If this New Year's Eve will be your first and, possibly, last in Sydney, you will want to make your preparations as soon as possible. This is intended as an introduction to New Year's Eve in Sydney.
Let's get things rolling by first discussing some of the choices you'll have to make.
- Think about how long you want to stay in Sydney.
- Determine a place to stay
- Which do you prefer: a paid show or a free public viewing?
- Are you hungry? Are you someone who likes to eat before going to bed?
- Do you cope well in crowded situations?
- Is there anything we can do to help you get around?
- Do you plan to include children in your gathering?
- In what way do you plan on returning home?
Hotels in Sydney are typically booked solid on New Year's Eve. Finding long-lost relatives can help you save money while you're on the road.
Even if you aren't 100% certain of your plan, it may be best to reserve something flexible in case you end up having to cancel at the last minute.
In other words, this is not a minor warning. Read my detailed pros and drawbacks of the various Inner Sydney regions, or peruse my list of cheap hotels in Sydney, which, to be frank, are absurdly priced between Christmas and the New Year.
You should reserve a room at a hotel overlooking the harbour as soon as it becomes available. You might not need to do anything special for New Year's Eve if you stay at the Park Hyatt (seen above) or at one of the other harbour view hotels and take advantage of their in-house celebrations.
I highly recommend the Sydney Harbour YHA when you are visiting on such a tight budget. As an added bonus, the venue for the New Year's Eve party will only be open to the hotel's guests. If you want to stay in one of the twin rooms for New Year's Eve, you'll need to make your reservation at least eight months in advance. On April 4th, 2019, YHA began selling their New Year's Eve packages.
You may want to look into the inner suburbs of the city if staying inside the city itself is too expensive. You can still get to the fireworks show in the city from places like Miramar, Coogee, and Maroubra, or any location on the suburbs rail network.
In this case, the 15-minute train ride toward the city centre makes staying at one of the several "airport" hotels in Mascot an excellent option. A fresh crop of hotels and serviced flats has sprung up in this area, and getting into the heart of the city takes no more than fifteen to twenty minutes at most.
You might also try sites like Airbnb and vacation rentals. Perhaps our article on how to pick the finest areas to live in can help you narrow down your search.
Sydney's New Year's Eve celebration is as spectacular as ever because the city rings there in New Year a few days ahead of the world as a whole. Sydney's New Year's Eve events are spectacular, attracting more than a million people every year.
The city's sky explodes in a tremendous outpouring of firework displays, and all eyes in the world are on the harbour where they are being filmed. Even though the fireworks are the main attraction, New Year's Eve in Sydney is packed with activities. This is how we recommend you usher in the New Year.
Top 5 Sydney New Year's Eve Activities
New Year's Eve Harbour Cruise in Sydney
For both locals and visitors, the Sydney New Year Harbour Cruise is the pinnacle of New Year's Eve celebrations.
All cruises will arrive at a prime viewing location for the first round of New Year's Eve fireworks, and then return you to same spot after making the 15-kilometer loop around the harbour.
Prices for Sydney New Year's Harbour cruises range from AU$300 to AU$1100 per person, with many tours including a gourmet meal, on-board entertainment, and open bar.
The Sydney Opera House Hosts An Opera Gala.
The Sydney Opera House normally hosts two New Year's Eve musical extravaganzas, the Opera Gala and La Boheme, which are popular tourist destinations. But there are several notable deviations this year. Reservations at Bennelong or Opera Bar, both located with in Sydney Opera House, are required for any kind of celebration.
Tourists will require the New Year's Eve Pass to enter the green Zone, which includes the Sydney Opera House. Please be aware that this year the lookout is restricted to those who provided direct service during the epidemic and bushfires.
Royal Botanical Garden Dinner
The Royal Botanic Garden has 160 acres of beautiful green environs, perfect for an evening picnic and thrilling nighttime activities. The Royal Botanic Gardens host both ticketed events (exclusive to Foundation or Friends of both the Botanic Gardens) and free public events, some of which last all night.
Mrs Macquaries Point is the public free viewing area inside of the Royal Botanic Garden. But the government of New South Wales has set aside specific lookouts so that frontline employees can say "thank you" for all they do this year.
