New Years Eve in Sydney

Heading to the sunny shores of Sydney to celebrate new year's eve? You'll find tons of fun and unique experiences in the city that suit all shapes and sizes. Check out our guide to New Year's Eve in Sydney, and see our top picks for things to do to make it a special one!

Including:

• Sydney Opera House
• Cockatoo Island NYE Bash
• NYE Fireworks
• Taronga Zoo
• and more!

Gala at the Sydney Opera House

Embody opulence like some kind of Aussie Jay Gatsby and suit up for a night at the opera. Not actual opera, mind you, but instead a dazzling night of New Year's Eve celebrations in the Sydney Opera House!

Wine and dine at the Opera House's Bar, where you'll enjoy unlimited drinks. Then, dance through the night as DJs and live performers take to the stage, before finally heading onto the viewing platform to see the city's fireworks display ring in the new year. Plus, if you want to take a tour of the premises in the days after your new year's bonanza, why not take a tour of the opera house?

If you'd rather fix your own fun and pour your own drinks, there are other ways to enjoy the city's fireworks display...

NYE Fireworks

So let's talk about them! Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks are famous across the country. Featuring two shows - one before midnight for families, and another at midnight for those of us with the constitution to stay up late - it brings folks from all across Australia and beyond.

If you'd rather find your own place to check them out, there are plenty of free spots throughout the city where you'll get great views and smaller crowds. Head to Campbells Cove in the Rocks, Hickson Road Reserve, Pirrama Park, or Beare Park and make a night of it. As Australia is south of the equator, their NYE takes place in the middle of summer, so it'll be the perfect time to set up a picnic and relax as the fireworks go off when the clock strikes 12.

Cockatoo Island NYE Bash

If you're looking for a wilder time to see in the new year, why not head to Sydney's famous Cockatoo Island for its lively NYE Bash?

You'll get a ferry over to the coveted island, where you'll get a meal, drinks, and enjoy a perfect view of the fireworks over Sydney's harbor. Then, after midnight, you'll have access to the island's exclusive club, where you can sing, dance, and drink the night away. DJs and live performances will go through into the early hours, which is sure to make it an NYE to remember.

Ring in the NYE at Taronga Zoo

The last place you may expect to find New Year's Eve shenanigans is in a zoo, but Sydney does things a little differently. Enter Taronga Zoo, which opens its doors to an annual family-friendly New Year's bash.

Little ones will appreciate the wide range of entertainment on offer, and us adults will be settling in with some primo drinks from the many bars. And, lucky for you, when the fireworks ring out, you'll be in the perfect place to drink them in.

Fancy bringing your own food? You can! Stock up on bites and non-alcoholic beverages and set up a viewing picnic of your own.

NYE @ The Point, Royal Botanic Garden

Another top pick for New Year's Eve in Sydney is found over at the Royal Botanic Gardens, where midnight shenanigans bring punters from all over town to indulge in new year's vices.

Your ticket ensures you'll enjoy free food and beverages throughout the night. And, thanks to a wealth of live music, licensed bars, and some of the best fireworks views in the city, you'll be ringing in the new year with a smile.

New Year's Sydney Harbour Cruise

What's better than seeing the grand fireworks festival from the shore? Why, seeing it on the water, of course! Board your vessel, and get ready for a new year's experience you won't soon forget.

Not only will you be treated to both the early fireworks and the midnight bonanza, but you'll also be wined and dined like never before. Everything's included in the ticket price, so once you board, you'll have a slap-up meal, unlimited drinks, and endless bites throughout the evening.

And, thanks to some fantastic entertainment on board, you'll have the time of your life.

Fun-Filled Family NYE Celebrations at Centennial Park

If you've got the little ones in tow, you'll want a family-friendly environment to ensure their tiny minds aren't too warped by new year's debauchery. Never fear; Centennial Park is here!

Celebrations take place from 7PM - 10PM, so they'll see the first fireworks show but be tucked up in bed before the midnight showing. And aside from the astounding display of light and sound, they'll also enjoy heaps of BBQ food, live music, games, and other kid-centric activities.

While they're doing that, feel free to imbibe a few beverages, with plenty of beer, wine, and cocktails on offer.

NYE 2023 at Bondi Beach

And finally, if you want to soak up some sun, sand, and surf to see in the new year, then head to Australia's famous Bondi Beach and join in on the celebrations.

It's arguably an adults-only affair, though not as a rule. However, you don't want to be the one to bring the kids along and drag down the otherwise uninhibited mood!

For us grown-ups, NYE at Bondi Beach feels a bit like Spring Break, with tons of young adults filling the coast and partying til the early hours.

And that's everything you need to know about celebrating New Year's Eve in Sydney! But why stop there? If you're already visiting Australia's unofficial capital, make the most of it and go exploring! There are lots of things to see and do, and with Go City, you get all of Sydney's best bits for one low price. Check out our Explorer Pass and see how much you can save.