New Years Eve in Sydney

New Years Eve in Sydney

By Dom Bewley

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!
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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Day Trips from Sydney
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Best Day Trips from Sydney

If you're visiting Sydney this year and want to explore the surrounds, check out our guide to the best day trips from the city and get exploring! Including: How many days in Sydney is enough? Is 7 days in Sydney too long? Is it worth visiting Bondi Beach? Best Day Trips from Sydney How many days in Sydney is enough? At the lower end, we'd recommend you spend at least four days in Sydney, especially if you're also planning on taking a day trip or two out of the city. There is a metric ton of fun to be had in and around Sydney, and with four days, you'll have time to do enough of it. Is 7 days in Sydney too long? If you want to include day trips, seven days is more than enough time to explore the city and all the fun places around it. With a ton of recognizable landmarks to visit and snap, and plenty of lesser-known spots to check out, it will be seven days well spent. Is it worth visiting Bondi Beach? Bondi Beach is arguably Australia's most famous sandy retreat, with flocks of locals and tourists visiting each year to catch sweet waves, soak up some sun, or just go for a swim. With a medley of clubs, bars, and other nighttime revelry going on in the area, you can even make a day of it. Just know that you will be rubbing shoulders with a lot of people, and if you'd rather have a more secluded beach spot, you'll want to look elsewhere. Best Day Trips from Sydney: Palm Beach Travel time: One hour At the crown of Sydney's Northern Beaches lies Palm Beach, a delightful beach featuring golden sands and crystal-clear water. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of Sydney's busier beaches, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind away from prying eyes. En route, stop off at The Boathouse for coffee and scones, then head to the colloquially termed "Palmy" and lay your towel. Soak up the rays, take a dip, or go exploring - your choice! For the latter, adventurers can check out Battenjoey Lighthouse, the Aquatic Reserve, then head up through Smugglers Track and enjoy the magnificent views of the beach and the bay. If there was ever a more 'Grammable location, we've not yet found it. Best Day Trips from Sydney: Royal National Park Travel time: One hour If you're looking for a little forest exploration on your day trip from Sydney, then why not discover nearly 40 acres of lush bushland, clifftop trails, and secluded swimming spots at Sydney's Royal National Park? If you've got your walking boots on - and plenty of water and snacks - dare to walk to the 16-mile Coast Track. Along here, you'll see ancient art made by the native people, and see caves where they once took shelter. On the cliffs themselves, you'll find great spots to see humpback whales. They typically surface between May and November, so while it may be away from peak Aussie summer, you'll get some unforgettable snaps to show off back home! Best Day Trips from Sydney: The South Coast Travel time: Just over one hour If you want to see the sights from your car, then take the Grand Pacific Drive along the South Coast, where you'll see a ton of places to hop out and explore, as well as photo-ready scenes straight out of a movie. Drive over the mesmerizing Sea Cliff Bridge, and you'll be on your way to the charming seaside towns of Wollongong and Kiama. We'll talk about Wollongong in more detail beneath here, but suffice it to say that it's got a ton of beaches, seaside attractions, and things to see. Kiama, on the other hand, is famous for one thing: the Kiama Blowhole. This blowhole is created thanks to relentless waves passing beneath a hole in the cliff, creating a huge, foamy fountain that will make a social media story to remember. From there, you can try your toes on the Kiama Coast Walk, which will take you to some more secluded seaside spots, or play golf with an audience of kangaroos. Best Day Trips from Sydney: Wollongong Travel time: One and a half hours As we said above, let's talk about Wollongong. It's a beachy suburb around an hour and a half outside of Sydney, and it features a ton of things to do for both thrill-seekers and relaxation-seekers. If you've never tried surfing, head to the Illawarra Surf Academy and book a lesson. The waters around Wollongong are primed for wave-catching, and the experts at the surf academy will try their hardest to have you on your board in a couple of hours. You could also head just outside of Wollongong and go hang out with some exotic animals at Symbio Wildlife Park. Then, there's the beaches. Wollongong's population is a fraction of Sydney's, so you'll find a ton of pristine sand to go lay your towel, and plenty of sea to dip in without fear of crowds ruining your relaxation buzz. And hey, if you need to up the adrenaline, why not try your hand at skydiving? Best Day Trips from Sydney: Blue Mountains Travel time: Around two hours If you're looking for serene, verdant spaces and a whole load of nature to explore, you won't find many better places than the Blue Mountains. Featuring ancient forests, one of the best lookout spots in the country, and delicious food, it's easily one of the best day trips from Sydney. For your views and snaps, head to Echo Point Lookout and soak up the scenery, including the somewhat famous Three Sisters rock formations. Then, grab a few plates at Medlow Bath's opulent Hydro Majestic Hotel, which offers afternoon tea with an Art Deco aesthetic. And those were our picks of the best day trips from Sydney! If you're looking for fun-filled activities to fill up the rest of your vacation itinerary, check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass, you can see all the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples
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Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples

