Sydney, NSW guide to huge $151m NYE celebration
New Year’s Eve is back — bigger and better than ever! No more social distancing or crowd restrictions — Sydney will usher in 2024 with more pomp and fanfare than we’ve seen in decades. See our list of where to celebrate.
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New Year’s Eve is set to be a $151m party in Sydney with the biggest celebrations since Covid struck.
Following a tumultuous three years of pandemic-ridden NYEs, with social distancing and crowd restrictions, the world will usher in 2024, starting with Sydney.
Not only is the Emerald City one of the first in the world to ring in the new year, but organisers are promising NYE celebrations like no other. Restrictions introduced during the pandemic will be dropped entirely, giving more people the opportunity to view and enjoy Sydney’s fireworks display.
And with free access to many vantage points around the harbour and ticketing scrapped for most City of Sydney sites, organisers are expecting more than one million revellers to descend on the city.
Business NSW estimates NYE celebrations will bring $151m of additional revenue to the NSW hospitality industry, with Sydney accounting for two-thirds of this.
“This year, all the public spaces around Sydney Harbour are free entry — compared to last year when people needed to pay anything from $12.50 to $520,” Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said.
“This will no doubt supercharge celebrations for more than 60,000 Sydneysiders and visitors.
“While hospitality businesses will be working on overdrive, other industries such as retail and personal services (hair, nails, etc) are set to also benefit from NYE celebrations.
“After a tough year amid a cost-of-living crisis, this is just the tonic that retailers needed as a launching pad for better economic times in 2024.”
The harbourside city’s official fireworks will explode at 9pm and midnight. For the first time in the event’s history, AI technology will be used to create animated segments projected on to the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pylons.
Most sites will be free, but some will be ticketed to manage numbers, including the Cahill Expressway, which is balloted, Clark, Goat and Shark islands, Strickland Estate and Bradley’s Head (Mast Precinct, Athol Lawn, Amphitheatre). Separate paid harbour events include Taronga Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden’s Foundation and Friends NYE Picnic.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said “we are anticipating a return to audiences at levels similar to those before the restrictions of the pandemic”.
“I encourage people to arrive early to get the best spot to view the evening’s celebrations,” she said. “Pack water, food, sun protection and wear good walking shoes. You can find information on all 49 vantage points, including live updates on capacity, on www.sydneynewyearseve.com.”
Justin Hemmes, whose Merivale portfolio spans more than 80 brands and venues, said after years of muted celebrations, next Sunday would be epic.
“If the last few weeks are anything to go by, it’s going to be the biggest NYE and NYD we’ve seen in years,” the Merivale chief executive said. “The atmosphere around the city over the last few weeks has been infectious; people are out in droves celebrating.
“We’ve got a huge line-up of live music and parties planned right across Sydney. The Newport and Coogee Pavilion are my hot picks for NYE with DJs and fireworks.”
Arguably one of the hottest venues in town is Shell House.
“I don’t think any city celebrates NYE quite like we do here in Sydney,” The Point Group chief executive Brett Robinson said.
“All of us at Shell House love making our contribution to the vibrancy of our city.”
Additional reporting Karlie Rutherford
CATCH THE FUN NEAR YOU
CBD
House of 66 NYE Soiree, The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar + Tiva, 66 King St, Sydney
The Full House experience begins at the Brasserie with a French 75 cocktail, access to the soiree next door at The Charles Bar, where a DJ will play until late. There’ll be a Moet & Chandon Champagne tower to celebrate at midnight. Finish the night at the mirror-ball-themed afterparty downstairs at Tiva, with live entertainment by DJ Frank Booker, who DJed for Prince, and friends until 4am. Tickets cost $180pp.
W Sydney
Highlights include a late-night, five-course dessert degustation and free-flowing Champagne by the rooftop infinity pool in a private cabana, accompanied by live DJ sets by W Sydney’s resident music curator, Matt Hryniuk aka Nukewood. Prices from $98-$3500.
Opera Bar/House Canteen
This party at House Canteen, on the lower concourse of the Sydney Opera House, which costs $450pp, is already sold out. And so is Opera Bar, which is the location of Kyle and Jackie O’s NYE party.
Pier One Hotel Underneath the Harbour Bridge
If you want to dine at The Gantry and watch the 9pm fireworks, the 8.30pm session costs $599 and includes welcome Champagne, canapes, and five-course set menu. With this final session, guests can add on Pier Party tickets for $190 pp and keep the night going with the NYE festivities and firework viewing. For those who have booked to stay the night in a private suite, a package costs $25k, including snacks, Champagne, beer, wine and a cocktail kit.
Lana – Chef Takeover
John Javier, named one of the UK’s hottest chefs, returns home to welcome in 2024 at Lana in Quay Quarters. Javiar, who opened Middle Eastern-inspired London restaurant and members’ club The Tent (at the end of the Universe) will re-create dishes from his 2016 acclaimed Surry Hills restaurant Master. Tickets are $249pp.
NORTHERN BEACHES
Manly Pavilion
Tickets for Manly Pavilion’s party start at $750 each and include a truffle-spiked, three-course menu filled with lobster, caviar and truffles, three hours of free-flowing Dom Perignon, music and fireworks views.
Manly Pacific
Manly’s recently revamped beachside hotel is putting on a soiree costing $75 each, with a glass of Champagne and degustation dinner at the hotel’s Bistro Manly. At the hotel’s bar, 55 North, a ’90s soundtrack from Kenobi will set the tone until 1pm.
WESTERN SYDNEY
Parramatta Park
The park will come alive with Sneaky Sound System headlining a free concert and event from 5-9.30pm. The family-friendly concert marks the return of NYE celebrations to the park.
Lady Banks Rooftop, Bankstown
The rooftop bar has views of the Harbour and the NYE fireworks all over the city, so has become a hotspot to spend NYE. Tickets cost $179 each.
WOLLONGONG
La La La’s, Bevanda Bar and The Prince
The NBL’s Illawarra Hawks take on the Adelaide 36ers on NYE at the WIN sports Entertainment Centre, tipping off at 5.30pm.
Elvis New Years Eve Concert at Oak Flats Bowling Club
A two-course meal from 7pm comes with a ticket.
NYE at North Gong Hotel Open Air Mini Festival
Homegrown bands such as Hockey Dad and Crocodylus will play across three stages.
Wollongong Harbour NYE Party
Music, entertainment and food trucks will be in Osborne Park and Belmore Basin from 5pm, with 9pm and midnight fireworks over the harbour/lighthouse.
Wollongong Summer Carnival
The event will run from Tuesday to January 8 from 4pm to 10pm. Kids can take part in crafts, putt-putt golf, dodgem cars and Inflatable World, before catching the 9pm and midnight fireworks.
MAITLAND
Maitland Fireworks
Head to Maitland Riverbank, Riverside carpark and RH Taylor Reserve, Lorn, from 5pm for this family-friendly event with live music, activities and a disco.
COFFS HARBOUR
Hoey Moey
NYE Bash at the Hoey Moey has band Dune Rats and other acts will perform in their home town.
NEWCASTLE
NYE 2023 at Queens Wharf, Newcastle Foreshore
More than 30,000 people are expected to head to Queens Wharf Precinct, Market St Lawn and The Station for a fireworks display at 9pm, aerobatic flyovers by Paul Bennet Airshows, a fire dancer show, bungee trampolines and food trucks.
Bartholomew’s NYE Spectacular
At “Newcastle’s No.1” NYE party, revellers will enjoy Bettie Bang Bang and her troupe of spectacular performers, with aerial acts, fire performers, circus sideshows and burlesque beauties. Tickets range from $199 to $259.
BYRON BAY
Soul St
The main thoroughfare of Jonson St will be closed off to cars to allow artisan and food stalls, roving performers and buskers. Markets will open from 4pm to midnight.
Ocean Shores Tavern
An ’80s Fever NYE party will take place at the Ocean Shores Tavern. Best-dressed prizes on offer.
FORSTER
Wallis Lake
Ring in 2024 with friends and family on the foreshore of Wallis Lake to watch the fireworks. There will be multiple vantage points from Tuncurry and Forster, with fireworks to launch to the south of the bridge.
CENTRAL COAST
Terrigal Pavilion
“The Pav’s” NYE will feature East London-based headlining act DJ Riva Starr and house DJs Cosmic Ken, Cabal DJs & Winston & Ferrero. The event kicks off at 3pm, with early bird tickets for $65. Tickets are available online at www.terrigalpavilion.com.au
Then on New Year’s Day, The Terrigal Pav will throw a recovery party starting at 3pm, with lunch available from noon. This non-ticketed event will feature local and national DJs.
Leagues Club Park, Gosford
Central Coast Council will bring a free celebration for locals to enjoy live music, entertainment for the kids, food vendors and a spectacular display of fireworks from 9pm.
Lost Paradise Music Festival
The festival will be in Glenworth Valley from Thursday to New Year’s Day. Acts such as Dom Dolla, Carl Cox, Pnau, Flume, Basement Jaxx and Lime Cordiale play.
Gosford Race Club
NYE races will run at the club, from noon to 5.30pm. There’s free entry for Central Coast residents, who are able to buy dining options.
PORT MACQUARIE
Sails Port Macquarie
A New Year’s Eve White party will take place at marina-side ballroom at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges. For $99, partygoers will receive a buffet dinner, drink upon arrival, and an energetic DJ to dance the night away.
TAMWORTH
Tangaratta Vineyards
Fun-loving Tamworth locals can make their way to the Tangaratta Vineyards Glitz & Glamour Masquerade Ball.The evening will kick off at 5.30pm for 6pm with an entry ticket getting you a grazing board and drink on arrival, main meal, live music from local talent OneJob plus a New Year’s countdown
TAREE
Enjoy live music at the Manning Riverstage and food stalls from 6pm, hosted by Rotary Club of Taree. Fireworks will launch from a barge opposite Queen Elizabeth Park at 9pm.
CRESCENT HEAD
Bring the family for a jumping castle, entertainment by DJ Terry, face painting, balloons and food and drinks at Kempsey RSL. Ingenia Holidays will host its annual fireworks at 9pm.
KIAMA
Kiama New Year’s Eve Sky Show will be held at Black Beach Reserve. Attendees can expect a kids’ carnival, lawn games, acoustic and roaming entertainment, and a live DJ. Food stalls, cafes and restaurants will serve until late along Eat St on Terralong and Sweet St on Shoalhaven.
SHOALHAVEN
New Year’s Eve races at the Shoalhaven Turf Club. Bistro and catering are available.
Bannisters by the Sea
Celebrate NYE with a poolside party at Bannisters by the Sea. There will be live entertainment from The Condiments and Westwind.
HUSKISSON
There will be two fireworks locations in Huskisson in tandem at 9pm (weather permitting). Huskisson shore (Owen St) and Huskisson Carnival (Tomerong St). The Huskisson Carnival includes rides and entertainment. Closes at 11pm.
BATEMANS BAY
Fireworks will be held at Corrigans Beach Reserve. The Bells Family Carnival – an annual affair since 1968 – will be held at Corrigan Beach.
MOSS VALE
You can spend NYE with your horse, with horseriding lessons available at the Southern Highlands Horsemanship.
KANGAROO VALLEY
New Year’s Eve fireworks will take place at the Friendly Inn. Kids under 13 are free and will be treated to slushies, fairy floss, popcorn, ice creams and sausage and steak sandwiches, a glow stick or a cheesy hotdog. Local DJ Tino will bring the tunes and there’ll be fireworks.
ULLADULLA
NYE Harbourside festival started in 2005 and has grown into a family-friendly event, from Friday to Wednesday. It include rides, activities, a food market, cultural dance performance and a 9pm fireworks display.
BOWRAL
Highland FM 100% Home Grown NYE Countdown Concert will be at Corbett Gardens. For $25, guests will dance to John Goodfellow and The Bare Bone and Dr Gumbo until midnight. Bring a picnic dinner and sit and dance among the light installations.
CAMPBELLTOWN
From 7pm until midnight, Koshigaya Park will have carnival rides, free face painting, showbags, food stalls and fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.
BATHURST
Panthers Bathurst will host a live performance by Mud Monkeys from 8pm to midnight. Last NYE at Club Medusa at the Oxford Hotel. DJs Kaos will play.
KATOOMBA
The Carrington Hotel will have a cocktail party in one of the few Victorian dining rooms left in the nation.
LITHGOW
Club Lithgow’s 1980s-style party with a live band.
ORANGE
NYE at the Oriana has a celebration in fancy cocktail salons with a five-course gala dinner.
DUBBO
The Dubbo Show Society and the Fletcher family will host the 2023 Dubbo fireworks display.
BROKEN HILL
A fireworks display will take place in the middle of Broken Hill with three bands from 6.30-845pm. There will be games for kids, silent disco set area and food stalls. Mt Gipps Hotel will hold a NYE party, featuring live band Bad Sneakers.
WAGGA WAGGA
From 6.30pm, this family-friendly event at Apex Park, Lake Albert, will have food trucks and a fireworks display at 9.30pm.
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