Wondering where the best spots to watch the New Year’s Eve Sydney Fireworks will be in 2025? You can either pay for a ticketed event or take advantage of the many free vantage points around Sydney Harbour. Here’s everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve Sydney Fireworks.
Want to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks this year? The spectacle over Sydney Harbour is quite magical, and there are many different vantage points where you can take in the view – many of which are on Sydney’s North Shore! We list the best free (and ticketed) vantage points to watch the NYE Fireworks.
If you want to take the kids to see fireworks but want something a little more local, there are a few fabulous family-friendly options on Sydney’s Northern Beaches—Frenchs Forest, Manly, Dee Why, and Bayview all do a 9 p.m. show (and Bayview does midnight fireworks, too!).
Free New Year’s Eve Vantage Points in 2025
- Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney
- Bradfield Park, Milson’s Point
- Lavender Bay
- Balls Head Point Reserve, Waverton (Closed for NYE 2025)
- Carradah Park, Waverton
- Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
- Manns Point, Greenwich
- Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne
- North Head, Manly
- Fireworks @ Manly & Dee Why
- Sydney Opera House
- The Rocks
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Barangaroo Reserve, Millers Point
- Bicentennial Park, Glebe
- Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
Best spots on the North Shore to watch the NYE fireworks
Bradfield Park & Mary Booth Reserve, Milsons Point
You can’t get any closer to the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the North Shore than iconic Bradfield Park in Milsons Point. Nestled next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is a central vantage point with a vibrant atmosphere and is close to all the fireworks action. Bradfield Park is a picnic-style, family-friendly event for New Year’s Eve.
- Open: 9:00am – 12:30am
- This location can hold up to 16,000
- This venue reached capacity at 4:28pm in 2024
- More information
Blues Point Reserve, McMahons Point
Blues Point Reserve features incredible city views and is a great spot to celebrate the New Year. This vantage point is a paid, ticketed event. There are toilets, plus food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available.
- Open: 11:00am – 12:30am
- This location can hold up to 8,000
- This venue reached capacity at 11:10am in 2024
- Tickets will be available soon
- More information
Lavender Bay (North Sydney)
Comprising Clark, Quibaree and Watt Parks, this precinct offers excellent views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Access to Lavender Bay is through Clark Park on Harbourview Crescent. There are toilets available along with food for sale. BYO food is also permitted.
- Open: 9:00am – 12:30am
- This location can hold up to 3,000
- This venue reached capacity at 4:44pm in 2024
- More information
Carradah Park, Waverton
A local park in Waverton with partial views of the Sydney fireworks. There are toilets available but no food or drinks on sale, so pack a picnic! More information
Manns Point, Greenwich
A family-friendly site with views over Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Obstructed views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and fireworks.
Cremorne Point Reserve, Cremorne Point
Cremorne Point Reserve on the North Shore is a family-friendly spot with views of the eastern side of Sydney Harbour. It does become congested later in the day, so get there early to secure your spot. The reserve offers some views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, some partial views due to trees. There are toilets, as well as food and drink available for purchase. Public transport is highly recommended as there is no parking available. There is limited bus access after road closures and limited ferry service. More information
Balls Head Point Reserve, Waverton (Closed for NYE 2025)
Balls Head Reserve in Waverton will be closed for New Year’s Eve to preserve its fragile bushland and cultural heritage. In recent years, crowds of visitors to the reserve on New Year’s Eve have trampled and crushed the bushland and snapped off stems and branches to secure space for picnic blankets and a view of the fireworks. More information
Clarkes Point Reserve, Woolwich
Clarke’s Point Reserve and Mort’s Reserve have fabulous New Year’s Eve fireworks views. Food and (some) market stalls will be on-site, but you are also free to bring a picnic. A tent-free zone will be in place along the foreshore.
All vantage points in Hunters Hill are free to enter (unticketed), including Clarkes Point Reserve, Morts Reserve, Kellys Bush Reserve, Huntleys Point Underpass, and Lookout Reserve. Traffic, parking, and vehicle restrictions will be in place throughout the LGA, and police will be present throughout the evening.
Vantage points on the Northern Beaches to watch the NYE fireworks
North Head, Manly
NSW National Parks welcome locals to celebrate here: this is a free vantage point and bookings are not required. North Head is on the northernmost edge of Sydney Harbour National Park. It’s a peaceful, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve zone, away from the hectic city crowds. Bring a picnic, spread out a rug and enjoy a quieter Sydney celebration at North Head. You’ll have panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour fireworks.
- Open: 5:00pm – 12:30am
- This location can hold up to 2,000
- More information
Where to watch the NYE fireworks in Sydney
Sydney Opera House
Back for another year, or ready to join in on the hype of New Years Eve at Opera Bar?
Last year you experienced a Future Disco as Opera Bar blended the glamour of classic disco with futuristic elements. With roaming performers, live music from Sydney’s top bands & DJs, and the most iconic fireworks show on earth, it was an electrifying night under the fireworks.
Sign-up below to join the waitlist and be the first to receive access to what NYE 2025 at Opera Bar has planned for you!
Barangaroo Reserve, Millers Point
Barangaroo’s spectacular harbourside location is one of Sydney’s most prominent vantage points to welcome New Year’s Eve, with superb panoramic views of the western face of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The sloping lawns of the Reserve provide a safe place with ample room to spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy the spectacle that only Sydney can deliver! Toilets are available. There is food for sale, which is permitted by BYO, and alcohol for sale, which is not permitted.
