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At the stroke of midnight hour on 31st December when the whole world dances, throbs, and welcomes the new year in their own way, Sydney lights up with festivity! Yes, new year celebration in Sydney is one of the most awaited extravaganzas around the globe because of the exciting display of fireworks renowned all over the world.

So, let’s start our list of best new year celebrations in Sydney with the grand firework show at the Sydney Harbour.

What’s so special about the Sydney Harbour fireworks?

The glorious cracker show as seen from one of the vantage points near Sydney Harbour
  • Over 1.6 million people gathered to see the carnival in 2016, which easily surpasses the number of people who attended the same event in New York and London. Also, the count of people watching Sydney new year’s eve is in billions.
  • Foti International Fireworks, Australia’s leading fireworks, and special effects organizing company conducts this show. Over 1,00,000 special effects are on display on new year’s eve.
  • Over 11,000 shells and 25,000 shooting comets are used in the display – that’s seven tons of fireworks in front of you.
Sydney Harbour Firework in full cry at the harbour
  • Speaking of wiring links, they stretch to a length of 60 km. There are computers that synchronize the display of crackers to the music.
  • There are almost 130 ‘firing points’ on Sydney Harbour Bridge alone.

A glimpse of the magnificent firework at Sydney Harbour:

 

Having said that, the Sydney Harbour Firework is now a global event, which is a million dollar gift to the world. The large scale cracker show is a unique experience and certainly, puts it among the top things to do once in a lifetime for many.

But new year celebration in Sydney is not just about fireworks by the Bridge and Opera House, the city has a multitude of happening places full of enticing options that will turn your new year’s eve into a memorable affair.

Suggested Read: New Year In Hong Kong: 6 Exciting Ways To Ring In 2022

Best places to catch the glorious view of the cracker show at Sydney Harbour this new year’s eve

1. Royal Botanical Garden

Cracker show as seen from Royal Botanical Garden Sydney

A huge attraction located in the heart of the city, Royal Botanical Garden is the place to plan your ideal new year’s eve in Sydney. It is spread over 40 hectares and can be explored by going for a heritage walk or taking a nature tour. For new year’s, it has a celebration facility and four vantage points to catch the live display of fireworks. This sparkling magic erupts at 12 am on 1st January. Two of the most thronged places inside the Royal Botanical Garden are:

a. Midnight At The Oasis

New year celebrations at Midnight At The Oasis

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To make your bookings for New Year’s eve 2020-21, click here

b. Lawn With The View

People watching new year celebrations from Lawn With The View

For details and bookings, click here

2. Sydney Harbour National Park

Cracker Show as seen from one of the vantage points at Sydney Harbour National Park

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The giant park located in the heart of Sydney metropolitan area offers an entertainment extravaganza. Be its live shows, musical concerts, discotheques, unlimited alcohol, or watching the grand firecracker show from a cruise, Sydney Harbour National Park has got you covered. At Sydney Harbour National Park, the most popular places to see are:

a. Fort Denison

Fort Denison Cafe buzzing with guests enjoying food and drinks on new year’s eve

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Located in the vicinity of Botanical Gardens, Fort Denison is a former defense facility near the Sydney Harbour. It not only offers the exclusive 360-degree view of the cracker show but also makes for a top tourist attraction in Sydney.

Fort Denison is popular for private party functions and has ample of options to chill with family and friends. Therefore, this secluded haven must be in your itinerary while planning new year celebration in Sydney. Fort Denison Cafe, with its translucent rooftop dining area, makes for a prime attraction.

Highlight: Firing of the 1 pm cannon

If you planning to visit Fort Denison, see details here

Suggested Read: New Year 2022: 31 Best Places In The World To Ring It In & Celebrate

b. Goat Island

People all geared up for the new year celebrations at Goat island

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Located between Sydney Harbour Bridge and Balmain, Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park is another vantage point that offers an uninterrupted spectacle of the cracker show at Sydney Harbour. The exciting atmosphere and plenty of alcohol will set up a glorious night for you. Bring your family and friends to make the most of the time spent here.

Tip: Carry a torch and a radio to listen to the running commentary of the cracker show.

For more details on Goat Island, click here

c. Shark Island

People watching the grand cracker show from Shark island

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Located at a distance of one km from Rose Bay, Shark Island is also Sydney’s most popular outdoor wedding venue. But the primary attraction of the island is the awesome view of the new year fireworks.

The lush grass, picnic shelters, and amazing 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, make Shark Island the perfect place to catch the events on the 31st night from the harbor.

