SydNYE: Sydney New Year’s Eve & Fireworks

Sydney is one of those few countries that gets to ring in the New Year before the rest of the world. With a promising pulsating pyrotechnic display guaranteed to outdo expectations from previous years, over a billion people watch the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks display in person from the harbour and over one billion individuals watch it from the comfort of their homes on their screens. With the theme for Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks changing every year, the forthcoming display always delivers! Being one of the most popular spots and a New Year bucket list destination, closely competing with the likes of New York’s Time Square Ball Drop, London’s South Bank Display and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa show, crowds are imminent and unavoidable. Securing the best vantage spot early on in such a popular location guarantees a place to catch unobstructed views of the display.

Narrowing down on the best place to watch the Sydney’s New Year Fireworks isn’t as straightforward as it seems. It depends on a multitude of factors like your budget, expectations and if you’re willing to camp out to secure the spot that offers unimpeded views of the harbour and the fireworks display. Procuring a good spot for free may require you to get there early on, camping out all day and packing a picnic for your meals, but if you want to spend time with your family and friends to celebrate the last day of the year and watch the displays at midnight, this may be ideal. Places offering free vantage points include the Opera House forecourt, Dawes Point Park, Campbells Cove (free but ticketed) and Mrs Macquaries Point. The challenge with these spots is that once the maximum capacity is reached, they close for visitors. If eager to secure a good spot in one of these locations, prepare well ahead of time and reach there as soon as the gates open.

For those who are looking to splurge and get uninterrupted harbour views of the Sydney New Year Fireworks, a reservation for a Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise would be perfect. Keep in mind that most of the cruises get sold out closer to December so book early on! With reservations early on, you’re promised an all-inclusive package offering 360° harbour views, delicious dining options, drinks and entertainment on board a luxury glassboat. On board the vessel, you will be able to view the Family fireworks happening at 9pm as well as the main New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Restaurants around the harbour hike prices for tables reserved to view the Midnight Fireworks display. Reserving a table for New Year’s Eve dinner in advance in your favourite harbour-front restaurant will ensure great food and views.

No matter what your budget is and who you plan on spending New Year with, there’s something for you in Sydney. Make the most of 2019, secure your favourite spots in the city and appreciate the magnificent pyrotechnics display along the harbour to ring in 2020!