Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are a national event, and the chance to see them in real life is on many a bucket list. In 2023, the fireworks will go off at both 9pm and midnight on December 31, so you’ve got plenty of options.
Full information on Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and how the event will be run is expected to come in detail shortly, so definitely check back here for the latest updates.
If you're looking for the best places to watch the fireworks in Perth or the best places to watch the fireworks in Melbourne, we've got you covered as well.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
How do I get tickets for New Year's Eve?
The best viewing spots will always involve ticketed events, be that a boat trip or a restaurant with incredible views of the Harbour Bridge. These are our picks for the best ticketed New Year’s Eve Sydney events.
The Sydney Botanic Gardens usually has a variety of different areas for viewing the fireworks, with spectacular views. Some areas are ticketed, but the details haven't been announced yet, so keep an eye on their website for updates.
Join this lovely family friendly picnic, with tickets between $40 and $200. Alcohol is allowed (including BYO) and there is a wheelchair-friendly designated viewing area. The space opens at 5pm.
One of several popular spots at Bradleys Head. Alcohol is prohibited, and it opens at 3pm.
Free this year but still requiring tickets, you can nab a spot on the Athol Lawn, which opens at 3pm. Alcohol is prohibited.
Opens at 3pm and is alcohol-free.
6. Clark Island
Want to watch the fireworks from a harbour island? A spot on Clark Island will cost you between $204 and $286 and alcohol can be consumed, although there's no BYO. The island opens at 6pm and ferries leave at 5.45pm and 6.45pm
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
A pretty amazing experience, you can camp on Cockatoo Island for NYE. Bring your own tent and pay between $450-500, or go luxe with a waterfront two-bedroom tent that’s already been pitched for $1,878. It opens at 9am on Friday 30th December, and stays are for two nights.
Over in Sydney’s East, Dudley Page Reserve is a very popular fireworks viewpoint. Tickets range from $32.65 to $63.26. It’s no BYO but alcohol can be purchased. There’s even a DJ! The area opens at 3pm.
This Potts Point location is ticketed, however tickets are free. No alcohol is allowed on site, and it opens at 7pm and all ticket holders must arrive by 10:30pm.
10. Goat Island
Goat Island is BYO alcohol. The area opens at 7.30pm, and ferries leave at 06:30pm and 07:15pm.
This ticketed, free event overlooking beautiful Lavender Bay is alcohol free and opens at 5pm.
12. Shark Island
Tickets to Shark Island's event cost $38.44, and while there is no BYO, alcohol is available for purchase. It opens at 6.15pm.
An incredible, historic area to watch the fireworks, you will need tickets to Strickland Estate but they are free this year. Alcohol is available for purchase but the area is not BYO. It opens at 5.30pm.
14. Taronga Zoo: Roar & Snore
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Another wonderful spot for viewing the fireworks, this year, Taronga Zoo is doing a "Roar & Snore" that offers an overnight stay and firework viewing for $3,199.
15. Taronga Zoo
If camping at the zoo isn't your style, you can just buy tickets to watch the fireworks. They start at $225 and gates open from 6pm.
What are the best restaurants with harbour views?
Keen to score a table at one of Sydney’s incredible waterfront or rooftop restaurants? There are plenty with views of the fireworks and they all offer NYE bookings.
Ring in the new year with live music and entertainment, plus a 3-course all-inclusive menu (plus a drinks package) to catch the 9pm fireworks in style. Prices are $285 for adults, $200 for 12-17 year olds, and $150 for under 12 years.
17. City Extra
For $650, guests are treated to a four-course meal and one of the best fireworks vantage points in Sydney, with entry from 7pm until 1am. There will be a live band and dance floor, too.
Packages at the beautiful Tayim restaurant in The Rocks start at $399, including $659 for the Diamond package, which includes exclusive access to the restaurant’s rooftop terrace for the fireworks.
19. Bennelong
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Situated inside the Opera House, this is an incredible (and some might say, unbeatable) restaurant to spend New Year’s Eve at — and the view is incomparable.
20. Opera Bar
Get ready to party the night away at Opera Bar on NYE. For $595 plus a booking fee, you’ll get front-row access to Sydney’s fireworks, plus nonstop live entertainment.