See here for details

Suggested Read: Ring In 2022 With A Wacky New Year Party In Goa

d. Clark Island

People watching the cracker show from Clark island on new year’s eve

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Another happening place located close to Sydney Harbour, Clark Island has everything that a party enthusiast longs for. The quaint island located close to Sydney Harbour overlooks the Tasman sea and the bridge. The sight is a pleasure to behold when Sydney welcomes the new year in style.

Besides, the island offers some exciting live performances. The entry fee includes food and alcohol.

Find more information here

e. Bradleys Head

People waiting by the harbour at Bradleys Head

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The best thing about Bradleys Head is live entertainment and music shows fit for all ages. Also offering an uninterrupted view of the Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, Bradleys Head has an array of dining options and nonalcoholic beverages. Sip on your drink as you watch the crackers show light up the complete harbor area.

Click here for details

f. Nielsen Park

Couple relaxing by the Nielsen park beach

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An ideal destination for a picnic with friends and family on the new year’s eve, the Nielsen Park boasts of a beautiful skyline, firework viewing area at a distance of 600 m, and an electric atmosphere that has everything to make the new year’s eve a grand event.

Plenty of camping, accommodation, and excursion options make it another prominent place to go for Sydney new year celebrations.

For complete details, see website

Other popular places to celebrate new year’s eve in Sydney

3. Cockatoo Island

People spending time at a restaurant on Cockatoo island

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The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located right amidst the Sydney Harbour and epitomizes Sydney new year’s eve. With options like holiday houses and camping at its disposal, Cockatoo island is the place to be.

While fireworks remain the prime attraction on the island, there are plenty of activities planned for kids, special guided tours for patrons, and an array of delicious food and drinks in the offering. Prepare to groove to the tunes of Metallica, and top remixes from some of the world’s most popular DJs. You can also plan a camping at the island and experience the new year celebration in Sydney like never before!

More information

4. Darling Harbour

Firework as seen from Darling Harbour

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Darling Harbour is a lively and happening place that boasts of the perfect setup for new year celebration in Sydney. Nightclubs, wine bars, and bistros offering a wide range of food and drinks, and late-night dancing sessions make Darling Harbour a must visit place.

Cargo Bar, Bungalow 8, and The Loft are some of the most swarmed places at the Darling Harbour when the sun finally does down on the 31st night and a big celebration is looming large ahead.

On-cruise new year’s eve celebrations

5. New Year’s Eve Harbour Cruises

Friends celebrating the new year’s eve on a cruise

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Harbour cruise is another mesmerizing experience which is one of its kind. Cruising into the new year with close buddies amidst the sea, while the entire sky in front opens up to loud crackers and dazzling lights synchronized to music, is truly spellbinding.

Hop on to the exciting cruise and catch the excitement live and exclusive from the deck as you stand hand in hand with your partner, or go berserk with your buddies. Holding a cocktail in your hand, watch the live music performance and behold the moment.

Click here for further details on Sydney Harbour Cruises

New year celebration in Sydney is a carnival to attend as you head towards the year end!

Further Read: 2022 New Year Party In Thailand: What’s Your Pick?

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Frequently Asked Questions About New Year Celebration In Sydney

Where can I celebrate New Years Eve in Sydney?

People in Sydney like to party. So, there are a variety of options where you can celebrate New Year in Sydney:
1. Botanical gardens
2. Clarke Quay
3. Sydney Harbour
4. Taronga Zoo
5. Luna Park
6. Park Hyatt
7. Harbour Hoopla

Do trains run in Sydney on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, trains run in Sydney of New Year’s Eve. in fact, there are extra trains running on the route to facilitate transportation for the crowd. However, different train stations have different timings. Even the metro and buses are functional from 31st December to the next morning.

Where can I watch the New Year fireworks in Sydney?

There are a lot of places where you can watch New Year fireworks in Sydney for free or paid:
1. Royal Botanic Gardens
2. Sydney Harbour
3. Taronga Zoo
4. Sydney Harbour Cruises
5. Barangaroo

Where can I watch fireworks in Sydney for free?

If you do not want to shell out money for fireworks, here are a few spots in Sydney where you can enjoy it for free:
Circular Quay

What time are the fireworks in Sydney?

The fireworks in some places begin as early as 7 PM and continue till midnight.

Can you see the Sydney fireworks from Darling Harbour?

Yes, you can watch the Sydney fireworks from Darling Harbour from 7 PM to midnight. In fact it is a family-friendly and free spot to watch NYE fireworks in Sydney.

Category: Inspirational, Sydney

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