In honour of those who risked their lives to help others during the bushfire and pandemic, Mrs. Macquaries Point will remain off-limits to the general public. Royal Botanic Garden-based eateries will be taking New Year's Eve supper reservations for those who insist on spending the holiday there.
A Wild New Year's Eve At Taronga Zoo
Join us in welcoming in the New Year with the Taronga Zoo at night and be serenaded by the nocturnal antics of our animal friends! The Taronga Zoo is well-known as a prime beachfront destination, with breathtaking views over Sydney Harbour and the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Celebrations just at Taronga Zoo are the finest way to ring in the New Year with friends and family, whether you're interested in such an overnight adventure at the Wildlife Retreat of Taronga or an epicurean delight at a glowing rooftop ballroom. Enjoy a front-row seat to all of Sydney's New Year's Eve festivities while sipping great wines and tasting stunning sample foods.
Stay In A Hotel With A View.
Stay at one of the many hotels along the Harbourside and experience the true meaning of the phrase "a room with a view" as you watch the world-famous fireworks from of the comfort of your own room.
Cheap Accommodations in Sydney with a Views of the New Year's Eve Fireworks
- Harborside Hotel in North Sydney
- Old Sydney Holiday Inn
- In the heart of Sydney's historic Rocks district, the Rendezvous Hotel is the perfect
Where to Stay in Sydney for New Year's Eve Luxury
- Grand Harbour Pullman
- Hotel Four Seasons, Sydney
- Sydney's Shangri-La
New Year's Eve Party Ideas In Sydney
- Planning to travel into Sydney for the New Year? Plan your trip on a Tuesday or Wednesday to save money on airfare.
- You shouldn't rent a car on New Year's Eve since the roads will be extremely busy. Taking an Uber is the less complicated choice. Keep in mind that following the fireworks, demand will likely drive up prices significantly.
- From 11:00 PM to 1:30 AM on December 31st, the Harbour Bridge will indeed be both ways closed. You should factor these times into your itinerary if crossing the Bridge is part of your journey.
- On New Year's Eve, service will be suspended between 8:00 PM and 12:45 AM.
If you need up-to-date information on public transportation on December 31, you should get the TransportNSW app. - Many of the best places to see the ball drop on New Year's Eve are open areas with no cover, so it's important to check the weather before venturing out.
- From December 30th, hundreds of extra trains and buses will be available around the city, making it simple to get everywhere you need to go with just your Opal Card. However, delays are to be expected across the board. If you want to know which roads will be closed and what other transit options will be available, go here.
- It's possible to bring your own alcohol to a select few restaurants (Bring Your Booze). You can save money on New Year's Eve by going to one of these places and bringing your own food and drinks. You should check all maps on the municipality of Sydney's website for the laws before heading to your favourite spot, as the number of alcohol-free zones has increased dramatically in recent years.
Sydney's Public Transportation On New Year's Eve
How To Get To The New Year's Eve Fireworks
The first piece of good information is that beginning at midday on New Year's Eve, extra bus, train, and boats are available to help get all into the city. Roads south of Goulburn Street will indeed be closed beginning at 7 p.m., so if you're driving (i.e., if you're crazy) or taking a cab, plan accordingly. If you leave your car in the closed area, you won't be able to get to other parts of the city until the roads reopen the following day.
From 5:00 p.m. until midnight, trains will not stop in Circular Quay, and from 6:00 p.m. until after midnight, trains will not stop at Milson's Point, so you will need to stroll down to the harbour shoreline from up to a kilometre away.
Once the clock strikes five in the evening, ferry service at Circular Quay ends. At nightfall, the harbour's other piers will also close.
How To Get Home After The New Year's Eve Fireworks
Make sure to read the signs all around city as you arrive and verify the best place of your return trip; We can't guarantee that Google will be maintained with the newest details, but public transportation will run through night to just get you home.
With regards to traffic, from 11pm until 1:30am, the Railway Bridge will be blocked in both directions. From 2:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 4:00 a.m. or so on New Year's Day, all roads north to Bridge Street will be closed.