If you're looking for things to do in Sydney for adults and couples, you've come to the right place! Below, we list some of the best grown-up experiences available, from dinner cruises to surfing. So read on and get planning! Including: Is Sydney Australia romantic? Is Sydney an expensive city? How many days do you need in Sydney? Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples Is Sydney Australia romantic? With plenty of shining sun, a whole harbor to explore, and plenty of romantic experiences to enjoy, Sydney is certainly a romantic city! Really, you can make it as romantic - or platonic - as possible! Is Sydney an expensive city? Sydney is a fairly expensive city, with the Economist Intelligence Unit - or EIU - declaring it the 10th most expensive city on the planet. Food, accommodation, and everyday services are on the steeper side, so it's just as well you can get great deals on all of Sydney's best bits with Go City! How many days do you need in Sydney? We recommend you spend at least four days in the city to see and do everything we recommend down below. Some are evening experiences, others are during the day, so the more time you spend in Sydney, the better you can space them out! Outside of our recommendations, Sydney is a huge city full of things to do, so you'll want to make the most of your visit. Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples: Sunset Views & Twilight Hues Cruise Let's kick things off with a bit of romance, shall we? This sunset dinner cruise for two will let you see the sights, stare into each other's souls, and enjoy a lovely meal and drinks while you're at it. You'll sail past the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, see the Opera House from the water, enjoy views of Fort Denison, and even pass the wealthy properties along the shoreline. Food-wise, both carnivores and herbivores are well catered for, with fish and chicken dishes for the former, and salad and gnocchi for the latter. So, no matter your palate, you're in for a romantic treat like no other! Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples: Two-Hour Whale Watching Cruise If you prefer your seabound trips to feature some nature, why not check out a whale-watching cruise? Board a luxury liner, replete with snacks and plenty of viewing areas, listen to your expert guide as they inform you of the types of whales you'll see, their migration patterns, and signs they're close by, and then enjoy the show! Though humpback whales are the most common species seen near Sydney's shores, you may luck out and spy orcas, blue whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins during your trip. Make sure to snap plenty of pictures when these majestic creatures break through to the surface! There's nothing quite like seeing these majestic creatures with your own eyes, so this cruise should definitely be on your itinerary! Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples: The Sydney Opera House Tour One doesn't simply walk into Sydney without visiting the famous Opera House! Arguably one of the most iconic modern buildings on the planet, the Sydney Opera House is a sight to behold, both inside and out. If you want to learn more about its design, inspiration, and construction, why not take a tour and learn all about it? Learn how a group of architects, engineers, and artists came together to build this architectural and engineering masterpiece. Discover the characters involved throughout its construction and design, how the building evolved over the years, and learn how important it is to not just Sydney but Australia as a whole. All of that in just under an hour? Not bad at all. Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples: Maroubra Surf Sydney is famous for its beaches and harbor, so it's hardly surprising that surfing makes its way on our list of things to do in the city for adults and couples! Anyone with a passing interest in Aussie soaps like Neighbours and Home & Away knows that surfing is the beating heart of Aussie recreation, so why not take a dip in the water and see what all the fuss is about? Whether you're a bonafide surfing legend or an inexperienced beginner, it's the perfect opportunity to hop in the water. Maroubra is on the quieter side of Australia's beaches, meaning you'll have fewer people to contend with when trying to rip tide, or whatever surfers do. And, with us, you'll get surfboard and wetsuit rental included, as well as sunscreen to ensure you don't burn to a crisp! Now go and hang ten, dude! Gnarly. Things to do in Sydney for Adults and Couples: True Crime Tour Australia's colonization was led by prison labor, so it's no surprise that it has a rather gruesome history when it comes to crime. And, with true crime taking the world by storm at the moment, why not take this tour and learn about Sydney's seedy underbelly? Venture through some of Sydney's oldest areas, like The Rocks, and discover the dark and violent crimes that occurred there throughout history. Your knowledgeable guide will be on hand every step of the way, making sure you don't miss out on any gruesome detail! But it's not all blood and guts! The Rocks has transformed into a rather lovely neighborhood in the intervening years, with some of the country's oldest buildings juxtaposed with modern design to give the area a unique feel. So, make sure you bring a camera to grab some snaps! And those were our recommendations for things to do in Sydney for adults and couples! Of course, Sydney is a massive city filled to the brim with fun, so if you want some more vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary, check out the other offerings with Go City! With our Explorer Pass, you can see all of Sydney's bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Wooden walkway at Bondi Beach in Sydney
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Stuart Bak
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