Sydney’s dazzling New Year’s Eve fireworks are a bucket list experience for many. From the Harbour Bridge to Bradleys Head to more hidden spots, the city leaves no stone unturned for the occasion. This year, some of Sydney’s best and most popular sites will be completely free for all including the likes of Mrs Macquarie’s Point and the Royal Botanic Garden so don’t miss out. Here are some of the best spots to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney.
1. Sydney Opera House
It doesn’t get better than the Opera House for a close view of the fireworks. Not only do you get unadulterated views of the Harbour Bridge, but the atmosphere is also hard to beat. Find a spot on the forecourt or book one of their ticketed events, it will be an evening to remember.
2. Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill offers a pretty amazing view of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can also get a birds-eye view of the fireworks when the city lights up as the clock strikes midnight. Keep an eye here for updates.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
Tickets to the Royal Botanic Gardens Bridgeview sold out for around $385 per person last year and included live entertainment and a picnic hamper with entrée, dinner, dessert, snacks, and late-night supper. This year, visitors are being treated to four free vantage points that offer views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Harbour fireworks. Head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point and Fleet Steps or Tarpeian Lawn and Bennelong Lawn and enjoy uninterrupted views of the fireworks. Head here for more information.
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. Usually a ticketed event, entry to the location will be completely free this year. Get the details here.
5. Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo offers sweeping views of 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.
6. The Rocks
The Rocks has a number of vantage points for excellent views of the fireworks. 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. Entry to the spot is free this year and no tickets are required.
8. Blues Point
A more underrated location to see the fireworks, Blues Point offers gorgeous views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
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.
10. McKell Park
If you like us, love a 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 is free.
11. Bradleys Head
A New Year’s Eve at Bradleys Head Amphitheatre is an excellent way to bid adieu to the year. The Instagram-friendly spot offers excellent views of all the landmarks Sydney is famous for. This is a ticketed event, get your tickets here.
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 afterwards. Entry is free and no tickets are required. Get more information here.
13. Cremorne Point
Cremorne Point tends to get a bit crowded owing to its popularity. But if you can make your way through the crowds, the view is absolutely worth it.
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.
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 early 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 is free, get the details here.
17. Circular Quay
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. Even better, they’re free to visit.
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 is free; head here for more.
Find more information about Sydney’s New Year’s Even fireworks display and the very best places to catch them here.