When it comes to things to do in Sydney on New Year’s Eve, the options are as diverse and exciting as the city itself.
Whether you’re seeking front-row seats to the world-renowned fireworks, craving a luxury dining experience with panoramic views, or searching for family-friendly fun away from the crowds, there are plenty of NYE events in Sydney to enjoy!
Fireworks and Public Celebrations
What's a New Year’s Eve celebration without fireworks? Once you’ve recovered from Christmas events in Sydney, start planning where you’ll spend New Year’s Eve. These public celebrations promise to light up the night sky, drawing the collective awe of viewers as they gaze upward in wonder.
1. Sydney Harbour Fireworks
The clock is ticking, the anticipation is building, and all eyes are on the iconic Sydney Harbour. This pyrotechnic extravaganza is so epic that even the stars stop to watch. With the magnificent Harbour Bridge and the majestic Opera House as its backdrop, Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is a symphony of colours exploding across the night sky.
The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and progresses through the evening. Celebrations include indigenous traditions, light shows, and more. As the clock strikes midnight, the city erupts into a frenzy of cheers, hugs, and high-fives. Grab your mates, raise your glasses, and toast the New Year in style!
2. Royal Botanic Garden Viewing Areas
Looking for a great vantage point for viewing the New Year’s Eve fireworks? The Royal Botanic Gardens viewing areas are ideal. Head to Mrs Macquaries Point for a relaxed family viewing experience. Food and drinks are available to buy, and toilets and free drinking water are close at hand.
While the roads near the gardens are closed on New Year’s Eve, you can take the train. St. James station is nearby.
3. Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat NYE party
Want to turn your New Year’s Eve event in Sydney into something truly special? Taronga’s Wildlife Retreat NYE party lasts not just one night but two!
Watch the fireworks over the harbour for a night to remember, then wake up in the morning and explore the zoo. Who better to wish you a Happy New Year than a cute koala? The premium package also gets you access to multicourse meals, drinks, and canapés.
4. Barangaroo Reserve NYE
New Year’s Eve at Barangaroo Reserve is open to all, with no tickets and no entry fee. The viewing area opens at midday, and it’s a good idea to arrive early, as this site can get busy as evening approaches. Food trucks offer a range of cuisines, but you can also bring a picnic if you prefer.
Due to road closures and heavy foot traffic, getting to the event by car might be challenging. Fortunately, the reserve is only a 10-minute walk from Wynyard train station, making it a convenient option.
Parties and Galas
From the sophistication of the opera to luxury cruises, there are many ways to party into the New Year in style. Check out these options for the hottest things to do in Sydney on New Year’s Eve.
5. Opera Gala at the Sydney Opera House
Fancy getting all dressed up for New Year’s Eve? If you’re looking for exclusivity, the New Year's Eve Opera Gala Concert at the Sydney Opera House is hard to beat. It’s a unique experience, blending opera with traditional Australian culture. Expect lots of laughs and plenty of surprises.
After the show, head to the Northern Foyers for a front-row seat to Sydney’s famous fireworks display. It’s the best view in the city!
6. NYE at the Sydney Tower Eye
Do you love to have a bird’s-eye view of everything that’s going on? We know the feeling. Our high-flyers hate having their feet on the ground, too. If you want to watch from a higher vantage point, we bet you’ll enjoy NYE at the Sydney Tower Eye. The Observation Deck is the highest viewpoint in the city.
Your New Year’s Eve ticket to the Sydney Observation Deck also gets you light refreshments and a glass of (nonalcoholic) prosecco to toast the New Year. This is an all-ages event, so bring the kids with you.
7. NYE Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Cruise into the New Year with Australian Cruise Group. Sydney’s leading cruise operator offers a NYE Cruise on Sydney Harbour. Several boats are available, each offering a different type of experience.
If you want to enjoy a deluxe seafood dinner while you wait for midnight, choose the Majestic Premium option. Those who are looking for a little more entertainment can opt for the Showboat cruise, which offers a cabaret in addition to dinner and drinks.
Whichever option you choose, we can guarantee you won’t regret heading out on a cruise to welcome in the New Year.
8. The Argyle NYE Party
NYE at the Argyle is known for being the biggest and best in the city. With world-renowned DJs and artists performing for guests, you can be sure the dance floor will be rocking out until midnight and beyond. Check out the VIP package if you want to be pampered with great food and drink.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
From the swankiest rooftop bars in Sydney to world-renowned restaurants, there's no shortage of ways to welcome in the New Year with good food and plenty of cheer. Enjoy a multicourse dinner while you wait for midnight to arrive, ensuring you enter the next year feeling satisfied.
9. Cafe Sydney NYE Dinner
Cafe Sydney is one of the city's most-loved restaurants, with fantastic views of Harbour Bridge from its rooftop terrace. On New Year’s Eve, the chef puts together a special menu that's sure to put everyone in the mood to celebrate.
This fabulous meal offers options for both vegans and meat eaters in all six courses. It also features an award-winning wine list.
10. Quay Restaurant NYE Dinner
With seven-course and five-course options available, the dinner for New Year's Eve at Quay will ensure you start the New Year feeling satisfied and sated.