Transportation: Bus stops will be relocated from their normal locations on New Year's Eve. From 3 p.m. in North Sydney until 4 p.m. in the city, there will temporary bus routes in place. Crowds larger than predicted may necessitate starting this a little earlier than planned. After 2 a.m., regular service may return for some routes, but these bus stations will remain open until then. Hyde Park serves as a final stop for buses coming from the east and south.
Coming home bus routes will run from the following methods:
- Eastern Suburbs - College St by the Cathedral with buses reaching Bondi Airport, Bondi Beach, Rosy Bay and Elizabeth Bay.
- Transportation to and from Botany Road Mascot and Anzac Parade, Bunnerong Road, and Crown Street leaves from Elizabeth Street in the Eastern Suburbs.
- Eastern Suburbs - Park St with buses to Randwick Junction, Coogee, Clovelly and Kingsford
- Buses to Newtown, Marrickville, and other inner west & south-west neighbourhoods depart from Castlereagh Street, not far from Town Hall.
- Take a bus to the Queen Victoria Building on York Street to catch a ride to Balmain or Pyrmont, or wherever along Victoria Road.
- Buses to Chatswood and other locations along Pacific Highway including Epping Rd. leave from York Street, which is directly behind Wynyard station.
- There are bus stops along Carrington St, not far from Wynyard, that travel to communities here on lower North Shore as well as the Northern Beaches.
- Traveling to Kellyville, Castle Hill, Dural, or West Pennant Hills? Catch a bus on Clarence Street from Town Hall and Wynyard.
No ferries will leave the harbour before 12:45 a.m.
On New Year's Day, at 3 a.m., Central will depart for the last time with a light rail service to Lilyfield from the city.
To clarify, train service will not resume in Circular Quay at midnight, and bridge service will not resume until shortly afterwards.
If Wynyard or Town Hall stations are at capacity, you may have to travel to Martin Place, St. James, or Museum to catch a train instead.
As a result of the road closures, taxis parked within the affected area will be idle until 1 a.m.
Returning home from Sydney's New Year's Eve parties is never a breeze. Expect difficulties, bring extra patience and good manners, and retain a positive attitude; they are all a part of the adventure. No one likes to start the year off on the wrong foot.
Spend New Year's Eve On A Backpacker Budget
Your goal should be to celebrate New Year's Eve in Sydney in style without going into debt.
Price per attendee for some events can easily exceed $200, and that's not including refreshments. My research has uncovered the top spots in Sydney for partying the year out while staying inside a tight budget. The fireworks display over Sydney Harbour Bridge is the highlight of the evening.
There are performances between 9 o'clock and 12 a.m. The 9 p.m. concert is kid-friendly, but the midnight showings can be more peaceful. Early in the day, many free spots, especially those with nice views, will fill up.
Make sure to bring some refreshments and arrive early if you plan on visiting a free park. Even though there is a fireworks display at Darling Harbour, many of the best places to see it are clubs and bars with prohibitively expensive cover charges and drink minimums.
Park At Dawes Point (Tar-Ra)
This park provides a fantastic vantage point of the fireworks over Sydney Harbour from its position directly beneath the bridge. Arrive early to secure a spot with a clear view. However, food is available for purchase and alcoholic beverages are not. This is a great place to bring the kids, but if you want to celebrate the New Year like a true nomad, swing by Side Bar just after fireworks show.
- Specifically, below the Harbour Bridge.
- Absolutely no money needed.
- Trains will be crowded, so it's advisable to walk from the central business district.
- Time of opening: 12:30 p.m. (usually full by 8 o'clock)
Circular Quay West
You may enjoy the fireworks with a picture-perfect view of a Opera House on you right and the river on your left. As trees and buildings block some of the view, getting a good place early is essential. You can buy some food, but unfortunately, alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- Place: close to Circular Quay, with a view of a bridge from the side.
- Absolutely no money needed.
- Conveniently located near both the Circular Quay railway station and a number of CBD hostels.
- We open at 10 a.m. (capacity typically reached before 7 pm)
Glitter Party In Nye
Side Bar, Sydney's greatest backpacker bar, is throwing a New Year's Eve Glitter Party, complete with free glitter bar makeover, confetti shower, and a team of beauty experts to make you feel wonderful and dazzling. Cocktails!