21. Aria
One of the most celebrated restaurants in Australia, Aria hosts both early and late sittings for New Year’s Eve. For $320, enjoy a three-course menu at 5pm before exploring the harbourfront for the fireworks, or splurge on $1,800 per person for a six-course tasting menu, champagne on arrival and at midnight, and front row seats to the fireworks via Aria’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
22. Quay
Quay has one of the most incredible views of the Sydney fireworks, and is one of the top fine-dining restaurants in Australia. For $2,000, guests will enjoy a signature seven-course menu plus wine pairings, champagne on arrival and at midnight, plus a front-row seat to the fireworks.
23. Cruise Bar
With its position at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay, Cruise Bar has a great fireworks view. This year, the entire venue will be one, big NYE party, with a VIP rooftop ticket that will see you enjoying a premium food and beverage package. Downstairs, in general admission, the party vibes will still be strong, with a slightly different food and beverage package.
24. O Bar and Dining
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
The O Bar is offering three dining packages for NYE ranging from $750 to $895 and each featuring an eight-course degustation menu.
25 Cafe Sydney
Another renowned restaurant with a stellar view of the fireworks, Cafe Sydney is hosting a NYE experience that costs $1,320 per person, inclusive of Sunday surcharge. In addition to an impressive food menu, you'll also receive a cocktail on arrival and champagne at midnight.
26. Q Dining
This fine dining spot in Circular Quay will treat you to a delicious meal and harbourside view on NYE.
27. The Jackson
All aboard the $15 million super yacht! Priced from $1,499 per person, guests will be treated to a seven-course dinner, as well as live entertainment.
28. Bar Ombré
Get your groove on at Bar Ombré — for $399 a person, you'll be able to slosh down a signature cocktail on arrival and three hours of bevvies, as well as munching on canapés and grazing goodies.
How do I view the New Year’s Eve fireworks for free?
Not keen on spending maximum cash to view the fireworks? Don’t stress, there are plenty of incredible free viewing locations; you just need to plan ahead (and likely get in earlier in the day to nab the best spots). These are our favourite free viewing areas.
This year, Barangaroo will be free and non-ticketed. This means no reservations, and a first come, first served basis — once this spot is full, it's closed, so be sure to get there early! There is a designated viewing area that is wheelchair accessible. Alcohol is allowed, however, there is no BYO. The area opens at 5pm on New Year’s Eve.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
30. Blues Point
At McMahon’s Point, you’ll find Blues Point, which this year is non-ticketed and free. This is a 'no alcohol allowed' space, both BYO or for purchasing.
This Milsons Point spot is alcohol-free, with a designated viewing area that’s wheelchair accessible. It opens at 5pm.
This year, West Circular Quay is non-ticketed and free entry. It is alcohol-free and opens at 4pm.
33. Giba Park
This Pyrmont area allows alcohol, including BYO. It opens at 4pm.
34. Campbells Cove
This pretty space in The Rocks is one of the most popular for watching the NYE fireworks. Alcohol is prohibited. The area opens at 4pm.
Free and non-ticketed this year, but alcohol is prohibited. You can BYO your own snacks for the night.
A free event, Observatory Hill Park is alcohol-free and has a designated accessible viewing area. The space opens at 5pm.
37. Pirrama Park
Pirrama Park is also alcohol free and has a designated accessible viewing area. It opens at 4pm.
38. Birchgrove Park
Opening at 8am, this is an area you want to set up early in. It’s alcohol-free, so leave the booze at home.
39. Darling Harbour
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Get right underneath the fireworks at Darling Harbour. You can enter the area at 1pm, and its alcohol free.
This space at The Rocks opens at 1pm, and alcohol is prohibited.
41. Duff Reserve
Over in Point Piper, Duff Reserve opens at 12pm. Alcohol is prohibited.
42. Dumaresq Reserve
Rose Bay’s Dumaresq Reserve is a great free option in Sydney’s East. The area is alcohol-free and opens at 3pm.
Head down and see the fireworks from right near the Bridge at this spot. Entry is free, and it opens at 4pm (although you might want to queue up earlier). Alcohol is prohibited.
44. Elkington Park
In Balmain, this is a great spot to see the fireworks. Entry is from 8am and the area is alcohol free.
45. Illoura Reserve
Over in Balmain’s East, Illoura Reserve has a great view of the Bridge. The area opens at 8am and is alcohol free.
Also in Balmain’s East, this alcohol-free space opens at 8am.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
47. Manly Cove
From 5pm, you can access this area in Manly. Alcohol is prohibited.
48. McKell Park
Looking for a place to see the fireworks in Darling Point? McKell Park opens at 12pm and is alcohol free.
