Watching the fireworks

Planning to head out to Sydney New Years Eve this year? Make sure you plan ahead and know where you want to go, how to get there and what access and site restrictions will be in place on the night.

Important tips to help you plan ahead

Choose a spot

• Choose the place from where you want to watch the fireworks well ahead of time. Check out the Vantage Points map to give you an idea of locations.

How to get there and home again

• Public transport and walking are the only ways to travel on New Years Eve so leave your car at home.
• Refer to the Public Transport page for details on getting around

Be prepared and celebrate safely

• NO BYO (BRING YOUR OWN) ALCOHOL restrictions apply to many vantage point sites. There are Alcohol Free Zones in place in a number of areas across the city on New Year’s Eve.
• Look out for your mates. Plan a meeting place in case you get separated on the night as mobile phone networks can be congested.
• For families with children, write your mobile phone number on your childs arm so you can be contacted if your child becomes lost.

What to bring and what to leave at home

• Sydney New Years Eve is a NO GLASS event. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted and bag checks are a condition of entry to all managed access sites. Use recycled or reusable containers instead.
• Pack your own food in recyclable or reusable plastic containers. Non alcoholic drinks including water must be in sealed plastic containers. Many sites will also have food and drinks on sale.
• Use sunscreen and wear a hat as December daytime temperatures in Sydney are often above 30 degrees.
• Bring clothing appropriate for cooler weather later in the evening.
• Wear comfortable shoes you will need to walk to and from vantage points and public transport terminals.
• Bring your radio and tune in to 104.1 2Day FM for the 9pm Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks soundtracks.

If you are cycling please

• Obey the road rules.
• Be aware and considerate of others.
• Don’t drink and ride. It is an offence to ride under the influence.
• Wear a helmet and reflective clothing.

Alcohol Free Zones on New Years Eve

In response to requests from residents and NSW Police, the City of Sydney has established Alcohol Free Zones in some streets in the city, Kings Cross, Newtown, Redfern, Surry Hills and The Rocks. The Alcohol Free Zone conditions also apply on New Years Eve.

Alcohol Free Zones improve public safety by establishing areas where drinking alcohol is prohibited. This is to minimise the harmful results of irresponsible consumption of alcohol, such as anti-social behaviour and to promote the safe use of public roads, footpaths and public car parks.
It is an offence to drink alcohol on any street or footpath where an Alcohol Free Zone exists, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes New Years Eve and New Years Day.

The NSW Police are responsible for enforcing Alcohol Free Zones, and have the power to confiscate alcohol from people found to be drinking alcohol in Alcohol Free Zones. There is no fine or penalty for drinking alcohol in an Alcohol Free Zone.

Check the Vantage Points Map to find which New Years Eve sites are alcohol prohibited or NO BYO alcohol allowed, and to find Alcohol Free Zones in the City of Sydney before you leave home.

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