New Year's Eve in Sydney

Free places to watch the fireworks 

Grab a blanket, a picnic and your favourite people, then settle in to watch the greatest show of the year. Even though these spots are free, some still require you to register for tickets before you arrive – check the website ahead of time. 

Observatory Hill at Millers Point is one of the city’s most popular vantage points, so expect big crowds and a party atmosphere – it looks straight out over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Directly opposite, on the other side of the harbour, Blues Point Reserve at McMahons Point sits just on the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It has uninterrupted views through to the Sydney Opera House as well as a front-row seat to the fireworks.  

Couple watching the sunset at Observatory Hill, Millers Point

Pirrama Park and Giba Park in Pyrmont are both great family-friendly spots that don’t get as crowded. They have excellent views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and you’ll also get a good view back into the harbour. These are two of the few spots you’re allowed to bring in alcohol as well as a picnic, plus food and drinks are available to purchase at Pirrama Park. 

For a more intimate NYE, just 800 people are permitted to be in Embarkation Park, a leafy strip of green in Potts Point. Views are somewhat limited, but you will get a good perspective over the city skyline and the fireworks barges to the east. Perched at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, Manly’s North Head is another peaceful place to watch the party unfold. Surrounded by bushland, you’ll have a panoramic view over the whole harbour with plenty of space to stretch out. 

View of Sydney Harbour from the Fairfax Lookout at North Head, Manly

There are a number of places along the Inner Harbour where you can get good views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as the three fireworks barges that will be set up on the water. Try Bicentennial Park in Glebe, Yurulbin Park and Birchgrove Park in Birchgrove, and Simmons Point and Illoura Reserve in Balmain. None of these spots require tickets and are open from as early as 8am, so will start to fill up early. In the east, Rose Bay Foreshore and Dumaresq Reserve both have a good view of the city, though it is from some distance. The tiny Duff Reserve at Point Piper looks straight at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but can only hold around 100 people. 

On the eastern side of the Sydney Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a leafy spot in the Botanic Garden with stunning views through to the harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There will be food trucks and bars scattered throughout the area, though you can also bring a picnic. Strickland House in Vaucluse offers a vantage point in front of one of Sydney’s grandest historic homes. The waterfront lawn is at the far end of the harbour and looks straight back towards the city, harbour islands and fireworks barges. This is another licensed site that will have food and drinks available. 

New Year's Eve 2021, Sydney Harbour 

There are a few different options available for New Year’s Eve on Bradleys Head, directly in front of Taronga Zoo. All are alcohol-free and great for families looking for excellent views and a relaxed vibe. Sitting right on the edge of the peninsula, The Amphitheatre has the best views, looking straight out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and city skyline. There are also two fireworks barges set up just offshore. A little further round the point, the Mast Precinct also has very good views of the city and the barges. You can set up around the base of the mast itself, along the boardwalk or on the upper grassed area. Athol Lawn is a wide, grassy area at the top of Bradleys Head. Trees make for great shade when setting up in the afternoon, though they may restrict the view at night. Pack a picnic as there’s no food to buy here. 

Fireworks display at Bradleys Head, Sydney Harbour - Credit: John Spencer, DPE

Ticketed places to watch the fireworks 

If you’re prepared to splash a little cash, you’re guaranteed an even better view from some of the city’s most beautiful harbourside parks and gardens. Many of these vantage points will have facilities like live music and stalls selling food and drinks. These are some of the hottest tickets in town – so check the websites for availability and make sure to book your tickets early! 

A number of rooftop and sky-high bars host ticketed celebrations with views, such as Horizon Lounge, Altitude and Blu Bar on 36 at Shangri-La Sydney, Bar Lulu and Zephyr Sky Bar. Restaurants with wonderous views offering food and drink packages include Mode Kitchen & Bar, Tayim, Otto, Searock Grill and Bennelong.

On the other side of the bridge, Pier One Hotel in Walsh Bay puts on a Pier Party (tickets from $449 per person) with French bubbles, caviar canapes and a vantage point that’s so close you’ll feel the warmth of the fireworks; NYE Dining at The Gantry; and NYE Waterside Lounges (tickets from $549 per person), a VIP experiences with reserved relaxing seating.

New Year's Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour

Where to watch the fireworks on the water 

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, the Sydney Harbour islands offer unmatched views and a fun party atmosphere. You’ll need to buy tickets for all these island events and they include scheduled ferry departures around 6-7pm, so make sure you don’t miss the boat. Return ferries will bring you back before 1am. 

Sitting just off the edge of the swanky suburb of Darling Point, the tiny Clark Island covers less than a hectare and offers spectacular views of the city and icons. Shark Island is 1km offshore from Rose Bay and close to the entrance to Sydney Harbour, giving you a view straight down the water to all the fireworks on land and on barges. On both islands there will be DJs playing live all night plus a bar and food available. You can also bring a picnic and non-alcoholic drinks.  

Shark Island, Sydney Harbour - Credit: John Spencer, DPE

You’ll be practically in the middle of the fireworks on Goat Island, which sits on the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge just offshore from Balmain. This is a more relaxed island option that’s great for families, but you’ll need to bring your own drinks (including alcohol). A radio or phone speaker is also a good idea so you can tune in for the live coverage of the NYE broadcast. 

Sydney Harbour will be dotted with boats on New Year’s Eve, taking guests out for an evening of dinner, drinks and dancing before dropping anchor at a prime viewing spot. Luxurious options – like The Jackson ($1,250 per person), Clearview ($1,450 per person) or MV Vagabond Spirit – include a delicious dinner, free-flowing bubbles and live entertainment. There are also a few slightly cheaper cruises on offer, like Captain Cook’s Rocket Ferry or the Showboat.

Fireworks view from Clark Island, Sydney Harbour - Credit: John Spencer, DPE

If you’d prefer to keep your celebrations a little more exclusive, a private boat charter will give you a front-row seat for the ultimate NYE party. Sydney Harbour Escapes has boats that can hold from four to 46 passengers and will organise catering, drinks, DJs, a mooring and more. It won’t come cheap (prices start from $3,500 and go up to well over $100,000) but it’s an experience you’ll never forget. 

The Jackson dining room, Sydney Harbour - Credit: Jackson Dining