It’s never too early to be prepared, and when it comes to contending for the best spot to get your New Year’s Eve fireworks fix – the sooner, the better!
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is renowned for being one of the most impressive in the world, and while many of the best vantage points used to be reserved for high-paying ticket holders, the City of Sydney put an end to that recently, opening up the prime viewing spots to the general public.
Once you’ve got your New Year’s Eve outfit sorted, you can start to think about where you’ll be heading. Luckily for you, the marie claire team have scoured the internet to bring you a wrap up of sites around Sydney to secure the best (free) fireworks-viewing spots.
Free Places To Watch The New Year’s Eve Fireworks In Sydney
Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve is one of the closest vantage points to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, with panoramic views of the fireworks and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Because of it’s prime position, City of Sydney recommends you get there before 7pm to avoid missing out on a spot.
Open Hours: 12pm – 12.45am
Address: Hickson Road, Millers Point
Capacity: 9000 people
Birchgrove Park
A family-friendly location away from the crowded city spots, Birchgrove Park in Sydney’s Inner-West has amazing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Open Hours: 8am – 1.30am
Address: Grove Street, Birchgrove
Capacity: 5000 people
Blues Point
One of the most popular spots to see the fireworks in Sydney on New Year’s Eve, Blues Point has views of both the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This is another one to get to early, with the council stating that last year, the site reached capacity just before 5pm.
Open Hours: 9am – 12:30am
Address: Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
Capacity: 8000 people
Bradfield Park & Mary Booth Reserve
Close to transport, with a much more open area than other spaces around Sydney, Bradfield Park is a popular spot for families and groups, but because of that, it’s recommended you get your seats before 5.30pm.
Open Hours: 9.30am – 12.30am
Address: Fitzroy Street, Milsons Point
Capacity: 16,000
Campbells Cove
East of The Rocks and north of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Campbell’s Cover offers another prime vantage spot to catch the New Year’s Eve fireworks. If you’re thinking about nabbing a spot here, then you might be in for a big day, as the council recommends getting there before 2.55pm, based on when the area reached capacity in 2023.
Open Hours: 9 am – 1 am
Address: Hickson Road, Sydney
Capacity: 11,000
Dawes Point (Tar-Ra) Park
You can’t get much closer to the Harbour Bridge than Dawes Point Park, but because of the proximity, it does impact the view. It’s definitely still worth the trip for the wow factor.
Open Hours: 9 am – 1 am
Address: Dawes Point Park, The Rocks
Capacity: 36,000
East Circular Quay
Between The Rocks and the Sydney Opera House, East Circular Quay has amazing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which makes it one of the most popular spots to view the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney. Note though, from the East side, you won’t be able to see the Sydney Opera House and you’ll need to get here before 2pm – which is when it reached capacity in 2023.
Open Hours: 9 am – 1 am
Address: Alfred Street, Sydney
Capacity: 9500
Hickson Rd Reserve
Hickson Rd Reserve is up there with the most iconic spots to view the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney. You’ll need to get here early to secure your spot before it reaches capacity, but because of its prime location, it’s definitely worth it. This is the one to beat if you want to impress any family or friends visiting from overseas or interstate.
Open Hours: 9 am – 1 am
Address: Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks
Capacity: 3000
Lookes Avenue Reserve
Despite this site being significantly smaller than others, it does fill up early with all the locals who know where to go. If you’re willing to get to the site before the surrounding areas are closed off to public transport – usually between 2-3pm – then you’re in for some stellar uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Open Hours: 8 am – 1.30 am
Address: Lookes Avenue, Balmain East
Capacity: 1000
McKell Park
This location might be small, but you’ll have guaranteed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with less noise and bustle than the other spots closer to the city.
Open Hours: 12 pm – 12.30 am
Address: Darling Point Road, Darling Point
Capacity: 1000
Mort Bay Park
Super popular with families, Mort Bay Park in Sydney’s Inner-West is a great spot to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As this vantage point is located in Birchgrove, the surrounding streets are closed to vehicles from 3pm onwards, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Open Hours: 8 am – 1.30 am
Address: Cameron Street, Birchgrove
Capacity: 3000
Rose Bay Foreshore
While this one is a little further away than others, the Rose Bay Foreshore still makes for a great spot to spend New Year’s Eve, especially if you’re wanting to watch as a group. Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine (or two) and setting in for the night, so a calmer way to experience New Year’s Eve.
Open Hours: 3 pm – 12.30 am
Address: Calendonia Road, Rose Bay
Capacity: 3000
While these vantage points aren’t an exhaustive list, as the countdown to New Year’s continues, we’ll keep updating the page as more information becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
