Sydney is an excellent destination to ring in the New Year but its crowning glory has to be its dramatic fireworks. It’s also a bucket list experience for many around the world. From the Harbour Bridge to Bradleys Head to more obscure spots, the city turns the voltage up to usher in the new year. While the last few years have seen largely scaled-back celebrations, 2022 is bringing back the fireworks in all their glory. In no particular order, here are some of the best spots to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney.
1. Sydney Opera House
It really doesn’t get more iconic than the Opera House to get a close-up view of the fireworks. Not only do you get unadulterated views of the Harbour Bridge and the harbour, but the vibey atmosphere is also hard to beat.
2. Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill has a pretty epic view of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It also allows a birds-eye view when the city lights up as the clock strikes midnight.
Entry: Free
3. Botanic Gardens: Bridgeview
Set on the Tarpeian Lawn of the Royal Botanic Garden, visitors are met with sweeping views of the harbour, extending all the way to Circular Quay. This is a paid event with tickets including live entertainment and a picnic hamper with entrée, dinner, dessert, snacks, and late-night supper. Book your tickets here.
Tickets: $385 per person
4. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is one of Sydney’s most spectacular NYE vantage points. The Sydney landmark overlooks the harbour in its entirety and seats up to 7000 people. Tickets historically sell out fast, snag yours here.
Tickets: $20 – $160 + booking fee
5. Taronga Zoo
Taronga provides magnificent views over the Sydney skyline and the Harbour Bridge and it’s an ideal spot for families looking to make a day out of it. Grab your tickets here.
Tickets: $115 per person
6. The Rocks
The Rocks has a number of vantage points for sweeping views of the harbour. Plus a number of restaurants and bars in the vicinity are getting in on the action and slinging special offers to make your evening a memorable one. Get all the information here.
7. Hickson Road Reserve
With panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Hickson Road Reserve is a popular spot to see the fireworks with the entire harbour laid out before you.
Tickets: $37.50 – $75
8. Blues Point
A fairly underrated area to see the fireworks, Blues Point offers gorgeous views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Entry: Free
9. Pirrama Park
This family-friendly site offers a 3-in-1 deal. It comes with great views of the harbour, doesn’t get too crowded and it’s free to visit. Picnics are welcome in this sunny spot so you can enjoy a leisurely day in the sun before the fireworks begin.
Entry: Free
10. McKell Park
If you like us, love a good hidden gem, you’ll want to check out McKell Park in Darling Point. It’s a great picnic spot and you can also enjoy a swim in the harbour via the sandstone steps for a refreshing start to the new year.
Entry: Free
11. Bradleys Head
A New Year’s Eve at Bradleys Head Amphitheatre is as unforgettable as it gets. The photographer-favourite spot is replete with excellent views and a family-friendly site with views of everything Sydney is famous for.
Tickets: $210 per person
12. North Head, Manly
If you’re looking for something a little further out from the city and away from the crowds, North Head is a brilliant option. You still get a clear view of the fireworks without the stress of dealing with crowds and public transport after.
Entry: Free
13. Cremorne Point
Cremorne Point tends to get a bit crowded owing to its popularity. But if you can push your way through the crowds, the view is absolutely worth it.
Entry: Free
14. Darling Harbour
The fireworks over Darling Harbour are absolutely stunning with many waterfront restaurants and bars along Cockle Bay Wharf, Harbourside Shopping Centre, King Street Wharf and Barangaroo joining in for the fun. Read all about it here.
15. Bicentennial Park
Stretching along Rozelle Bay, Bicentennial Park comes with lovely water views. The grassy spot is ideal for families looking to escape the crowds.
Entry: Free
16. Dr Mary Booth Lookout Reserve
The Mary Booth Reserve is close to public transport with views of the Harbour Bridge spread out before you. It’s an extremely popular spot and eager visitors often get there in the wee hours of the morning to snag a spot. Viewing is available on a first come first serve basis so be prepared for a bit of hustle to get a spot.
Entry: Free
17. Circular Quay
The best spot to see Sydney’s fireworks is along the harbour. The sites in and around Circular Quay that make for good viewing spots include Circular Quay promenade, First Fleet Park, Museum of Contemporary Art podium and Tallawoladah lawn areas.
Entry: Free
18. Cockatoo Island
Just a ferry ride from Sydney lies the beautiful Cockatoo Island with glimmering fireworks taking over the historic site on NYE. Several overnight camping packages are available if you want to extend your stay.
19. Lavender Bay Parklands
Lavender Bay is chock full of lush greenery, vantage points and harbour views. Comprising Clark, Quibaree and Watt Parks, this is a famously romantic spot to view the fireworks.
Entry: Free