Watching the fireworks

Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge,Night view

Watch Sydney light up for the party of the year! Here’s how to plan your perfect night for the 9PM Family Fireworks, Midnight Fireworks and Harbour of Light Parade™. The Sydney New Year’s Eve Vantage Points map will guide you to the best view near you and let you know what restrictions will be in place on the night. Learn about the history of this iconic event and some of the new and exciting changes this year. To help you plan ahead:

Choose a spot

Use the Vantage Point Map to choose the place from where you want to watch the fireworks well ahead of time.

How to get there and home again

Public transport and walking are the only ways to travel on New Year’s Eve, so leave your car at home. Refer to the Public Transport page for details about 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, discreetly write your mobile phone number on your child’s arm so you can be contacted if your child becomes lost.

What to bring and what to leave at home

  • Sydney New Year’s 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 for 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 riding a bike, 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.