If you are planning on being in Sydney for the first time and maybe only time this NYE  you are probably keen to get your plans sorted. Consider this a beginners guide to New Year’s Eve in Sydney’.

So first things first let’s figure the type of event you prefer.

Do you want to see the fireworks in the great outdoors?

If the answer is yes, you have two choices

A. Plan to visit one of the free areas and take your own picnic

If you are hoping for a cheap night under the stars, you will need to be organised and plan to get to your vantage spot early. There are both alcohol-free areas and limited areas where you can take your own drinks. There are also some catered areas where you can buy drinks. Drinks at the no BYO spots are pretty pricey, but it does mean the crowd is a little less rowdy than the BYO places.

or

B. Part with some $$$ for a ticket to one of the catered outdoor areas. This will get you a prime position and a little more standing room per person. Among the best of these are the Taronga Zoo NYE packages ($165-$500) or the Royal Botanic Gardens options or the budget-friendly Barangaroo.

Do you want to watch the fireworks from a harbour cruise?

Again there are a lot of choices, and this is one topic that gets a tonne of posts on Tripadvisor.  There are all sorts of options from private charters to Sydney Harbour ferries. My main advice is before you hand over your money make sure the company has some history.  There have sadly been stories in recent years of substandard boats and even one company that took bookings they never intended on honouring.

For a very detailed list with links and the latest information on prices and availability check my main NYE in Sydney page.

One year I watched the action from the deck of a Sydney Ferry. We had a fantastic view of the Harbour Bridge, plenty of space and a friendly crowd.

Do you want to spend NYE at the Sydney Opera House?

Do you want a restaurant dinner with a view of Sydney Harbour?

If you like the idea of a slap-up meal with your fireworks, there is plenty on offer, but you will pay a pretty penny for it. Most of the waterfront restaurants around the city offer special menus for NYE and book out a few weeks in advance although not as early as many of the boats and the Gardens and ticketed park areas do.

I would suggest if you have your heart set on a particular place and you have a small party of 2 or 3 book early as smaller tables seem to go first. Many require a deposit or sometimes full payment at time of booking.   See the list of restaurants for NYE here

Would you prefer an event with music or a party atmosphere?

Concerts and dance parties in Sydney on New Year’s Eve are a popular choice. From a dance party at an amusement park to a concert at Taronga Zoo, there is plenty of choice for those who want some entertainment along with their fireworks.  Tickets for these events range from $70 and up and not all include views of the harbour so make sure you confirm this if it’s important to you.  I maintain a list of parties and concert events with prices on this page

Do you want to camp on the harbour for NYE?

Cockatoo Island NYE Camping Packages

If you plan early enough, you can camp on Cockatoo Island for New Year’s Eve and watch the action from the comfort of your tent right in the middle of Sydney Harbour. There is DIY camping, slightly more upmarket and comfortable campsites and also some heritage homes.

Choosing your Fireworks vantage points on Sydney Harbour

Sydney City Council hosts the Sydney fireworks on NYE, and they have a brilliant website and app that includes maps of the vantage points and rules for each place. There has been a significant increase in alcohol-free areas over recent years so make sure you check the maps on the city of Sydney website for the rules before you head to your favourite spot.

The main thing to know is that the city is very crowded on NYE and roads are closed, so everyone travels by public transport. The buses and trains will be full and moving around the city between 8 pm and 1 am is quite difficult. That said, it is still worth being there. You just need to plan in advance what you are going to do, where you will meet and what you will eat and drink.

I have a full list of all the vantage points and the capacity of each on my main New Years Eve page 

New Years Eve in the Royal Botanic Gardens

This is my dream spot to watch the fireworks when my budget allows. Tickets go on sale in early October and sell out pretty quickly.   There are several packages from picnic style to formal dining so whether you are looking for a family-friendly spot or want to dance the night away, you are covered by one of these.

• Midnight at the Oasis – This is an adult only event.
• Lawn with a view – This is an all ages area located on the grass outside Government House and directly above the Sydney Opera House
• The Point – Fleet Steps North, Mrs Macquaries Point. This is an over 18s only area. Includes food but drinks are from a cash bar. Tickets on sale now $355. The Point offers the very best view in my opinion.
• Mare and Foal Lawn area – only Friends of the Botanic Gardens members can buy tickets for this spot. 
• New Year’s Eve Under the Stars –  Dj entertainment, over 18s

More details here

How Do I Book a Sydney Harbour Cruise for NYE? – Join the Harbour of Light Parade

If you want to be on the water under the fireworks, then be prepared to spend between $250 and A$500 per person. All the leading cruise companies have offers available for New Year’s Eve with most offering a 6-hour cruise with food and a drinks package. In my opinion, this is the best way to experience Sydney on NYE if you can afford it. There are cruises to suit most tastes so check out things like the entertainment on board lest you get stuck listening to hours of music you don’t enjoy.  On the whole, the food on the boats is usual wedding style or buffet fare with nothing outstanding on offer so don’t expect too much.

At about 9.20pm after the first round of fireworks are over many of the vessels on the harbour turn on their lights and parade up and down the harbour until the midnight fireworks.

You can view the official Harbour of Light boats for more details. A little later in the year, an official list of vessels in the harbour lights parade will be released.

Tickets are on sale now, and all but the most expensive cruises usually sell out pretty by late October so if you are considering one of budget tickets buy early.  I have a list of this year’s leading cruise options and prices on my main NYE page.

Check out Sydney Boat Hire Another option is to hire a water taxi for either the 9 pm show or the midnight show.

Have you booked your room?

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