Things to do

What you need to know about Sydney New Year's Eve 2023

All the information you need to enjoy the fireworks harbourside.

Sydney New Year’s Eve 2022. Image: Keith McInnes

Sydney New Year's Eve - Keith McInnes
Sydney New Year's Eve - Keith McInnes

Most vantage points are free and do not require tickets

If you're watching the fireworks on the harbour, don't leave it too late! Get in early to secure your spot.

Use the vantage point map to find information for each location.  Make sure you know the opening times and restrictions.

City of Sydney managed vantage points are: 

All of these locations are free. Entry is on a first come first served basis so make sure you arrive early together. Plan ahead and visit the official NYE website for live updates.

What you can bring to vantage points

Please ensure you’re familiar with what you can and can’t bring to your vantage point. Some locations will have food trucks but for others there will be no food for sale, so it’s best to bring a picnic.

Some sites are alcohol-free, while others allow you to bring drinks and some have licensed bars.

There might also be rules about bringing items like umbrellas or sunshades – so it’s best to plan before you leave home.

See restrictions under your vantage point for further information.

What to expect on the night

7:30pm Smoking Ceremony

A ritual of purification and unity of smouldering native plants on the iconic vessels Tribal Warrior, Mari Nawi and Wirawi. Produced by Tribal Warrior Association.

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.

9pm Calling Country fireworks display

A celebration of sky, land and sea country, presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through music, dance and illustration. Produced by We Are Warriors.

9:15pm Sydney Harbour Lights

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

The 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 some of Sydney’s iconic landmarks.

See the full program.

Other events in the city

Not attending a vantage point? There’s more to do on New Year’s Eve. Find a great variety of events to celebrate on What’s On.

Experience Sydney New Year’s Eve from home

If you plan to party at home, tune in on TV or online. 

ABC will broadcast live from Sydney Harbour at 8:30pm. 

The 9pm Calling Country and midnight fireworks will be live streamed. 

You can also tune in to KIIS 1065. 

Extra public transport services

The best way to travel on New Year’s Eve is by public transport, with extra services running and major road closures in place. 

See the latest public transport information to help plan your journey on the night. 

Leave the car at home

It's best to leave your car at home. Road closures will be in place in the city centre on New Year's Eve. 

Latest news and updates

The Sydney New Year's Eve website will be updated with the latest event information and vantage point capacity updates. 

Published 1 December 2022, updated 27 December 2023