Guide · Festivals and events ·
Sydney New Year's Eve viewing spots: where to go
Sydney New Year's Eve viewing spots include sites close to the Harbour Bridge and places further out. The City of Sydney, which produces the event, says the sites closest to the bridge always attract large crowds. It says some places outside the city centre (the CBD) also offer great views and can be more accessible and comfortable.
The City lists two fireworks shows for 31 December: the 9pm Family Fireworks and the Midnight Fireworks at midnight. It calls the 9pm show a special display for families with youngsters and describes it as an eight minute performance. The Midnight Fireworks fire from barges on the harbour, the rooftops of city skyscrapers and the Harbour Bridge. The City says the displays can be seen from Gladesville Bridge all the way to the Heads of Sydney Harbour.
Sources for this section: City of Sydney, Vantage Points list; FAQs; 9pm Family Fireworks; Midnight Fireworks.
Pick your kind of spot
The City says the vantage points closest to the bridge tend to reach capacity by early afternoon. It names the Opera House forecourt (the open area in front), Mrs Macquaries Point, Dawes Point in The Rocks, and Blues Point Reserve and Bradfield Park on the north side. It also says most vantage points on the CBD waterfront are managed access sites. At these, staff check bags at the entry points, and the site closes once enough people have arrived.
The City's list names 54 key vantage points around the harbour. Some outside the CBD also close once they are full, such as Bradley's Head in Mosman and Cremorne Point Reserve.
Most spots are free. The City says the majority need no pass or ticket, though some are prepaid ticketed events. Bennelong Lawn in the Royal Botanic Gardens costs $199 plus a booking fee, and every ticket holder pays the same price, babies in prams included. Only 700 tickets are sold, and each includes a picnic hamper.
Sources for this section: City of Sydney, FAQs; Where to go and site restrictions; Vantage Points list.
Spots worth considering
Here are seven places from the City's list. BYO means bring your own.
| Spot | Entry and size | Notes from the City's list |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Opera House | Free. Holds 12,000. | Entry from East Circular Quay only. Bags are searched. Glass and BYO alcohol are banned, and you cannot come back in once you leave. |
| Mrs Macquaries Point | Free. Holds 20,000. | Entry via Art Gallery Road. Security searches at entry. Glass and BYO alcohol are banned, and you cannot come back in once you leave. Picnics are encouraged. |
| Bradfield Park, Milsons Point | Free. Holds 50,000. | Entry via Fitzroy Street. Glass and BYO alcohol are banned. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are on sale. |
| Blues Point Reserve, McMahons Point | Free. Holds 12,000. | Entry via Blues Point Road. Glass, BYO alcohol and pets are banned. |
| Dawes Point, The Rocks | Free. Holds 40,000. | The list calls it an Alcohol Free Zone, and glass is banned. |
| Bradley's Head, Mosman | Free. Holds 5,000. | Bring your own food and drinks, as none are sold. Glass is banned. You must leave once the fireworks end. |
| Nielsen Park, Vaucluse | Ticketed, $10 a person (under 5s free). Holds 500. | Gates open at 5pm, and you need a ticket to get in. Bring your own food and drinks. |
Sources for this section: City of Sydney, Vantage Points list; FAQs.
When to arrive
For the sites closest to the bridge, the City says to arrive early, because access is limited and sites close once they are full. It says managed access sites generally close in the early part of the afternoon.
Some sites open at set times, such as the Tarpeian Precinct lawns in the Royal Botanic Gardens at 10am.
Pre-show entertainment starts at 5pm and the 9pm Family Fireworks follow. The Harbour of Light Parade, with boats in themed lighting, comes next, and the Midnight Fireworks are the grand finale.
Sources for this section: City of Sydney, Where to go and site restrictions; FAQs; Vantage Points list; What's On.
Getting there and getting home
The City says public transport and walking are the only ways to travel on New Year's Eve, so leave the car at home. It says some roads will close, including roads around the CBD, Darling Harbour and North Sydney, with full details due closer to the event.
The City's transport page adds these notes and tips:
- A special event timetable runs on the night, with extra services. The City says some delays may be expected, so allow extra time. Buy your return tickets ahead of time.
- Because of CBD road closures, temporary bus terminals are in place from New Year's Eve until New Year's Day.
- Regular ferries leaving Circular Quay will stop early. Some stations will restrict access to trains at certain times, with full details due closer to the event.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk to and from the terminals. Meet friends away from busy stations and stops.
For public transport information, visit www.131500.com.au or call the Transport Infoline on 131 500.
Sources for this section: City of Sydney, Public Transport; Road Closures; FAQs.
What to bring and what to leave
Leave glass at home, because the City calls the night a no glass event. Many sites also ban BYO alcohol, and Alcohol Free Zones apply in a number of areas across the city. At managed access sites, water and other non-alcoholic drinks must be in sealed plastic containers. You can bring food anywhere, and the City asks you to pack it in reusable or recyclable containers.
For the day, the City's tips are sunscreen, a hat, extra clothing for a cooler evening, and plenty of food and water. Its list entry for Mrs Macquaries Point also recommends a picnic rug and a radio tuned to 2DayFM, which carries the fireworks soundtrack. It says the less you bring, the quicker the entry. Food on sale there is cash only.
The City says to plan a meeting place in case you get separated. With children, it says to keep them close and write your name and mobile number on your child's arm. It also says medical help will be available throughout the CBD.
Sources for this section: City of Sydney, Planning Tips; FAQs; Where to go and site restrictions; Vantage Points list; 9pm Family Fireworks; What's On.
Sources
- City of Sydney, Vantage Points, List: archived page
- City of Sydney, FAQs: archived page
- City of Sydney, Where to go and site restrictions: archived page
- City of Sydney, Public Transport: archived page
- City of Sydney, Road Closures: archived page
- City of Sydney, Planning Tips: archived page
- City of Sydney, What's On: archived page
- City of Sydney, 9pm Family Fireworks: archived page
- City of Sydney, Midnight Fireworks: archived page