Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve show kicks off from 6 pm when thrilling air displays take over the skies above the harbor, fire tugs create striking water displays and Sydney’s traditional indigenous custodians perform a Welcome to Country.
At 9 pm, a special fireworks display for kids and families is followed by an enchanting Harbour of Light Parade. On the stroke of midnight, dazzling fireworks erupt from barges on the water, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
See the display from incredible vantage points around Sydney Harbour, such as the Sydney Opera House or the nearby Royal Botanic Garden. The Sydney Opera House also hosts an Opera Gala each year, with intervals timed for the 9 pm and midnight fireworks.
You can also experience Sydney’s New Year’s Eve from one of the beautiful Sydney Harbour Island parties, situated in the stunning surrounds of the harbor. Or celebrate the New Year with spectacular, family-friendly fireworks at Darling Harbour. See fantastic light shows every hour from 7 pm and brilliant fireworks at 9 pm and midnight. This event is family-friendly and accessible.
Another alternative location is on a cruise on Sydney Harbour where you’ll enjoy great food and wine and 360-degree views of the city, the harbor and the bridge.
Enjoy spectacular views, a festive atmosphere and live entertainment at one of Sydney’s famous hotels. The Park Hyatt, Four Seasons Hotel, Intercontinental, Shangri-La and Pier One all offer a variety of New Year’s Eve party and accommodation options to help you celebrate and see in the New Year.
The Star is another popular location for celebrations, with a number of festive programs, restaurants, and bars to help make the night memorable. These venues also have easy access to harbourside locations in and around Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay.
Things To Do On New Year’s Eve In Sydney:
1. Make A Day Of It
Before the family firework display begins at 9 pm, Sydney Harbour is the setting for a host of activities and pre-show entertainment. Previous years’ festivities have included aerial displays, a sunset demonstration of fire tug water cannons, and a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smoking ceremony, which uses eucalyptus smoke to cleanse the harbor of negative spirits. Many roads around the city will be closed during the event, so the best way to travel to and from the city center is via bus, train, ferry or light rail.
2. See The Fireworks From The Foreshore
Numerous vantage points around the Sydney Harbour foreshore provide fantastic views of the fireworks. Access to many of these vantage points is free, but some areas are sectioned off for ticket holders, and you’ll need to buy tickets in advance. To be smack bang in the middle of the action, secure a spot at the Sydney Opera House, the Circular Quay promenade or at Mrs. Macquaries Point in The Domain. Alternatively, head to the north side of the bridge to Mary Booth Reserve at Kirribilli or Blues Point Reserve at McMahons Point.
3. Head Out On The Water
Take in the fireworks from the water aboard a New Year’s Eve cruise. There are a number of cruise operators to choose from, and packages include canapés, dinner, beverages, live entertainment, and a party atmosphere. Many cruises also take part in the Harbour of Light Parade, where decorated vessels dance across the harbor from Goat Island to Cockatoo Island and back. Cruises return after the midnight fireworks.
4. Stay Close To The Action
When it comes to booking accommodation in Sydney for New Year’s Eve, it’s all about one thing: an epic view. There are countless hotels around the harbor that offer spectacular vistas from their suites, or special firework viewing areas that are reserved for guests. The luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney is nestled between the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and most rooms have a private balcony overlooking the water. The coveted Grand Harbour View Rooms at the Shangri-La Hotel offers panoramas over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while the wraparound rooftop terrace above the InterContinental boasts enviable vistas. There are also countless budget-friendly options in the city center, including serviced apartments and youth hostels, so in the wee hours of the morning, you won’t have to travel far to rest your head.
