Boating

Planning to watch the fireworks from the harbour? Boating restrictions will be in place on New Year’s Eve. 

NYE at Bradleys Head: The Amphitheatre

Exclusion zone

Exclusion zones for New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour are marked by yellow boundary buoys and patrolled by maritime authorities, the police and marine rescue. 

An exclusion zone will be in place between Balls Head and Bradleys Head and east of Cockatoo Island and Glebe Island. No unauthorised traffic will be allowed inside these zones from 8pm on New Year’s Eve to 12:45am on New Year’s Day.  

Refer to the boating map on the Maritime Sydney Harbour major events website for exclusion zone area, details on all the restrictions and recommended vantage areas.

Safely prepare your vessel by checking you have all the correct equipment on board, an appropriate lifejacket for all crew and passengers. Know where to locate your safety equipment in the event of an emergency. Check your navigation lights are correct and in good working order. Keep a proper lookout at all times. 

Visit the NSW Government website for more boating information.

Before the Fireworks

Plan Ahead:

  • With 6-knot speed limit from 3pm and exclusion zones active from 8pm, allow extra time to reach your viewing spot.

  • Popular areas like Farm Cove and Athol Bay fill up fast.

  • Note: Vessels over 15m are not permitted in Farm Cove.

Recommended Vantage Points:

  • North-West: Clarkes Point, Balls Head, Berrys Bay, Lavender Bay

  • South-West: Mort Bay, Ballast Point, Snails Bay, White Bay, Blackwattle Bay

  • North-East: Kurraba Point, Cremorne Point, Neutral Bay, Mosman Bay, Athol Bay

  • South-East: Farm Cove, Woolloomooloo Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay.

Wharf and foreshore access 

Road closures, alcohol-free zones and glass bans will be in place around many wharves. Visit the NSW Government website for details on wharf closures.