- Open: 12:00pm – 12:01am
- This location can hold up to 9,000
- This venue reached capacity at 6pm in 2024
- More information
Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025 with views of the iconic Sydney fireworks from free viewing areas across The Domain and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Set up your picnic rug at one of four vantage points and enjoy views to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Harbour fireworks.
All viewing sites will have food and beverage outlets including bar services and water refill stations. Food truck outlets will have a range of options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. More information.
The Rocks
As the countdown to 2026 begins, make sure to plan ahead for an unforgettable celebration. Stay tuned for updates on how you can experience the ultimate New Year’s Eve at The Rocks, where you’ll find the most incredible views to witness the breathtaking fireworks display.
This year, all vantage points will be FREE – No tickets required. Join the fun at places like Dawes Point Park, Hickson Rd Reserve, Campbells Cove, West Circular Quay, and East Circular Quay.
No special spots or reservations, it’s first-come, first-served. They’ll make sure it’s safe with capacity limits. Once a spot’s full, it’s closed, so come early! No pass outs this time, though. Check the vantage point map for up-to-date closures.
You can also indulge in a culinary journey like no other with an array of fabulous food and drinks venues that cater to every taste. From Sydney’s oldest pub to a selection of top-notch restaurants and rooftop bars boasting panoramic views of the harbor, your evening will be filled with unforgettable moments. More information
Cahill Expressway
Join us for New Year’s Eve at the free, family-friendly event NYE on the Cahill Expressway 2025. The ballot for tickets is now open until 11.59pm on Friday 3 October 2025.
Transport for NSW is pleased to give NSW residents the opportunity to enjoy Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks from one of the best locations the city has to offer. It’ll be a night to remember, full of live entertainment by Rachael Fahim and Ned Houston, tasty food, and breathtaking fireworks.
Enter the public ballot now for the chance to secure up to five tickets for your friends and family: Enter the ballot now!
Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
This spot is recommended as an accessible and family-friendly site as it doesn’t get crowded. Great views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and harbour. Picnics welcome, food for sale and BYO permitted, plus toilets available.
- Open: 2:00pm – 1:00am
- This location can hold up to 8,000
- More information
Best local family-friendly fireworks
Fireworks on the Northern Beaches
Manly NYE Fireworks
Can’t be bothered trekking into the city to watch the fireworks and want something a little closer to home? Then head to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where there will be 9pm fireworks at Manly, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest and Bayview. Plus, Bayview is also doing midnight fireworks too!
This is an excellent option if you want the kids to see fireworks, but they aren’t fussed about seeing them over Sydney Harbour. Pack a picnic and enjoy an evening surrounded by lots of other families.
- Manly: 9pm
- Dee Why: 9pm
- Frenchs Forest: 9pm
- Bayview: 9pm & midnight
Ticketed New Year’s Eve Vantage Points in 2024
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Along with spectacular views of the Harbour, enjoy an experience of the wild kind, welcome in the New Year at Taronga, and make your New Year’s resolution For the Wild! Bid farewell to 2025 and welcome in 2026 with them! Taronga Zoo is renowned as one of New Year’s Eve’s most memorable foreshore venues, offering a unique experience for couples and individuals and a fun, safe and stress-free atmosphere for families.
All proceeds from ticket sales support Taronga’s Conservation work.
- Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- Entry: Adult from $243 | Children (4-5) from $120
- Opens: Silver from 6pm | Gold from 6.30pm | Diamond from 7pm | Platinum from 7.30pm | Emerald from 7:45pm
- Buy tickets
Botanic Garden: Foundation & Friends NYE Picnic
There’s no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve than at the Royal Botanic Garden with Foundation & Friends. Since 1996, their much-loved picnic on the Mare and Foal Lawn has been one of Sydney’s best-kept NYE traditions, offering uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in a relaxed, family-friendly and self-catered setting.
More than just a magical night in the Gardens, the New Year’s Eve Picnic is a crucial fundraiser that helps power the conservation, science, and education programs of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
Set up your picnic on the lush Mare and Foal Lawn and enjoy front-row views of Sydney’s legendary fireworks, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Pack your favourite picnic and drinks (yes, BYO alcohol is welcome) or make it easy by pre-purchasing a delicious picnic hamper. Then, settle in for a relaxed, family-friendly evening. The site is fully enclosed and secure, with roaming entertainment and live music, as well as a limited selection of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available on the night.
- Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW 2000
- Tickets: $215 Foundation & Friends Member | $265 Guest of Member | $70 Children 6-15 | Free for ages 5 and under
- Book tickets
News Year’s Eve at Sydney Eye Tower
Get ready for an iconic New Year’s Eve at Sydney Tower Eye. Take your celebration to new heights with a once-in-a-lifetime experience high above the Sydney skyline. This family-friendly, non-alcoholic event is the perfect way to celebrate without the crowds. Bring your loved ones, make unforgettable memories, and ring in the New Year from Sydney’s most iconic vantage point – right in the heart of the city’s public transport and away from all the crowds.
Note: Their Midnight SKYWALK tickets are now SOLD OUT! They still have tickets available for the best view of the fireworks from our Observation Deck at midnight and 9pm as well as SKYWALK for the 9pm fireworks – be quick, they’ll sell out fast!
- Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
- Entry: Adults from $199 | Children from $179
- Opens: Silver 6pm | Gold 6.30pm | Diamond 7pm | Platinum 7.30pm | Emerald 7.45pm
- Buy tickets: Book tickets
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve at Bradleys Head, Mosman
The Mast Precinct at Bradleys Head is a relaxed, family-friendly space on New Year’s Eve. Choose a spot on the upper road, boardwalk or grassed area. Welcome in 2026 with friends and family.
- Address: Bradleys Head, Mosman
- Time: 3pm- 12.30am
- More information
