Wondering what to do on New Years Day in Sydney? Not only are there several New Year’s Day events to get across but Sydney’s biggest attractions are also popping open to help you start 2026 right. It is, after all, the busiest season in Sydney for both locals and tourists so you’ve got plenty to pick from if you want to get off the couch and soak up the city’s irrepressible energy.
The City of Sydney just hosted its biggest NYE fireworks display to date, the majority of Sydney is sleeping in after a big night out, and you’re wondering if the supermarket is open (hint: it is). But you’d be remiss if you just holed yourself up at home. Head on out to any of the following events and attractions to set the right intentions for the new year.
Where to spend New Year’s Day in Sydney
Field Day
One of Sydney’s signature music festivals has been running for as long as locals can remember. The Domain springs to life at the top of each year with Fuzzy’s premier all-day dance-a-thon, this year headlined by Carl Cox & Jamie Jones as well as Deborah De Luca, Australian favourites The Presets, Bagraiders and plenty more.
The demo skews towards the younger crowd, with hyperpop and happy hardcore taking a bigger presence as the current trending styles of EDM amongst Gen Z. If that sounds right up your alley, the last round of tickets are still on sale so get in quick.
Where: The Domain, Sydney
When: 12pm – 11pm
Price: $187.80
Join everyone else in Sydney at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
You’ll typically find anyone who doesn’t want to start the year at Field Day over at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. The mega-venue’s annual New Year’s Day party has become one of Sydney’s favourite past times in recent years and they’re back for more in 2025.
Kicking off the new year in style, the venue’s wrangled a lineup of Sydney’s best DJs including Super Disco Club, Little Fritter, Club Sol and more. Tickets for the massive beachside party also come with two hours of canapes and a free-flowing drinks package so you’ve got everything sorted in one hit.
Where: 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
When: 1pm – 11pm
Price: $137.50
Toast to a perfect Sydney day at Manly Pavilion
Party on the pier as Manly Pavilion kicks off 2026 with its popular New Year’s Day party. A DJ set from Lazywax headlines the day with 70s synths and retro EDM, supported by sets throughout the from the likes of Loods, Tseba, Two Another and more. And while those beats bang, the ocean backdrop serves quintessential Sydney all day from 12pm to late.
Where: West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
When: 12pm – late
Price: $69
Have a relaxed lunch at North Bondi Fish
Not every New Year’s Day event in Sydney is intent on squeezing you of every ounce of energy. If you want to spend a relaxing day with seafood by the beach, North Bondi Fish are hosting their annual Day After sessions.
DJs will be spinning all day from 12pm and you can pick from an a la carte menu, featuring all North Bondi Fish’s staples including river trout rillettes on toast, grilled seafood skewers and blue swimmer crab & king prawn tarts. Fork out a bit extra and you’ll get oysters, caviar and a whole grilled Eastern Rock lobster to share.
Where: 120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi NSW 2026
When: 12pm – 9pm
Visit the Hari the Hippo and koalas of Taronga Zoo
If you’re looking for something to do with kids on New Year’s Day, you might as well join just about every other family in Sydney and start your year at the world’s most picturesque zoo. Like Sydney’s other star attractions, Taronga Zoo is open for business on New Year’s Day.
There are no special events planned, just business as usual so make sure you’re booking in some close wildlife encounters. But be realistic: it’ll be busy. We suggest showing up as early as you can when gates open at 9:30am.
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Contact: (02) 9969 2777
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (9:30am – 5pm)
Catch marine life at SEA Life Aquarium
SEA Life Aquarium is one of Sydney’s many family-friendly attractions opening doors for New Year’s Day. Much like Taronga Zoo, it’s business as usual for the Darling Harbour attraction. Take the kids along to see the sharks, dugongs, penguins, stingrays and more as you move through the cave-like set-up. Plus, there’ll be a few restaurants open at King Street Wharf nearby so grab some al fresco lunch after to welcome in a very relaxed 2026.
Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact: (02) 9333 9200
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Head to Sydney’s best museums
Perhaps you want to start the new year off by gleaming a bit of inspiration from the best museums Sydney has to offer? All the major ones around the city remain open for New Year’s Day, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Museum, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Spend the day on Sydney’s best beaches
And the award for the most obvious thing to do in New Year’s Day goes to…
Sydney’s best beaches shoulder the majority of both locals and visitors when it comes to the top of the year. While in Japan they celebrate the first temple visit of the year, Sydney’s idea of a spiritual pick-me-up is welcoming the next 12 months with a dip in the ocean.
The first swim of the year is always going to feel like a special occasion for Sydneysiders, so make the most of it at our best beaches. You’ll also find massive crowds at Sydney’s most famous beaches, including Manly Beach, Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach.
Expecting privacy at any beach in Sydney is unrealistic. Even Sydney’s most hidden beaches will be packed with people enjoying their first swim of the year. Your best bet is to show up early and stake your spot of sand.
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