Sydney's annual Vivid festival hit its biggest attendance record as the popular three-week event celebrated its 13th year.
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Over 23 nights, a crowd of more than 3.28 million soaked up more than 300 events including lit-up visual and art displays, music performances and a line-up of street food and dining options.
More than 500,000 people turned up to the drone show Written In The Stars, one of seven to light up the sky above the harbour city and the largest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere.
The longest ever Vivid Sydney Light Walk stretched 8.5 kilometres from the Opera House to Central Station, with 57 free light art installations and three-dimensional projections featuring 32 NSW-based artists.
The Opera House sails were lit up to showcase the work of esteemed late Australian artist John Olsen, and a sold-out event with The White Lotus creator and actress Jennifer Coolidge was attended by more than 7000.
More diners turned out to eateries along the harbour and across the CBD than any Vivid Sydney festival to date.
Similarly, hotels in the CBD saw a 90 per cent occupancy on Friday and Saturday nights
Music and Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said the number of people attending was "extraordinary".
"That's an increase comparable to the population of the Gold Coast," he said.
"Over the past three weeks the city has felt vibrant and electric ... we showcased Sydney, at its finest, to the world."
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said he was still pinching himself.
"It's hard to comprehend the magnitude of the increase in turnout," he said.
Tim Olsen said the inclusion of his father's work before he passed was "uncanny timing" and an opportunity for Sydney to focus on its artists, musicians, chefs and thought leaders.
"Vivid Sydney is a bright stage light that fixes upon, highlights and showcases our creative industries like nothing else in Australia," he said.
Australian Associated Press
