Vantage points map

Circular Quay east

  • Free
  • Alcohol prohibited
  • Toilets
  • Accessible
  • Popular
  • Sydney

Cushioned neatly on the promenade between The Rocks and the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay east has commanding views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge which is what makes it the perfect place to enjoy Sydney’s NYE fireworks.  No views of the Sydney Opera House.

  • A crowd watches fireworks over Sydney Harbour at night, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline illuminated in the background.
  • People watch fireworks over a river at night, standing along a palm-lined walkway with streetlights.
  • People watch fireworks over a city harbor at night; some stand by a railing, others sit on blankets. Bright lights and smoke fill the sky, with city buildings and a lit bridge in the background.
  • Colorful fireworks explode in the night sky over a waterfront cityscape, with silhouettes of people watching from the shore.

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Admission, hours and capacity

Admission

No ticket required.

You do not need to book or register to enter.

Hours

9am – 1am

Capacity

Holds up to 10,000 people

This venue reached capacity at 3:30pm in 2025

About the Site

  • Food and beverages

    You can buy food here or bring your own

  • Alcohol

    Alcohol isn’t allowed here

  • Toilets

    Toilets are available, including accessible facilities

  • Drinking water

    Drinking water stations are available

Restrictions

  • No glass
  • No camping
  • No sunshades
  • No pets
  • No busking
  • No drones
  • No re-entry
  • No portable chairs over 80cm tall
  • No BYO alcohol
Read the full conditions of entry

Accessibility

  • Accessible entrance and continuous path of travel
  • Transport less than 1km

Location & Access

Alfred Street, Sydney

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Managed by

Placemaking NSW

02 9240 8500 Website

Transport options

Getting here

  • Public transport is the best way to get around on New Year’s Eve with thousands of extra services running.
  • See road closure information.

  • Train

    The closest train station is Circular Quay. From 3pm trains will not be dropping off passengers. If you are arriving after 3pm, use Wynyard Train Station.

  • Metro

    The closest metro station is Martin Place, continue on foot.

  • Light rail

    Light rail services will not run to Circular Quay from 2pm.

  • Bus

    Buses will relocate to Martin Place from 12pm and Hyde Park from 5pm. Continue on foot to the harbour via Elizabeth Street or Macquarie Street.

  • Taxi

    Major roads in Circular Quay close from 2pm with some earlier morning closures in place. Plan ahead if catching taxis or rideshare

Getting home

  • See the Getting home from Sydney CBD area map.
  • Pedestrian diversions are in place on New Year’s Eve. The way you arrive, may be different to how you get home. Be prepared for a longer walk to transport hubs. Follow directions of staff and NSW Police on site. 

  • Train

    Circular Quay train station will be busy. Use Martin Place Train and Metro Station or St James Train Station instead, access from Macquarie Street or Phillip and Elizabeth Streets only. Access to Wynyard trains from King Street and George Street only.

  • Metro

    Use Martin Place Metro Station, access from Macquarie Street or Phillip and Elizabeth Streets only.

  • Light rail

    Light rail services to the south east will leave from Central only after 7pm.

  • Bus

    Buses leave from Wynyard, QVB and Hyde Park.

  • Bus

    Access to Wynyard buses is from King Street and George Street only.

  • Ferry

    Limited ferries run after the midnight fireworks, services will be busy so have a back up plan.

Plan your night

Fireworks viewing guide

What you need to know to enjoy the celebration harbourside.

View guide

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