Planning early for this year's New Year's Eve celebrations? Well, you've come to the right place. With more than a million people flocking to the Sydney foreshore, there's sure to be a party no matter where you watch from.
From getting up-close and personal with the firework display to partying the night away at a harbourside event, we've got all the information you need to ensure your New Year's Eve is a night to remember.
Top things to do on New Year's Eve in Sydney
Popular free vantage points for the New Year's Eve fireworks
Sydney Harbour has dozens of prime fireworks viewing areas scattered all along Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Balmain and the North Shore to name a few. While the official spots for 2018/2019 haven't been announced yet, here's the main vantage points for 2017/2018 to get an idea of what to expect come December.
Food and drink for sale.
Food only for sale.
No food or drink for sale
| Location | Capacity | Food and drink | Where is it? | When does it open? | What you'll see |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birchgrove Park | 5,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Birchgrove | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, no views of the Opera House. |
| Blues Point Reserve | 15,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | McMahons Point | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from the northwest across the harbour. |
| Bradfield Park | 35,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Milsons Point | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and partial views of the Opera House from the park below the bridge on the north shore. |
| Campbells Cove | 6,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Circular Quay | 9:30 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the steps next to the Park Hyatt Hotel. |
| Cremorne Point | 7,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Cremorne | 1:00 PM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from across the harbour. |
| Darling Harbour - Cockle Bay | 41,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Darling Harbour | 11:00 AM | Views of the Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay fireworks. No views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House. |
| Dawes Point (Ta-Ra) Park | 38,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | The Rocks | 12:30 PM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from the grass next to the south end of the bridge. |
| East Circular Quay | 6,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Circular Quay | 9:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and partial views of the Opera House. |
| Elkington Park | 3,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Balmain | 8:00 AM | No views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House. Fireworks in the air and from barges can be seen. |
| Embarkation Point | 1,200 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Potts Point | 6:00 PM | Partial views of Sydney Harbour Bridge from some parts of the park, no views of the Opera House. Fireworks in the air and from barges can be seen. |
| Illoura Reserve | 3,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Balmain East | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the east, no view of the Opera House. |
| Lookes Avenue Reserve | 1,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Balmain East | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the east, no view of the Opera House. |
| Manns Point | 2,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Greenwich | 3:30 PM | Partial views of Sydney Harbour Bridge from some parts of the park, no views of the Opera House. Fireworks in the air and from barges can be seen. |
| Mary Booth Reserve | 4,500 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Kirribilli | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the north shore. |
| McKell Park | 1,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Darling Point | 12:00 PM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the east, no view of the Opera House. |
| Mort Bay Park | 3,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Birchgrove | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the west, no view of the Opera House. |
| Mrs Macquaries Point | 14,000 | Food and drink for sale. BYO prohibited. | Circular Quay | 10:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the east. |
| Murray Rose Pool and Blackburn Gardens | 500 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Double Bay | 2:00 PM | No views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House. Fireworks in the air and from barges can be seen. |
| Observatory Hill Park | 4,500 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Millers Point | 12:00 PM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the behind, no view of the Opera House. |
| Pirrama Park | 15,000 | Food and drink for sale. BYO prohibited. | Pyrmont | 2:00 PM | Views of Sydney Harbour Bridge from some parts of the park, no views of the Opera House. Fireworks in the air and from barges can be seen. |
| Pyrmont Bay Park | 10,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Pyrmont | 1:30 PM | Partial views of Sydney Harbour Bridge from some parts of the park, no views of the Opera House. Fireworks in the air and from barges can be seen. |
| Rushcutters Bay Park | 2,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Darling Point | 12:00 PM | No views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House. Fireworks in the air and from barges can be seen. |
| Simmons Point | 300 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Balmain East | 10:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the west, no view of the Opera House. |
| Sydney Opera House | 7,000 | Food and drink for sale. BYO prohibited. | Circular Quay | 7:30 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the Opera House. |
| Thornton Park | 1,000 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Balmain East | 3:30 PM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the west, no view of the Opera House. |
| West Circular Quay | 26,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Circular Quay | 12:00 PM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from between the two. |
| Yarranabbe Park | 10,000 | Food for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Darling Point | 12:00 PM | Views of the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge from the east, no view of the Opera House. |
| Yurulbin Park | 400 | No food or drink for sale. Alcohol prohibited. | Birchgrove | 8:00 AM | Views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the west, no view of the Opera House. |
Best events on New Year's Eve in Sydney:
Parties are held across the city every New Years Eve, and while the 2018/2019 events haven't been announced yet, we often see the same venues hosting events year after year. Here were some of the top events for 2017/2018:
What's events were on New Year's Eve in Sydney Botanical Gardens?
