Yes, there are still more than 100 days to go, but it’s already time to talk Sydney New Year’s Eve
Arguably the biggest night on Sydney’s calendar, New Year’s Eve is expected to draw more than a million people to the harbour, all vying for a glimpse of the city’s dazzling annual fireworks displays.
With so many people descending on the waterfront, a little planning goes a long way. From securing a coveted vantage point or maybe an in-demand harbour cruise, you’ll want to have your night mapped out well in advance.
City of Sydney has tentatively revealed the evening’s schedule:
- 7:30pm: Smoking Ceremony
- 8:30pm: Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon projections and lighting effects begin
- 8:45pm: Welcome to Country
- 9pm: Calling Country fireworks display
- Midnight: New Year’s Eve fireworks display
We’ve gone one step further and rounded up some of the best New Year’s Eve experiences in Sydney, which will undoubtedly get booked up as we get closer to December 31. Read on to find out how to register for a spot at one of Sydney’s most in-demand viewing areas, plus discover the best cruises, rooftop parties, dinners and more.
Sydney New Year’s Eve Guide
Plan ahead
As one of Sydney’s biggest annual celebrations, New Year’s Eve always draws huge demand. Our advice? It’s never too early to book. Secure your spot for 2026 and check out some of the city’s most spectacular NYE experiences below.
Ticketed viewing spots
Cahill Expressway
One of Sydney’s best viewing spots, with a free, family-friendly event. Enter the ballot for the chance to secure a spot here.
Where: Cahill Expressway, Circular Quay.
When: 6:30pm-1:15am.
Price: Free, but entry is by ballot. The ballot opens at 9am on September 3.
Blues Point
Panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from McMahons Point, plus live music and DJs.
Where: McMahons Point.
When: 3pm-12:30am.
Price: $65 per person. Tickets will be available soon.
Clark Island
Celebrate on a harbour island oasis with superb views of the fireworks.
Where: Darling Point.
When: 5:45pm-1am.
Price: Free, but a ferry pass and ticket are required. Tickets go live at 12pm September 3.
Dudley Page Reserve
A relaxed, family-friendly setting with amazing views of the harbour fireworks.
Where: Military Road, Dover Heights.
When: 5:30pm-12:30am.
Price: $65 for adults, $30 for children, and $170 for a family package. Tickets available from October 1.
Goat Island
Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Sydney fireworks from this unique harbour island location just off the shores of Balmain East and Millers Point.
Where: Balmain East.
When: 6:30pm-12:15am.
Price: Free but a ferry pass and ticket is required. Tickets go live at 12pm.
Lower Bradfield Park
A popular location close to public transport, with large open spaces and views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Where: Milsons Point.
When: 2pm-12:20am.
Price: $65 per person. Tickets available from 9am on October 7.
Luna Park
Ring in 2027 with harbour views, unlimited rides, live DJs and entertainment at Luna Park.
Where: Luna Park, Milsons Point.
When: 6pm-2am.
Price: Tickets from $274.04.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: Foundation & Friends NYE Picnic
An exclusive ticketed area on Mare and Foal Lawn with waterfront views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Where: Royal Botanic Garden.
When: 5pm-12:15am.
Price: $255 for Foundation & Friends members, $315 for guests of members and $80 for children aged 6–15. Children aged five and under are free.
Shark Island
Celebrate on a large grassed island with great views down Sydney Harbour. BYOB is allowed here.
Where: Shark Island, Point Piper.
When: 6:30pm-1am.
Price: Free, but a ferry pass and ticket are required. Tickets go live at 12pm September 3.
Taronga Zoo
Choose from picnic-style to premium all-inclusive experiences at one of Sydney’s iconic zoo.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Mosman.
When: 6pm-12:30am.
Price: Ticket prices vary with experience but range from $125–$1000. Various ticket options available from September 10 at 12pm.
Sydney Opera House Forecourt
Enjoy uninterrupted harbour views and front-row views of the fireworks from one of Sydney’s most coveted vantage points.
Where: Sydney Opera House.
When: Midday until 1am.
Price: Free, but a ticket is required. Tickets available from 10am on December 26.
Harbour Cruises
Budget-friendly cruises ($425–$750)
Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise
Where: Sydney Harbour.
When: 7:30pm-1am.
From $699. (Food and drinks are included).
Midnight Fireworks Cruise on Fantasea Escapade
Where: Departs from Double Bay Wharf.
When: 7pm-1am.
Price: From $695.
9pm Fireworks Cruise on Fantasea Escapade
Where: Departs from Double Bay Wharf.
When: Departs at 7:30pm, last approximately two hours.
Price: From $395 for adults, $235 for children, or $1150 for a family package.
Lux NYE Fireworks Cruise
Where: Departs Darling Harbour.
When: 7:30pm-1:30am.
Price: From $750.
Mid-range cruises ($875–$1,450)
Eclipse Multi-Level Catamaran
Where: Departs Darling Harbour.
When: 12pm-1am.
Price: From $999.
NYE Sydney Harbour Open-Air Cruise
Where: Departs from Pyrmont.
When: 7pm-1am.
Price: From $999.
Aussie Magic Harbour Cruise
Where: Departs Pyrmont.
When: 7pm-1:30am.
Price: From $1350.
Karisma 2 Luxury Cruise
Where: Pick-up location will be confirmed earlier for the event, but will be Darling Harbour or Pyrmont.
When: 7pm-1:30am.
Price: From $1449.
SEADECK NYE Package
Where: Departs Darling Harbour.
When: 7pm-1am.
Price: From $1200.
Premium NYE Cruise with Coast Harbour Cruises
Where: Departs Darling Harbour.
When: 7pm-1:30am.
Price: From $1450.
Luxury cruises ($2,000+)
Captain Cook NYE Inclusive Dinner Experience
Where: Departs Darling Harbour.
When: 7:30pm-1am.
Price: From $2050.
The Jackson NYE Luxury Cocktail Cruise
Where: Departs from Darling Harbour.
When: 7:30pm-1am.
Price: From $2450.
Silver Spirit Luxury Motor Yacht
Where: Departs from Darling Harbour.
When: 7:30pm-1am.
Price: From $2495.
Dining and rooftop parties
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Where: Amora Hotel Jamison.
When: 4:30pm-11:30pm.
Price: $99 for adults, $49 for children.
NYE at MCA: Rooftop Party
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay.
When: 7pm-1am.
Price: From $1050.
NYE at MCA: Canvas
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Circular Quay.
When: 7pm-1am.
Price: From $1650.
New Year’s Eve at Altitude, Shangri-La Sydney
Where: Shangri-La Sydney.
When: 7:30pm-12:30am.
Price: From $1750.
NYE at Blu Bar on 36, Shangri-La Sydney
Where: Shangri-La Sydney.
When: 7:30pm-12:30am.
Price: From $1349.
New Year’s Eve at Jounieh
Where: Jounieh Restaurant, Dawes Point, Walsh Bay.
When: 5pm-11:55pm.
Price: From $260.
Celebration at the End of the Wharf
Where: The Wharf Restaurant and Bar.
When: 8pm-2am.
Price: From $647.