The Central Business District (CBD) is where the party is at on New Year's Eve, but if you want to dodge the crowds you can watch the fireworks just on large screen at Side Bar instead. Say goodbye to 2019 in style with live DJs and an energetic crowd of backpackers and students at a local bar as we welcome in 2020!
- Placing: Interstitial
- Cost is $20 plus booking fee (but free for Wake Up hostel guests).
- Conveniently located for getting around, directly across the street from the Central Train Station and a short distance on foot from the Central Business District.
- Launches at 8 p.m.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
There's no better place to ring inside the New Year than right in front of the Sydney Opera House. This vantage point, which offers a stunning panorama, is only accessible to a maximum of 7,000 visitors each day due to high demand. Even though alcoholic beverages can be purchased on the premises, outside containers are not permitted.
- The Sydney Opera House is where you'll find it.
- Absolutely no money needed.
- Conveniently located near both the Circular Quay railway station and a number of CBD hostels.
- Launches at 7:30a (capacity typically reached by 1 pm or even earlier)
Darling Harbour
Want to see something other than the usual Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House? Stop looking! Darling Harbour can hold up to 40,000 people and has its own fireworks show.
At 9 pm and 12 am, there are fireworks shows in Darling Harbour. Since this is a relatives event, you can't bring alcohol. Check out what's going on at local bars and clubs like Cargo and Bungalow if you want to party all night.
- Darling Harbour as well as Cockle Bay are where
- Cost: Nothing (bars and clubs will charge cover fees)
- Transportation: Hostels in the city centre are just a short walk away.
- Opens: 1pm
Conclusion
If this New Year's Eve will be your first and, possibly, last in Sydney, you will want to make your preparations as soon as possible. Hotels in Sydney are typically booked solid on New Years Eve - book a room now! You can still get to the fireworks show from any location on the suburbs rail network. Sydney's New Year's Eve events are spectacular, attracting more than a million people every year. The city's sky explodes in a tremendous outpouring of firework displays.
Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden and Taronga zoo offer spectacular views of the New Year's Eve fireworks. Mrs Macquaries Point will remain closed to the general public in honour of those who risked their lives to help others during the bushfire and pandemic. Plan your trip on a Tuesday or Wednesday to save money on airfare. From December 30th, extra trains and buses will be available around the city. Roads south of Goulburn Street will be closed beginning at 7 p.m., so if you're driving or taking a cab, plan accordingly.
From 5:00 p.m. until midnight, trains will not stop in Circular Quay. From 11pm until 1:30am, the Railway Bridge will be blocked in both directions. All roads north to Bridge Street will be closed on New Year's Day. Transportation to and from Botany Road Mascot and Anzac Parade, Bunnerong Road, and Crown Street leaves from Elizabeth Street in the Eastern Suburbs.
Take a bus to the Queen Victoria Building on York Street to catch a ride to Balmain or Pyrmont. If you want to avoid the crowds, swing by Side Bar below the Harbour Bridge or Park At Dawes Point. Sydney's greatest backpacker bar is throwing a New Year's Eve Glitter Party. Arrive early to secure a spot with a clear view of the fireworks. The Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge are where you'll find the best views of Australia's iconic landmarks.
Content Summary:
- If this New Year's Eve will be your first and, possibly, last in Sydney, you will want to make your preparations as soon as possible.
- This is intended as an introduction to New Year's Eve in Sydney.
- Let's get things rolling by first discussing some of the choices you'll have to make.
- Think about how long you want to stay in Sydney.
- Determine a place to stay Which do you prefer: a paid show or a free public viewing?
- Do you plan to include children in your gathering?
- In what way do you plan on returning home?
- Hotels in Sydney are typically booked solid on New Year's Eve.
- Finding long-lost relatives can help you save money while you're on the road.
- Even if you aren't 100% certain of your plan, it may be best to reserve something flexible in case you end up having to cancel at the last minute.
- You should reserve a room at a hotel overlooking the harbour as soon as it becomes available.
- You might not need to do anything special for New Year's Eve if you stay at the Park Hyatt (seen above) or at one of the other harbour view hotels and take advantage of their in-house celebrations.
- I highly recommend the Sydney Harbour YHA when you are visiting on such a tight budget.
- As an added bonus, the venue for the New Year's Eve party will only be open to the hotel's guests.
- If you want to stay in one of the twin rooms for New Year's Eve, you'll need to make your reservation at least eight months in advance.
- On April 4th, 2019, YHA began selling their New Year's Eve packages.
- In this case, the 15-minute train ride toward the city centre makes staying at one of the several "airport" hotels in Mascot an excellent option.
- A fresh crop of hotels and serviced flats has sprung up in this area, and getting into the heart of the city takes no more than fifteen to twenty minutes at most.
- You might also try sites like Airbnb and vacation rentals.
- Perhaps our article on how to pick the finest areas to live in can help you narrow down your search.
- Sydney's New Year's Eve celebration is as spectacular as ever because the city rings in New Year a few days ahead of the world as a whole.
- Sydney's New Year's Eve events are spectacular, attracting more than a million people every year.
- Even though the fireworks are the main attraction, New Year's Eve in Sydney is packed with activities.
- This is how we recommend you usher in the New Year
- All cruises will arrive at a prime viewing location for the first round of New Year's Eve fireworks, and then return you to same spot after making the 15-kilometer loop around the harbour.
- Prices for Sydney New Year's Harbour cruises range from AU$300 to AU$1100 per person, with many tours including a gourmet meal, on-board entertainment, and open bar.
- The Sydney Opera House Hosts An Opera Gala.
- The Sydney Opera House normally hosts two New Year's Eve musical extravaganzas, the Opera Gala and La Boheme, which are popular tourist destinations.
- Reservations at Bennelong or Opera Bar, both located with in Sydney Opera House, are required for any kind of celebration.
- Tourists will require the New Year's Eve Pass to enter the green Zone, which includes the Sydney Opera House.
- The Royal Botanic Garden has 160 acres of beautiful green environs, perfect for an evening picnic and thrilling nighttime activities.
- Mrs Macquaries Point is the public free viewing area inside of the Royal Botanic Garden.
- But the government of New South Wales has set aside specific lookouts so that frontline employees can say "thank you" for all they do this year.
- In honour of those who risked their lives to help others during the bushfire and pandemic, Mrs. Macquaries Point will remain off-limits to the general public.
- Royal Botanic Garden-based eateries will be taking New Year's Eve supper reservations for those who insist on spending the holiday there.
- A Wild New Year's Eve At Taronga Zoo Join us in welcoming in the New Year with the Taronga Zoo at night and be serenaded by the nocturnal antics of our animal friends!
- The Taronga Zoo is well-known as a prime beachfront destination, with breathtaking views over Sydney Harbour and the New Year's Eve fireworks.
- Celebrations just at Taronga Zoo are the finest way to ring in the New Year with friends and family, whether you're interested in such an overnight adventure at the Wildlife Retreat of Taronga or an epicurean delight at a glowing rooftop ballroom.
- Enjoy a front-row seat to all of Sydney's New Year's Eve festivities while sipping great wines and tasting stunning sample foods.
- Stay In A Hotel With A View.
- Cheap Accommodations in Sydney with a Views of the New Year's Eve Fireworks
- Grand Harbour Pullman Hotel Four Seasons, Sydney Sydney's Shangri-La New Year's Eve Party Ideas In Sydney Planning to travel into Sydney for the New Year?
- Plan your trip on a Tuesday or Wednesday to save money on airfare.
- You shouldn't rent a car on New Year's Eve since the roads will be extremely busy.
- Taking an Uber is the less complicated choice.
- From 11:00 PM to 1:30 AM on December 31st, the Harbour Bridge will indeed be both ways closed.
- You should factor these times into your itinerary if crossing the Bridge is part of your journey.
- On New Year's Eve, service will be suspended between 8:00 PM and 12:45 AM.
- If you need up-to-date information on public transportation on December 31, you should get the TransportNSW app.
- Many of the best places to see the ball drop on New Year's Eve are open areas with no cover, so it's important to check the weather before venturing out.