- Midnight at the Oasis: Complete with panoramic harbour views, this event features a 3-course meal at a reserved table and live music to pump you up for the big countdown. You'll also get exclusive access to the Fleet Steps. Tickets are $430. 18+ only.
- Harbour Hoopla NYE Event: Check out the fireworks display off the Harbour Bridge from the lush hill above the Opera House at Circular Quay for this all-ages event. There will be funfair games, circus performers and a range of food options included. You'll also get exclusive access to Tarpeian Way. Tickets are $325.
- New Year's Eve Botanic Garden Party: Surrounded by greenery, join a garden party at The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens filled with live entertainment, complimentary drinks a range of nibbles and desserts and an exclusive vantage point of the fireworks display. Tickets from $525.
What's happened on New Year's Eve at Sydney Opera House?
- Bennelong: Feast on canapés followed by a five-course dinner by Peter Gilmore that's paired with matching wines, all within the Opera House's sails. Tickets from $1,490 per person.
- Opera Bar: Welcome the New Year with a Miami-themed New Year's event, complete with palm trees and flamingos. The 18+ only event kicks off at 6pm and includes food all night long. Tickets from $460.
- Opera Gala: Sit back and watch some of opera's most famous arias on stage in the Opera House's Concert Hall, with favourites by Verdi, Puccini and Rossini. This show also gives the chance to watch both the 9pm and midnight fireworks. Tickets from $299.
- The Merry Widow: Watch this glitzy operetta performed by Australian star Danielle de Niese and a stellar accompanying cast complete with fishtail gowns and patent leather shoes. Tickets from $269.
For more information and to get tickets for The Merry Widow and Opera Gala, check out our main page about the events.
More Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks ticketed vantage points, parties and events.
- Harbour Party NYE 2017 at Luna Park: Ride all of the rides and then party your way into the new year with Havana Brown, Sneaky Sound System, Jesabel at Luna Park. Rides will be open until 1am and the park will be open until 3am at this 18+ event. Tickets from $219 for Diamond VIP.
- New Year's Eve at Pier One Sydney Harbour: Unrivalled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge are exactly what you'll get at this hotel on a pier, just below the fireworks site. This all-inclusive event includes food, drinks and entertainment. Tickets from $574.
- NYE at Bradleys Head: Mast Precinct: Nearby to the Athol Lawn, the Mast Precinct offers access to the upper road, boardwalk and grassy areas near the Mast. There will be live entertainment and music, plus pizza, Brazilian BBQ, ice cream and coffee available for purchase. Starts from 3pm. Tickets from $48.73 for adults, $17.43 for children, $104.80 for a family of two adults and two children, free for children younger than five.
- New Year's Eve at Goat Island: Take in the view from the west side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Goat Island, near Balmain. Ferries to the island at 6:30pm and 7:15pm. Tickets from $201.66 for adults, $135.39 for children.
- NYE at Bradleys Head: Athol Lawn: On the Mosman foreshore, Bradley's Head has great views of the harbour and is an affordable North Shore option. There's no food or drink available for purchase, but the lawn year just beckons for BYO picnics. Starts from 3pm. Tickets from $33.44 for adults, $17.43 for children 5-15, $74.22 for a family of two adults and two children, free for children younger than five.
- Clark Island Garden Party: Join the garden party on Clark Island, located in Sydney Harbour near Darling Point. Partygoers will get a 3-course meal and a cocktail on arrival, not to mention epic views of the fireworks. Ferries to the island at 6pm and 6:45pm. Tickets from $395.36 for adults, $242.44 for children 5-15, free for children younger than five.
- Shark Island: Have a vibrant start to the new year at a Caribbean-themed island party, with music provided by Triple J's Luen and dining on gourmet eats (for sale) by eateries like Butter and Thievery. Ferries to the island at 6:15pm and 7pm. Tickets from $232.24 for adults, $165.97 for children 5-16, free for children younger than five.
- New Year's Eve at Barangaroo Reserve: One of the newest places you can watch the big show from, Barangaroo is limited to ticketholders only. But at an affordable $41.80 a ticket, it's an ideal spot for an evening picnic to kick off the New Year. There's also food and drink for sale, including everything from oysters and slow-roasted lamb shoulder to burgers and yakitori skewers. Tickets from $41.80 for adults, $18.90 for students and seniors, $5.65 for children.
