Event program

7.30pm

Smoking Ceremony

A sacred Smoking Ceremony on the Harbour conducted by Tribal Warrior. The Smoking Ceremony is a ritual of purification and unity, cleansing the space for the new year.

8.30pm

Pylon projections and lighting effects

Projections enliven the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons throughout the night. Lighting effects on the eastern side dazzle the harbour foreshore.

8.57pm

Welcome to Country

Gadigal Elders from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council welcome visitors to Gadigal land.

A mother and child watch the fireworks in awe among other spectators.

9pm

Calling Country fireworks

Calling Country fireworks celebrate the local histories and contemporary experiences of Indigenous storytellers through art, song, sound, and dance. As a way of Calling Country, the selection of artists brings connections between the land, water and sky to reflect on the past, and grow stronger into the future.

9.15pm

Sydney Harbour Lights

Boats adorned with lights create a visual spectacle as they glide across the harbour. Produced by the Commercial Vessels Association.

Search lights point into the night sky with illuminated sailing ships and boats on the harbour in front of the Sydney Opera House.

11pm

WorldPride

Sydney welcomes WorldPride 2023 with a spectacular pylon projection and lighting display celebrating our community.

Midnight

Fireworks

Ring in the new year with the world’s best fireworks show featuring pyrotechnics launched from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and barges in the harbour.

Watch a live stream or tune in to the synchronised simulcast on KIIS 1065.

Fireworks explode from the arch of an illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge with the harbour packed with spectator vessels.