Peter Gilmore is the executive chef at this high-end Sydney restaurant, and you can be sure he’s put a lot of love into this menu. Wine pairings have been worked out by Quay’s Head Sommelier, Wilem Powell. It’s the last dinner you’ll have this year, so why not make it the best?
11. 360 Bar and Dining
Get ready to ring in the New Year at Sydney Tower 360 Bar and Dining! Book your place in the revolving dining room, and you’ll be treated to a luxurious six-course dinner served with a side of jaw-dropping views. Your meal is timed so you can catch two epic fireworks displays while you dine. Talk about a feast for the senses!
After dinner, a live band is ready to keep the party vibes alive all night long. Sip on cocktails at the chic 360 Bar, take in the panoramic sights, and get ready to dance your way into the New Year.
12. Bennelong NYE Dinner
Bennelong is rolling out the red carpet for a lavish New Year’s Eve dining extravaganza. With seven courses of cuisine, live entertainment, and front-row seats to Sydney’s legendary fireworks display, it’s a soirée fit for royalty.
Various dining options are available, each with a different price point and number of courses to match. Take a look at the options, but don't wait too long to make your decision. Tickets for New Year's Eve at Bennelong sell out quickly!
13. Altitude Restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel
What better way to kick off the new year than perched 36 levels above Sydney Harbour? The New Year’s Eve dinner at Altitude offers an eight-course menu curated by Executive Sous Chef Michele Menegazzi.
With dishes such as cured coral trout marinated in wasabi sorbet appearing on previous years’ menus, we’re sure this year’s offering will include morsels that delight and amaze.
What’s a fabulous dinner without the perfect wine pairing? Executive Sommelier Matt Herod has crafted an iconic wine selection to toast to new beginnings and bid farewell to the year gone by. Grab your tickets early to secure early bird pricing.
Dare to Be Dazzled!
Adventure awaits in Sydney with high-energy Cirque du Soleil shows. Dive into a world of acrobatics and wonder.
Family-Friendly Events
Looking for a New Year’s Eve party the whole family can enjoy? These events welcome kids and, in some cases, pets! Round up the little ones and let them know bedtime will be a little later than usual. It’s time to make some special family memories to treasure forever.
14. Darling Harbour Family NYE Celebration
Looking for family-friendly NYE celebrations that won’t cost you? We’ve got some good news for you! The New Year’s Eve fireworks at Darling Harbour are absolutely free, and no tickets are required. The festivities kick off at 1 p.m., and access to the site is open for everyone itching to claim their spot for the big show.
With capacity limits in place, get there early to secure your prime viewing spot. But it’s worth the hustle because you’ll be treated to a great view of two jaw-dropping fireworks displays over Cockle Bay. The first is at 9 p.m., and the grand finale fireworks take place at midnight.
15. Bradleys Head: Mast Precinct
Looking for a slightly quieter spot to catch the New Year’s fireworks with your whole family? Look no further than Bradleys Head: Mast Precinct.
This hidden gem has a capacity of 1,600, and it’s easy to reach, thanks to ferries and buses running toward Taronga Zoo. While some views of the city skyline might be partially filtered or obstructed, you can still count on an unforgettable experience.
You can bring your own picnic or purchase food on-site. Just remember, alcohol is a no-go, so leave those drinks at home. There are toilets aplenty, including accessible options, so you can focus on the fun without worrying about bathroom breaks.
16. North Head NYE
Take the family to see the fireworks at North Head on NYE. With views stretching all the way to Manly, this vantage point offers a more secluded experience to ring in the New Year.
Be prepared for a bit of a trek, as the entrance gate is over a mile away. There's no vehicle access on NYE, so lace up those walking shoes and get ready for a scenic stroll.
No food is available for purchase on-site, but viewers can bring their own goodies to enjoy under the stars. While bathrooms are available, none are accessible, so plan accordingly. It’s also an alcohol-free zone, and there are bag checks at the entrance.
17. Clarkes Point Reserve NYE Picnic
Get ready to elevate your New Year's Eve experience with stunning views of the fireworks at Clarkes Point Reserve, courtesy of Hunter's Hill Council! This picturesque location invites you to soak up the festive atmosphere while enjoying the beauty of the foreshore.
While food and market stalls are available on-site, you can pack your own picnic goodies for a personalized dining experience. The foreshore is a tent-free zone, so leave the camping gear at home and set up your picnic blanket instead.
Now, let's talk drinks. BYO alcohol is permitted, but remember to drink responsibly. This is a family-friendly affair, after all, with police patrolling the area to ensure everyone's safety.
Unlike some other firework-watching zones, this one allows dogs, but they must be on a leash. Bring the whole family along to enjoy the fireworks at this free event.
Ring in the New Year With These Sydney Celebrations
There's no doubt that Sydney is one of the best places in the world to be during New Year’s Eve celebrations. From fireworks to fine dining, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
While you’re planning the spectacles you want to see on New Year’s Eve this year, why not book tickets for one of our shows in Sydney?
We create immersive experiences that transport you to a fantasy world where gravity-bending acrobatics, breathtaking choreography, and spellbinding visuals collide to ignite your imagination and stir your soul.
From the awe-inspiring feats of our world-class performers to the mesmerizing music and dazzling costumes, every moment is a symphony of sight and sound designed to leave you breathless with wonder. We can’t wait to see you in the audience.