Dark Spectrum is a multi-sensory light and sound experience currently running until 16 July 2023 as part of the Vivid Sydney Festival. We visited with Braeden in the evening without any expectations, except that there was a light and sound show being held in the Wynyard Tunnels in Sydney’s CBD. While it’s always tempting to look at social media to see what to expect, I quite like a surprise. All I needed to know was that it was wheelchair accessible. Dark Spectrum is amazing and different to any other light experience we’ve had during the Vivid Festival.
Dark Spectrum – wheelchair accessible Sydney
Before I heard about Dark Spectrum, I have to admit to not even knowing there are disused tunnels in Sydney’s CBD. The site is the original platforms one and two of Wynyard Station, which was for tram services to and from North Sydney and beyond between 1932 and 1958. When the trams were discontinued, the tunnels were used as a pistol range and as a storage depot for Roads and Traffic Authority.
Dark Spectrum takes visitors on an immersive journey of light and sound across the spectrum of human experience. Each unique space is themed – separation, constriction, pressure, the unseen, reflection, the unfamiliar. Using light, music laser, robotics – visitors are immersed in the various spaces on the one-way route through the tunnels.
I felt like we were on some kind of spy mission, making our way through the underground world of Sydney. Of course that is just my fanciful mind at work as we were joined by a bunch of people also keen for a unique Sydney experience. There was no danger and no mission as such. It was just an opportunity to let the daily grind go and be transported into a series of experiences which tantilised senses.
We absolutely loved the variety of experiences. Braeden has no issues with loud sounds, flickering lights or dark spaces so he was keen to experience it all. Staff are on hand in each room in case visitors experience any discomfort or find the experiences overwhelming and need to exit early.
Each room has a completely different feel to it which builds anticipation for what’s next.
Dark Spectrum isn’t for everyone. If you have any concerns about being in dark spaces, somewhere that’s enclosed or have a condition that reacts to flickering lights, then I’d suggest you go to Lightscape instead. Lightscape also runs until 16 July 2023.
Dark Spectrum Wynyard – wheelchair access
While every effort has been made to ensure Dark Spectrum is accessible to all, there are limitations within the tunnels which mean that there are varying gradients to negotiate when using the paved ramps. Hubby was pushing Braeden in his manual wheelchair and found the gradient within the tunnels was manageable. The final ramp exiting the tunnels (see photo below) was the steepest and required a bit more grunt and muscle power. There are several smaller ramps within the tunnels which connect the spaces. The event information states, “We would like to highlight that the tunnels feature two ramps with inclines of approximately 6.7 degrees downhill and 7.8 degrees uphill. It is important to consider these gradients when planning your journey through the tunnels with your mobility scooter/wheelchair.”
We were able to book a Companion ticket online which was a first for us. Bookings can be made on the Ticketek website.
Dark Spectrum is open Wednesday to Sunday each week until it closes. Children must be six years and older to attend Dark Spectrum.
There are no bathroom facilities within the tunnels so make sure you go before you go.
As Dark Spectrum is a one-way route you exit the tunnels in a different place to where you start. The exit is in Cumberland Street.
On arrival see staff who will scan your ticket and give you a physical ticket. From here you will be directed to a lift within Wynyard Station which will deliver you to the entry point for Dark Spectrum.
You can read more about Dark Spectrum, Wynyard Tunnels on the Vivid website.
This is not a sponsored post, we paid for our tickets and had a great time.
