Vantage points map

Illoura Reserve

  • Free
  • BYO alcohol allowed
  • Toilets
  • Accessible
  • Balmain East

A very popular site with good views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

  • A white sailboat travels on the water near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with city buildings and trees visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge under a blue sky with scattered clouds, city skyline on the left, and a small boat on the harbor water in the foreground.
  • Grassy park area with trees next to a river, city buildings visible across the water, and blue sky overhead.
  • A small terraced park with wooden benches, stone retaining walls, trees, paths, and houses along the upper edge. Two people sit near the center on the stone seating steps.
  • Ferry docked at a pier with grassy park in the foreground and city skyline in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

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Admission, hours and capacity

Admission

No ticket required.

You do not need to book or register to enter.

Hours

8am – 1:30am

Capacity

Holds up to 2,850 people

About the Site

  • Food and beverages

    You can buy food here or bring your own

  • Alcohol

    You can bring your own alcohol

  • Toilets

    Toilets are available, including accessible facilities

  • Drinking water

    Drinking water stations are available

Restrictions

  • No drones
  • No camping
  • No busking
  • Sunshades must be taken down at sunset

Accessibility

  • Accessible entrance and continuous path of travel

Location & Access

Darling Street, Balmain East

Open in Google Maps

Managed by

Inner West Council

02 9392 5000 Website

Transport options

Getting here

  • Some roads into the Balmain and Birchgrove Peninsula will close from 3pm. After 7pm, access is for resident passholders only.
  • See the road closure map and real-time traffic updates at livetraffic.com

  • Bus

    Buses will continue to operate to and from Balmain and Birchgrove unless directed otherwise due to large crowds.

  • Ferry

    Ferries stop running on the harbour by 5:30pm.

Getting home

  • 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.

  • Bus

    Follow signage and directions of NSW Police towards bus services leaving the area towards the city and inner west suburbs.

  • Ferry

    Limited ferries will operate from Balmain East after the midnight fireworks.

Plan your night

Fireworks viewing guide

What you need to know to enjoy the celebration harbourside.

View guide

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