the story of Mirriyaal, the creator who shaped the first humans, Tunku and Ngaadi, from the stars to the Earth, entrusting them with the task of creation.
This immersive experience of animation, sound and storytelling will be projected onto the museum rooftop nightly from May 23 to June 14 between 6pm until 11pm, with optimal vantage points at Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf as part of the world-famous Vivid Light Walk.
Live Performance – The event commences on the museum’s performance platform with a live performance by artist Cheryl Davison and the Djinama Yilaga Choir. The group will perform a rendition of the soundscape performance heard in Tunku and Ngaadi. Formed by Davison, Djinama Yilaga is a renowned choir made up of South Coast Yuin people, helping to revitalise her ancestors’ language, Dhurga, through song.
Kids Activations – Kids are invited to join a workshop in our maker space to decorate and craft their own unique and spectacular papercraft whales inspired by the amazing artworks of Cheryl Davison. They will also learn to create simple LED circuits to illuminate their whales with colour changing lights.
They will also become part of the brilliant light show with glow-in-the-dark facepainting.
Curated Menu –Tuck into crispy barramundi & chips with ooray seasoning and finger lime mayo or try the popcorn prawn & lemon myrtle sando – a first nations twist on childhood favourites. The menu is designed by Bundjalung Chef Mindy Woods from Karkalla in collaboration with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Made with sustainably sourced seafood, this family friendly menu highlights exciting native ingredients and is available to purchase at the event.
Vivid Moonlight Sea Kayaking Experience - Step into an enchanting world with Sydney Harbour Kayaks on an unforgettable 90-minute night-time sea kayaking journey: the Sydney Vivid Moonlight Kayaking Experience.
The leisurely paddle adventure begins and concludes at the Australian National Maritime Museum. These guided kayaking expeditions offer a rare opportunity to traverse Darling Harbour on a moonlit escapade, granting you an unparalleled, and unique perspective of Vivid Sydney.
Dates: Select dates between May 23 – June 14
Times: 6pm, 8:30pm
Ages: Ages 10+
Booking: Bookings essential
Price: Adults $130, Children $95
ENDS
High-res images available here.
The Artists
Cheryl Davison
Cheryl Davison is a Walbunja and Ngarigo artist whose work is deeply connected to Yuin Country and storytelling. Inspired by her Elders’ teachings and her own family history, Cheryl’s paintings, prints and visual art capture the beauty and resilience of her culture. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and she is passionate about preserving and haring First Nations stories through art.
Studio Gilay
Studio Gilay, founded in 2021 by Jake Duczynski and James Hackett, is a Sydney based production company known for their unique design, close collaboration, and honest approach to storytelling, committed to originality, diversity and authentic representation, Studio Gilay brings together dynamic and passionate team, over a third of whom are of First Nations heritage. This includes talented writers, directors, and artists.
Mindy Woods
Mindy Woods is a proud Bundjalung woman, chef, restaurateur, and advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty. A MasterChef Australia finalist and the founder of Karkalla in Byron Bay, Mindy is known for championing native Australian ingredients and sharing the stories of First Nations culture through food. In 2025, she became the first Australian to receive the prestigious Champions of Change award from the World's 50 Best Restaurants, recognising her leadership in preserving and promoting Indigenous culinary traditions. Through her cooking, cultural experiences, and role as an Aquaculture Stewardship Council ambassador, Mindy continues to educate and inspire, creating powerful connections between people, Country, and culture.
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2025 theme, ‘Dream,’ sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW’s cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.
www.vividsydney.com
For media enquiries and images please contact:
Steve Riethoff e: [email protected] m: 0417 047 837
Vivid Sydney e: [email protected]
