Sydney is renowned for its New Year’s Eve celebration on the Sydney Harbour. It’s a colourful and exciting display that people to travel from all over to see live. This year is set to be no exception with the night of entertainment starting at 6.50 pm. The evening includes a traditional Aboriginal Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Cadigal Elders and a thrilling air show by former Royal Australian Air Force fighter combat instructor Matt Hall.
There are two displays, one at 9 pm for young kids to enjoy before bedtime and then the main event at the stroke of midnight. We’ve put together a list of the best places to watch if you’ve not managed to grab yourself a ticket yet – both free and paid.
Ticketed events Sydney 2020
Sydney Opera House
This is a popular place to view the New Year’s Eve fireworks with several events held both inside and outside the Opera House. And, there’s also free public access to reserved areas with excellent harbour, bridge, and fireworks views. Choose from a soiree in the new Yallamundi Rooms, Party of the Decade at Portside. Farewell 2019 at Opera Bar, New Year’s Eve at Bennelong, Party into 2020 at Opera Kitchen, or a glamorous night at Opera Australia.
How much: Ticket prices range from $490 to $1,690 per person
Clark Island
There are still some tickets available for a NYE celebration on Clark Island – a beautiful oasis in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy canapes and cocktails with some DJ tunes to dance the night away, whilst you enjoy both the 9 pm and midnight fireworks.
How much: Tickets range from $245-$400
Observatory Hill
You’ll be perfectly positioned in the courtyard of Sydney Observatory – a fabulous vantage point to watch the spectacular. Your ticket includes canapes, sparkling wine, and beer. As it’s a cocktail party so the dress code is cocktail.
How much: $325 per person (Over 18s event)
Bradleys Head, Athol Lawn
If you’re looking for a place to come and relax with friends and family, this is a great spot. Pull up a picnic rug, pack some snacks, and enjoy the ambiance and views from the park. There will be food and drink available to purchase and even though the views aren’t unobstructed, they’re still fabulous.
How much: Adults $38.33, Children (5-15) $22.53, or family of four (2 adults, 2 children) $99.50. Children under 5 are free.
Bradleys Head, The Mast Precinct
This is a great family-friendly space to welcome in the New Year, with a number of viewing aspects to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. You’ll be able to purchase food and soft drink on the night (it’s an alcohol-free zone), as you soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the live music and entertainment.
How much: Adults $53.63, Children (5-15) $28.14, or family of four (2 adults, 2 children) $119.89. Children under 5 are free.
Free Events
Mrs Macquarie’s Point
This public viewing site offers prime views of both the displays. It’s situated within the Royal Botanical Gardens, with enough space to contain 16,000 people. With doors opening at 10 am you can expect the area to reach maximum capacity early on. There are food and beverage services available but no BYO allowed. Just turn up with a rug and take full advantage of all that’s on offer.
Embarkation Park, Potts Point
With an Eastern view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is a great spot. Because of the trees, the seating corridors are narrow but extremely pleasant as you’re amongst so much greenery. It’s an alcohol-free zone but you’re more than welcome to bring a picnic as there are no food and drink sales on site.
Robertson Park, Watsons Bay
This is an alcohol-free zone with distant views of the city and limited views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, it’s still fun to take down your picnic rug, some yummy food and just reflect with friends and family about closing the year and welcoming the new one.
East Circular Quay, Alfred Street Sydney
If you want to get into the city and enjoy the buzz, head down to the strip of promenade between Alfred Street and the Sydney Opera House. Here, you’ll be able to limited views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour but no views of the Sydney Opera House.
There are also a few more in and around Sydney. Head to The City of Sydney website where they have a vantage points map pinpointing every single place you can view the fireworks.