As part of 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.
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.
Through an animation of the art of Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison, 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.
Using a simple stick and stone, they shaped the land, animals, and trees. As exhaustion and conflict arose, Tunku was cast into the sky as the moon, while Ngaadi's grief created rivers, oceans, and the waratah flower, symbolizing the gift of life and nature. The animation, developed by Studio Gilay, showcases this powerful myth of creation and eternal love.
Alongside the breathtaking visuals projected onto the Museum's roof, this moving story will be accompanied by a soundscape performance by the Djinama Yilaga choir which can be heard from the Pyrmont Bridge. Artist Cheryl Davison formed Djinama Yilaga, a renowned choir made up of South Coast Yuin people, helping to revitalise her ancestors' language, Dhurga, through song.
Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp said, 'The Maritime Museum is the perfect place to begin your Vivid Sydney journey and immerse yourself in the 2025 theme, Dream. We are thrilled to partner with a First Nations artist and animation team in the work of Cheryl Davison and Studio Gilay and showcase the choral works of the Djinama Yilaga choir as part of the world-renowned Vivid Festival, to bring this timeless Dreaming story to life.'
To celebrate Tunku and Ngaadi, the Museum also has planned some other opportunities to experience Vivid Sydney:
Sea Gathering - Join us for an evening of light, dreams, song, and storytelling at the Australian National Maritime Museum during Vivid Sydney.
The event starts on the museum's performance platform with a live performance by artist Cheryl Davison and the Djinama Yilaga Choir. Onsite activities include a maker's space where children can create whale lanterns and access the Action Stations lookout for the best view of the projection.
Visitors will also be guided along Pyrmont Bridge to see the full projection and hear the soundscape. Food and drinks will be available to purchase at Ripples, featuring a menu by First Nations chef, Mindy Woods, a Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan.
Dates: May 29 Times: 6pm – 8pm Ages: Suitable for all ages Booking: No bookings required Price: Free
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
