Where to be on NYE

December 31 is the most eventful and event-filled night on the calendar anywhere, but especially in Sydney. At the centre of the celebrations is Sydney Harbour and all its related activities including that rather impressive fireworks display. But you don’t have to join the throng in the city. Most LGAs have got their own NYE program and they are actually pretty good. 

Let’s just start with the city seeing it is the biggest event. There are a variety of ticketed and free vantage points around the harbour and in opportune parks further out.  The map below gives an overview of the best vantage points, with red tags showing free, walk-in spots and yellow tags indicating ticketed (some paid, some free) entry. 

Get more details on vantage points – https://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points/

This year, all six Sydney national parks harbour-side sites will be open. One event is free, with tickets at the other sites ranging in price from $23 to $285. Drinks and food vary at each site.

Get more event information on the National Parks website.

The program for the Sydney NYE Fireworks is:

7:30pm  Smoking Ceremony
8:30pm Pylon projections and lighting effects
8:57pm Welcome to Country
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.
11pm  WorldPride •  Sydney welcomes WorldPride 2023 with a spectacular pylon projection and lighting display celebrating our community.
Midnight Fireworks • Launched from the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, several barges along the harbour, and also featuring a dazzling light display.

NYE celebrations in the suburbs tend to be more family focused, with their main fireworks display at 9pm, a variety of activities and entertainment and alcohol restrictions (although these vary). 

Parramatta
This year the festivities in Parramatta are being spread over five locations: Old Toongabbie, Winston Hills, North Parramatta, Dundas Valley, and Ermington.  Tickets cost $5 (free entry for kids under 2 years). Ticket holders will receive a complimentary gift on arrival. Gates open from 5pm at each site.
Visit  atparramatta.com/nye for more info. 

Northern Beaches
There are three major locations northside: Dee Why, Manly and Bayview. Dee Why and Manly will have fun and festivities and 9pm fireworks. Bayview will have fun and festivities and 9pm and midnight fireworks. For more details visit: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Eastern Suburbs
Coogee Sparkle has become a very popular option to the city event for families on the east side. The 9pm fireworks display in Coogee Bay is spectacular and there’s lots of roaming entertainment in Goldstein Reserve before and after. You can bring a picnic dinner or buy food from one of the retail outlets outside the event area. Strictly no alcohol inside the event area. 
For more details, visit:www.randwick.nsw.gov.au