New Year’s Eve in Sydney is huge and it’s an amazing event to witness and be a part of. People come from all over the country and from all over the world to watch the magnificent fireworks display in Sydney Harbour each year. The energy from the crowd, the dazzling display of colour and the buzz of the entire event truly is something to behold. If you’re considering celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sydney this year, it’s important that you do your research so you can make the very most of the festivities and of your time.
Hoping to enjoy a nice meal at a New Year’s Eve restaurant in Sydney? Do you plan to bring the kids to see the fireworks? However you envision spending your time in Sydney during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, it’s crucial that you get your plans locked in to avoid disappointment. It’s also wise to book your accommodation early as not only will you have more options but you might stand some chance of snagging a bargain. With everything lined up and all of your plans in place, you can start looking forward to the big event in Sydney.
Continue reading below to learn more about what’s happening this year and where to spend your holiday enjoying the legendary fireworks display.
Fireworks Schedules and Vantage Points
There will be two Harbour firework displays going off for ‘22/23, the first one being launched at 9:00 pm. As you may know, many of the vantage points are ticketed affairs, but for the public areas around the harbour, it’s best to stake claim to your spot well in advance of showtime. If you plan to join fellow revellers and enjoy alcoholic beverages with your fireworks, be aware alcohol is not allowed in every venue. A brief listing of places offering alcohol and alcohol-free gatherings is below, but for a more detailed listing, be sure to visit the Sydney New Year’s Eve website for up-to-date information.
Alcohol Allowed
Barangaroo Reserve
For beautiful panoramic fireworks views facing the west side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo Reserve located on Hickson Road, Millers Point is a family-friendly, ticketed affair with a capacity of 10,500. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed, but this gathering is not BYO as no glass within the confines is allowed. Toilets are available and food is available for sale. This gathering opens at 5:00 pm and tickets are now on sale.
Bridgeview Botanic Garden
A more intimate gathering of up to 3,000 max will be offered at The Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney, Tarpeian Precinct. Also overlooking the Harbour, this viewing is one of the closest ticketed events to the fireworks launch points. Food and beverage (including alcohol) are available, but no BYO is allowed. Public transportation to this venue is recommended, and the closest train station is Martin Place. This venue opens at 6 pm and tickets are now on sale.
Foundation and Friends Picnic
If an open-air picnic setting on New Year’s Eve appeals to you, check out this 3,000-person venue on the Mare and Foal lawn within the Royal Botanic Garden grounds. This waterfront setting offers a backdrop featuring the Harbour Bridge in the distance. This moderately-priced picnic allows for BYO food and beverage, though glass is prohibited. Why not become a member of the Botanic Garden and enjoy discounted tickets for this annual event? Tickets are selling now for this event.
Dudley Page Reserve
Located on Military Road, Dover Heights, this family-friendly vantage point offers a relaxed atmosphere with brilliant Harbour fireworks views. Bring your picnic supplies and blankets but leave the alcoholic beverages at home. They are for sale on site along with food, and a DJ providing entertainment for everyone. This venue opens at 6:00 pm, and look out for road closures in the area. There’s a capacity of 3,000 and ticket sales are open now.
Goat Island
If you like your fireworks displays up close and personal, Goat Island offers everything you’d expect. Stunning bridge views, waterfront, and available restrooms. There is no food for sale, but you can bring your own, and drinking is permitted but leave glass containers at home. Ticket sales are now open, and the venue opens at 6:30 pm for New Year’s.
Alcohol Prohibited
Bradley’s Head Mast Precinct
If you’re looking for a family-friendly picnic area where alcohol is prohibited, consider this small 1,600-person venue at the Sydney Harbour National Park where you can choose from three separate areas, including the waterfront boardwalk. Toilets are available, no pets are allowed, food will be sold and you can also bring your own. No glass is allowed. This venue opens at 3:00 pm, so bring the kids and make a complete day of New Year’s Eve if you like.
Be Safe and Enjoy The New Year’s Celebrations In Sydney This Year
New Year’s Eve in Sydney always promises to be a great event. If you are planning to ring in the New Year by watching the fireworks display in Sydney then make sure to plan ahead and stay safe. With a little planning, you can ensure that you get to enjoy the show in all of its glory in this iconic New Year’s destination.