- From December 30th, hundreds of extra trains and buses will be available around the city, making it simple to get everywhere you need to go with just your Opal Card.
- However, delays are to be expected across the board.
- If you want to know which roads will be closed and what other transit options will be available, go here.
- It's possible to bring your own alcohol to a select few restaurants (Bring Your Booze).
- You can save money on New Year's Eve by going to one of these places and bringing your own food and drinks.
- You should check all maps on the municipality of Sydney's website for the laws before heading to your favourite spot, as the number of alcohol-free zones has increased dramatically in recent years.
- The first piece of good information is that beginning at midday on New Year's Eve, extra bus, train, and boats are available to help get all into the city.
- Roads south of Goulburn Street will indeed be closed beginning at 7 p.m., so if you're driving (i.e., if you're crazy) or taking a cab, plan accordingly.
- From 5:00 p.m. until midnight, trains will not stop in Circular Quay, and from 6:00 p.m. until after midnight, trains will not stop at Milson's Point, so you will need to stroll down to the harbour shoreline from up to a kilometre away.
- Once the clock strikes five in the evening, ferry service at Circular Quay ends.
- At nightfall, the harbour's other piers will also close.
- Make sure to read the signs all around city as you arrive and verify the best place of your return trip; We can't guarantee that Google will be maintained with the newest details, but public transportation will run through night to just get you home.
- With regards to traffic, from 11pm until 1:30am, the Railway Bridge will be blocked in both directions.
- From 2:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 4:00 a.m. or so on New Year's Day, all roads north to Bridge Street will be closed.
- Transportation: Bus stops will be relocated from their normal locations on New Year's Eve.
- From 3 p.m. in North Sydney until 4 p.m. in the city, there will temporary bus routes in place.
- After 2 a.m., regular service may return for some routes, but these bus stations will remain open until then.
- Hyde Park serves as a final stop for buses coming from the east and south.
- Coming home bus routes will run from the following methods:
- Eastern Suburbs - College St by the Cathedral with buses reaching Bondi Airport, Bondi Beach, Rosy Bay and Elizabeth Bay.
- Transportation to and from Botany Road Mascot and Anzac Parade, Bunnerong Road, and Crown Street leaves from Elizabeth Street in the Eastern Suburbs.
- Eastern Suburbs - Park St with buses to Randwick Junction, Coogee, Clovelly and Kingsford Buses to Newtown, Marrickville, and other inner west & south-west neighbourhoods depart from Castlereagh Street, not far from Town Hall.
- Take a bus to the Queen Victoria Building on York Street to catch a ride to Balmain or Pyrmont, or wherever along Victoria Road.
- leave from York Street, which is directly behind Wynyard station.
- Traveling to Kellyville, Castle Hill, Dural, or West Pennant Hills?
- Catch a bus on Clarence Street from Town Hall and Wynyard.
- No ferries will leave the harbour before 12:45 a.m.On New Year's Day, at 3 a.m., Central will depart for the last time with a light rail service to Lilyfield from the city.
- To clarify, train service will not resume in Circular Quay at midnight, and bridge service will not resume until shortly afterwards.
- If Wynyard or Town Hall stations are at capacity, you may have to travel to Martin Place, St. James, or Museum to catch a train instead.
- As a result of the road closures, taxis parked within the affected area will be idle until 1 a.m.Returning home from Sydney's New Year's Eve parties is never a breeze.
- Expect difficulties, bring extra patience and good manners, and retain a positive attitude; they are all a part of the adventure.
- No one likes to start the year off on the wrong foot.
- Your goal should be to celebrate New Year's Eve in Sydney in style without going into debt.
- Early in the day, many free spots, especially those with nice views, will fill up.
- Make sure to bring some refreshments and arrive early if you plan on visiting a free park.
- Even though there is a fireworks display at Darling Harbour, many of the best places to see it are clubs and bars with prohibitively expensive cover charges and drink minimums.new year's eve in sydney (3) Park At Dawes Point (Tar-Ra) This park provides a fantastic vantage point of the fireworks over Sydney Harbour from its position directly beneath the bridge.
- Arrive early to secure a spot with a clear view.
