Secret hotel rooftop to watch Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks from

It’s been a rough two years for Aussies and Sydney knows this, pulling out all the stops for their world-famous New Year’s Eve celebration.

The Covid pandemic has made it a difficult two years for most Aussies but with New Year’s Eve just around the corner, Sydney is promising to ring in 2022 with its biggest fireworks display in history.

The burgeoning northern beaches cluster last year triggered the cancellation of many events throughout the city and those that still happened were ticketed for a lucky few.

But this year, organisers have promised to make the world-famous fireworks display bigger and better than ever for the thousands of people expected to descend on the city.

The family-friendly Welcome to Country fireworks, curated by First Nations artist Blak Douglas, will kick off at 9pm.

Then, three hours later, Sydney will again prove why its fireworks are regarded as some of the world’s best when the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and barges throughout the harbour erupt with pyrotechnics.

This year’s fireworks are going to be the state’s biggest. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images

And while there are endless options to see the iconic show, these are some of the best ways to do it.

Sydney Harbour Marriott

In a bid to win the New Year’s crowd, Sydney Harbour Marriott is pulling out all the stops and unlocking its secret rooftop on the 34th floor for a limited number of guests to see the fireworks.

The hotel promises breathtaking views from the rooftop with Harbour Bridge view rooms available from $1959 a night.

The package also includes a seven-course degustation at the hotel’s renowned restaurant Silvester’s.

Four Seasons Sydney

Four Seasons is in one of the best locations for Sydney’s fireworks with panoramic views over the harbour, Circular Quay and the Rocks. The hotel is also offering tickets to First Fleet Park for the firework display.

Shangri-La Sydney

One of Sydney’s top hotels, the Shangri-La also offers sweeping views of Sydney’s fireworks as you sit from your room and watch the Harbour Bridge light up at midnight.

Harbourview rooms are available from $995 a night, with a two-night minimum stay over New Year’s.

Shangri-La is also doing a number of New Year’s Eve dining experiences with the hotel’s Altitude restaurant, 36 floors above the harbour, offering an eight-course dining experience with wine pairing for $2250 with a guaranteed window seat.

Or, if you’d rather enjoy the views from your own room, the hotel is also offering in-room dining options.

Sydney is one of the first cities to welcome 2022. Picture: Mick Tsikas

Rydges Sydney Harbour

Located in the heart of Sydney’s historic Rocks district, the Rydges also offers perfect views for the fireworks with vistas of the opera house and harbour bridge.

Sydney Luxury Cruise

If you’d rather watch the fireworks from the water, Sydney Luxury Cruise offers a number of options for boat enthusiasts.

The MV Bel has space for up to six people and is modelled off a traditional Venetian style motor cruiser.

The cruise goes from 7pm to 1am, includes a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival and is BYO for food and beverages. It costs $8500 for a group of six.

The company is also running a cruise on MV Salute, that fits you and 11 of your friends.

For $10,000, you’ll get six hours on the harbour to watch both the 9pm and midnight fireworks.

Best spots to watch the fireworks from The Rocks

The Rocks has some of the best vantage points in the city to watch this year’s fireworks and has six ticketed spots.

• Campbell’s Cove ($25 for adults, $10 for children/concession)

• East Circular Quay ($25 for adults, $10 for children/concession)

• West Circular Quay ($25 for adults, $10 for children/concession)

• Dawes Point Park ($12.50 for adults, $7.50 for children/concession)

• Wharf 2 ($25 for adults, $10 for children/concession)

• Hickson Road Reserve ($50 for adults, $25 for children/concession)

Only those with tickets to these six places or with confirmed tickets to a restaurant, bar or hotel booking (and residents) will be able to enter The Rocks.

Dine and Discover vouchers can be used on the tickets.

Best Botanic Gardens events to watch the fireworks

Few places in Sydney offer better views than the Royal Botanic Gardens, with the sprawling park accounting for a huge part of Sydney Harbour.

This year, the garden is hosting five different events, with each ranging in price and experience.

• The Point – Located on the water’s edge, you’ll get a front-row seat to this year’s fireworks. For $385, you’ll have access to live entertainment, food, bars and fireworks views from 5.30pm to 1am.
  
• Bridgeview – Located on Tarpein Lawn, you’ll be surrounded by pop-up bars and food and will be given a gourmet picnic hamper on arrival. The event costs $260 per ticket.
  
• Lawn with the view – If you wanted a relaxed event, Bennelong Lawn is hosting a waterside picnic for New Year’s Eve revellers. Tickets cost $260.
  
• Foundation and friends picnic – This exclusive picnic is for members of the Botanic Garden Foundation and their friends. The event takes place on the Mare and Foal Lawn and tickets cost $130.
  
• Harbour view gold – Do New Year’s how you want to celebrate by setting up your own spot at Mrs Macquaries Point. Tickets cost $150 and you’ll have access to wine bars, food trucks and amenities.
  
• Harbour view silver – If you wanted to save a bit of money, tickets to Mrs Macquaries Point are also available for $40, set a little further back in the park but perfect for large groups.