- Dudley Page Reserve: One that's great for the kids and for the wallet, with tickets from just $15 a pop for kids. The child-friendly event has free rides for kids and facepainting. There's room on the lawn to bring your own picnic and there's a bar on site. Starts at 6pm. Tickets are $38.80 for adults and $18.35 for children and seniors.
- NYE17 @ Taronga Zoo: Overlooking the harbour with sounds of wildlife filling the air, Taronga Zoo is a unique New Year's Eve experience. Dinner hampers are available for an additional fee and some of the animal exhibits will be open late for ticket holders. Silver Reserve tickets are $200 for adults, $115 for children or $560 for families (two adults and two children). (Diamond Reserve and Gold Reserve tickets are sold out)
- Cockatoo Island Glamping and Camping: Spending two nights on Cockatoo Island over New Year's Eve with epic views of the fireworks actually costs less than some of these events and you don't have to worry about getting on public transport or into a taxi after the fireworks are done. Tickets from $450 for up to 6 people.
Getting around: Sydney New Year's Eve Road closures and public transport options:
While lines for transport leaving the city centre are often long, New Year's Eve is still a night to leave your car at home if you can.
Information about public transport hasn't been released for this year yet, but here's what the go was last year:
- 4,500 extra transport services, including an additional 1,000 trains, will be running on New Year's Eve
- Circular Quay station will be closed from 6pm-1am and Milsons Point station will be closed to city-bound travellers from 6pm-12am.
- Buses replace light rail services from 2:30pm-4am
- Ferries will stop running on New Year's Eve from 8pm-12:45am and Transport NSW expects services to fill up, so plan to travel early.
- Uber surcharges were very high last year, so be extra careful in checking the rate before booking a car.
- Road closures start from 11am: Cahill Expressway will close to traffic from 11am and roads in The Rocks will close from 2pm, Anzac Bridge and the Western Distributor will be closed between 8:30pm-9:30pm and again from 11:30pm-1:30am. The Harbour Bridge is closed to walkers and cyclists from 6pm- and traffic from 11pm-1:30am. All streets in the CBD north from Liverpool Street will be closed from 11pm.
Images: City of Sydney And Sydneynewyearseve.com
I am looking to find out when/where tickets go on sale for the fireworks at Sydney harbour for new year 2018/2019? I would be buying online from the UK.
Hi Rona,
Thanks for your question.
You are already on the right page where you may check for ticket deals for the New Year’s Eve fireworks views in Sydney.
You can click the “Get Deal” button on the page if you want to check the details of a particular deal. And yes, you may book online even if you are from the UK.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hi, I am looking for somewhere in Sydney for NYE and wondered if there is any free areas and BYO alcohol?
Hi Scott,
Thanks for your question.
The list of vantage points for the 2017 fireworks has not yet been released, however last year certain points such as Neilson Park, Elkington Park and Goat Island allowed for BYO drinks.
We will update our site with confirmation of details and locations when the official listing for this year’s event comes out.
Hope that helps,
Stephanie
We are booking a Chinese Restaurant called The East on Circular Quay which comes with sydney council tickets to access the Circular Quayside when our table expires at 8pm. Are there places to purchase alcohol without having tickets to enter the venues/bars on Circular Quay, when we have departed the restaurant at this time? We want to know that its not a non alcohol area?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your question.
As mentioned in the article, many of the council vantage points are alcohol-free however there are a few that allow you to purchase alcohol on site. In Circular Quay, these spots are Bennelong Point and Lawn with the View. There will also be alcohol available at the Barangaroo vantage point.
There are many bars along Circular Quay that will be open to the public. Getting into each however will depend on whether they have reached their maximum capacity or not. Alternatively, bottle shops will be open however by law they are required to close at 10pm.
I hope that helps,
Stephanie
Hi, I’d like to know which restaurants accept children for dinner on 31th night, and have a good view of the bridge and or opera for the fireworks. Thanks
Hi Heriberto,
You can find a list of restaurants with a view of the harbour and fireworks on New Year’s Eve here.
I hope that helps,
Stephanie
Hello
I am looking for a place to celebrate 31st eve with spectacular view of sydney harbor bridge fire works.
We are group of around 12 people could you please help what place would be available.
Thanks
Hi Kimi,
Thanks for your comment.
All the details required to view the New Years Eve celebration are in the article above.
Regards,
Stephanie
How do I have our NYE event (Sydney Observatory) added to this article?
Hi,
We will contact you direct.
Stephanie