49. Mort Bay Park
This Birchgrove waterfront spot opens at 8am and alcohol is prohibited.
A lovely spot on the water in Double Bay, this area opens at 3pm and is alcohol-free.
51. North Head
With a spectacular harbour view, this Manly space opens at 5.30pm and is alcohol-free.
52. Pyrmont Bay Park
This area opens at 12pm and alcohol is prohibited.
This large space in Rose Bay is alcohol free and opens at 3pm.
54. Simmons Point
Another area in Balmain East, this alcohol free area opens from 10am.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
A real bucket list experience, you can watch the fireworks at the Opera House for free. Alcohol is available for purchase but BYO is prohibited, and this is one you’ll definitely want to show up to early — gates open at 7.30am. There is a designated accessible viewing area, too.
56. The Rocks
This designated space at The Rocks opens at 1pm and alcohol is prohibited.
57. Thornton Park
It’s free entry in this Balmain East park, with the area opening at 3.30pm and alcohol prohibited.
58. Yarranabbe Park
This park in Darling Point opens at 3pm. Alcohol is prohibited.
59. Yurulbin Park
Located in Birchgrove, this park opens at 8am for those keen to get a prime spot. Alcohol is prohibited.
How can I watch the New Year's Eve fireworks at home?
Thinking of staying in with friends or family (or just a lovely solo NYE)? The fireworks are streaming on television and radio in 2023, so you can still feel a part of the action.
If you want to watch on television, the New Year's Eve coverage, including the fireworks, will air on the ABC and iview from 8.30pm AEST.
For streaming, you can watch the 9pm and midnight fireworks via the Sydney New Year's Eve website from anywhere in the world — a great choice if you want to Zoom with friends and family from overseas. They also stream live from ABC TV’s Facebook page as well as their YouTube channel.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Prefer to listen in instead? KIIS 1065 will be covering the event from 3pm until 3am (a whole 12 hours!) including the full, curated fireworks soundtrack from 9pm to midnight.
Can I take a recreational boat out on the harbour?
Yes, you can. In surprising news for some, recreational boats are permitted on the Harbour for the New Year's Eve fireworks, so if you have a friend with a boat, this is the time to call them up. Be sure to stay safe and follow all maritime laws — the water police will most certainly be out.
What roads will be closed on the night?
If you’re considering driving into the city, your best bet would be to drive to the outskirts and then get public transport in. There are several roads that close for the NYE fireworks, and it can make traffic a killer. Throw in the millions of people trying to get around the city for parties and celebrations, and you’ve got yourself some solid traffic jams.
Exact road closures have not been released yet, but keep your eye on the official Sydney New Year’s Eve website for announcements. Roads tend to reopen at varying times, but you’ll roughly be waiting until the early hours of the morning.
What are the public transport plans for NYE?
Sydney City organises tonnes of extra bus, train, ferry and light rail services for New Year’s Eve. It makes getting around easier than ever – just plan ahead and figure out the fastest and easiest route for you.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Timetables are yet to be released but will be found on the NSW Public Transport website here.
Still, it’s worth noting some of the important transport changes that may affect your New Year’s plans.
Between 5pm and midnight on NYE, trains won’t stop at Circular Quay Station. Use Wynyard, St James or Martin Place stations instead.
Between 6pm and midnight, trains from the city to the north shore will not stop at Milson's Point. To access the area you’ll need to hop off at North Sydney station.
Between 01:30am and 4:30am, trains will not stop at the Domestic Airport and International Airport stations. Sydney Airport will be closed during this period.
Bus services to and from the city will be using different routes and stops between 5 and 7pm, so make sure you check before jumping on. North Sydney buses will be diverted from 3pm.
Sydney Light Rail services will operate regularly through the CBD, South East and Inner West suburbs, and are a great option for getting around. There are a few changes — from 5pm L2 and L3 Line services will not run between Circular Quay and Town Hall because of road closures. L1 services in the city might differ in the evening because of road closures.
Can I walk across the Harbour Bridge on New Year’s Eve?
Nope — the Bridge is completely closed to all traffic, including foot. You’ll be allowed up until 6pm New Year’s Eve, and then from 2am on New Year’s Day. The Cahill Expressway walkway over Circular Quay will be closed for longer — from 8pm on Tuesday 28 December.
Want more? Get Refinery29 Australia’s best stories delivered to your inbox each week. Sign up here!
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT