New Year’s Eve: Best spots to view Sydney fireworks
Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks will go ahead despite rising Covid infections. Here are the best spots to see the fireworks across the city.
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It’s been a hell of a year, but there’s one thing Sydneysiders can count on - a cracker fireworks display to ring in the new year.
After two years of Covid dampening celebrations, organisers have promised this year will be bigger and better than ever, restoring Sydney to its rightful place as one of the world’s best places to enjoy the fireworks.
But if you’ve left your New Year’s Eve plans to the last minute, we’ve got you covered.
Time to kick off your heels, pop some bubbly and welcome in 2022 - here’s where you can enjoy the best fireworks this NYE.
LIVING LARGE
To get a prime viewing position of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as they erupt into sparkling lights at 9pm and midnight, try some of these locations.
Botanic Garden: The Point
This adult-only New Year’s celebration is a feast turned dance party once the sun goes down.
Not only is there a prime vantage point for the firework action at 9pm and midnight, but you’ll also score a three course feed including entree, main and dessert- you choose where to sit from a raft of options.
Once the night arrives, live DJs and musicians will keep you dancing until midnight by blasting some tunes, while you can drink and be merry thanks to onsite licensed bars.
TICKETS: $385
Botanic Garden: Taronga Zoo
Renowned for one of the best views of Sydney Harbour and its NYE events, a night ringing in 2022 at the zoo is a popular luxury option for couples, families and friends.
With three outdoor picnic events to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice no matter your budget, with different inclusions offered depending on which one you pick.
For an extra fee, you can also buy a gourmet food hamper to share.
TICKETS: $195-$600
Botanic Garden: Bridgeview
One of the cheapest fancy ways to live it large this NYE, Bridgeview at the Botanical Gardens offers it all at one of the closest vantage points to see the fireworks pop off.
Your ticket grants you access to the Tarpeian Lawn, which is perfect for a picnic blanket, as well as a gourmet hamper of goodies to fill your belly during celebrations.
There’s also live entertainment and a licensed bar to get your beverages from.
TICKETS: $260
THE CHEAP SEATS
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a million dollar view this New Year’s Eve.
Barangaroo Reserve, Millers Point
Ring in 2022 with sweeping harbourside views from the western face of Sydney Harbour.
There will be food and drinks available to purchase, so no BYO, but families, couples and friends alike can enjoy the lights show together on picnic blankets or chairs on the grassy lawn.
TICKETS: $20.90- $46.90
Campbells Cove, The Rocks
About as close to the action as you can get.
You’ll sit east of The Rocks, just north of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, with views of both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
No alcohol is allowed for purchase or BYO, and only picnic blankets are allowed, so leave the camp chairs at home this NYE.
TICKETS: $10-$25
Sydney Opera House
The perfect spot if you want to be right in the middle of it all.
Seated on the west side of the Opera House itself, punters won’t miss a second of the action with uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge despite sharing the space with 3000 others.
You can enjoy alcohol here, but no BYO, and you can either buy or bring your own snacks for the evening.
TICKETS: $10 to $25
FREE SPOTS
You’ll need to get in quick to snag a seat at these prime viewpoints, but they’re perfect for a family night to celebrate NYE.
Blues Point Reserve, McMahons Point
Entry to this fireworks vantage point is completely free and family friendly, with Sydneysiders encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and park themselves on the grass to enjoy the show with panoramic views west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
No alcohol is permitted at the reserve, and there’s no on-site food, so bring your own.
Bradfield Park & Mary Booth Reserve, Milsons Point
It’s hard to get much closer to the action than this.
The large open spaces and overhead views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House make this section of North Sydney parkland a crowd favourite for firework viewing.
There’s no alcohol allowed here, and BYO food, but you and 1,500 other people will have the best free seats in the house.
Lavender Bay Parklands, Lavender Bay
The trio of Clark, Quibaree and Watt Parks in this precinct make for great views of the Harbour Bridge come 9pm or midnight.
Portable chairs and alcohol aren’t allowed, so bring a picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy the show once it gets dark.
McKell Park, Darling Point
It’s a little further from the action than other spots but this harbourside spot isn’t to be counted out.
The historical vantage point has superb harbour views and well manicured gardens and lawns to enjoy until after dark.
LOCAL FIREWORKS
If trekking into the city for the fireworks isn’t for you, here’s some local displays to keep you entertained.
Liverpool
For the second year running, Liverpool Council’s Light Up The Sky celebration will entertain local residents who want to enjoy a fireworks display closer to home in a Covid-safe way.
Fireworks will be set off at six different sites in Hammondville, Moorebank, Sadleir, Casula, Prestons and West Hoxton from 9pm, so as many locals as possible will get to enjoy the show.
And for people who want to stay right at home, the Council’s Facebook page will livestream the festivities.
Parramatta
The hardest part will be picking a spot if you ring in NYE in Parramatta.
Old Toongabbie, Northmead, North Parramatta, Dundas Valley and Ermington are each hosting December 31 events, and will all have a 9pm fireworks display.
Local food trucks will be onsite for snacks, but you can also BYO picnic to enjoy the festivities.
Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for kids under 12.
Randwick
Coogee Sparkles by Randwick Council is back on, bringing a 20-minute fireworks display to the eastern suburbs at 9pm.
The family-friendly event at Coogee Beach and surrounds will include activities for kids like face painting, street performers and live music.
There will not be any food or beverage stalls, but local businesses will be offering takeaway, and you can always BYO picnic, camp chairs and a small sunshade.
Wollongong
South Coast revellers will also score a taste of the action, with fireworks to light up Wollongong Harbour during the local area’s NYE celebrations.
While festivities themselves will be quiet- people are encouraged to enjoy the fireworks from within their cars or homes- the display will kick off about 9pm.
A soundtrack for the show will play through local radio station i98FM during the display.
For those visiting Belmore Basin, images will be projected on the Wollongong Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse from 8.30 to 10.30pm.
Northern Beaches
Anyone celebrating NYE on the Northern Beaches will have four fireworks displays to choose from.
Manly, Dee Why and Frenchs Forest will host lights shows from 9pm, while at Bayview there will be two cracking displays at 9pm and midnight to ring in 2022.
Families, couple or anyone keen on the festivities can bring a picnic blanket and some snacks and sit back to enjoy the action once it gets dark.
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