- This is a great place to bring the kids, but if you want to celebrate the New Year like a true nomad, swing by Side Bar just after fireworks show.
- Specifically, below the Harbour Bridge.
- Trains will be crowded, so it's advisable to walk from the central business district.
- As trees and buildings block some of the view, getting a good place early is essential.
- Place: close to Circular Quay, with a view of a bridge from the side.
- We open at 10 a.m. (capacity typically reached before 7 pm) Glitter Party In Nye Side Bar, Sydney's greatest backpacker bar, is throwing a New Year's Eve Glitter Party, complete with free glitter bar makeover, confetti shower, and a team of beauty experts to make you feel wonderful and dazzling.
- The Central Business District (CBD) is where the party is at on New Year's Eve, but if you want to dodge the crowds you can watch the fireworks just on large screen at Side Bar instead.
- Placing: Interstitial Cost is $20 plus booking fee (but free for Wake Up hostel guests).
- Conveniently located for getting around, directly across the street from the Central Train Station and a short distance on foot from the Central Business District.
- Launches at 8 p.m. Sydney Harbour Bridge There's no better place to ring inside the New Year than right in front of the Sydney Opera House.
- This vantage point, which offers a stunning panorama, is only accessible to a maximum of 7,000 visitors each day due to high demand.
- Even though alcoholic beverages can be purchased on the premises, outside containers are not permitted.
- The Sydney Opera House is where you'll find it.
- Conveniently located near both the Circular Quay railway station and a number of CBD hostels.
- Launches at 7:30a (capacity typically reached by 1 pm or even earlier) Darling Harbour Want to see something other than the usual Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House?
- Darling Harbour can hold up to 40,000 people and has its own fireworks show.
- At 9 pm and 12 am, there are fireworks shows in Darling Harbour.
- Since this is a relatives event, you can't bring alcohol.
- Check out what's going on at local bars and clubs like Cargo and Bungalow if you want to party all night.
- Darling Harbour as well as Cockle Bay are where Cost: Nothing (bars and clubs will charge cover fees) Transportation: Hostels in the city centre are just a short walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney
Sydney New Year's Eve is an annual multi-tiered event held every New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia. Centring on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and surrounding Port Jackson, its main events are two pyrotechnic displays: the 9 pm Family Fireworks and the Midnight Fireworks, both televised nationally with the more popular Midnight Fireworks televised globally.
Synchronised to a soundtrack of popular music from past and present, the fireworks explode off the arches, catwalk and roadway of the Harbour Bridge, including the Opera House, nearby city buildings and up to seven barges evenly divided on both sides of the bridge.
Over Christmas Day, all trains, trams, buses and V/line services will be free from 3 am on Wednesday, December 25, till 3 am on Thursday, December 26. Most public transport services will be running to a Sunday timetable, and there will be limited V/Line coaches and trains to regional cities (it is recommended that you book spots for these).
There will, however, be no night buses, trams, trains, so if you do spend too much time sipping sherry with your aunt, you might have to try your luck with a taxi or Uber.
A few days later, over New Year's Eve, the same public transport services will be free from 6 pm on Tuesday, December 31 until 6 am on Wednesday, January 1. As there will most likely be hordes of people flocking to get home after the fireworks, metro trains will be running every ten minutes from midnight till 2.30 am, extra V/Line services, trams running every five to ten minutes until 2 am. The 426, 905, 906, 907 and 908 buses will be extended until 1.50 am.
Light rail services will run around every 8-10 minutes on New Year's Eve. The last light rail service from the Sydney CBD to Lilyfield will leave Central at 3 am on New Year's Day, and the last light rail service from the Inner West of Central will leave Lilyfield at 3.20 am.
Top 5 Ways To Spend New Years' Eve in Sydney
- Sydney New Year Harbour Cruise.
- Opera Gala at the Sydney Opera House.
- Dinner at the Royal Botanical Garden.
- A Wild NYE at the Taronga Zoo.
- Check into a hotel with a view.
Sydney's 9 pm New Year's Eve Fireworks Have Been Cancelled for the Second Year in a Row. The sky will still light up to welcome 2022 at midnight, however. 2021 has been a year for seconds.