Ultimate guide to Sydney New Year's Eve Events to ring in in 2025/2026

Traveloka Team

15 Oct 2025 - 3 min read

Famous for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, ringing in the new year in Sydney’s dazzling harbour is one of the best in the world. Every year, thousands gather to watch the night sky light up above the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with live music performances, light shows, and family-friendly activities and celebrations. Whether you’re celebrating the new year at the waterfront, a rooftop bar, or on a luxurious cruise, no one does New Year’s celebrations quite like Sydney.

When is it?

Sydney New Year’s Eve events take place annually on 31 December, with many starting as early as mid-afternoon. With the iconic fireworks display at midnight on the dot, along with other New Year’s celebrations all day and kicking on well past midnight.

Where are Sydney New Year’s events held?

The main events and celebrations take place around Sydney Harbour. The New Year’s fireworks launch from multiple spots around the harbour, including specially designed launch points on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

New Year’s celebrations also take place at several other spots around the city. Popular locations include Barangaroo Reserve, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, The Rocks, and various harbour-side parks and vantage points like Bradfield Park and Bradleys Head. Many bars, restaurants, and rooftop venues across Sydney also host special NYE events, offering great views of the fireworks and a buzzing nighttime atmosphere.

What to see and do at Sydney New Year’s Eve events

Whether you’re after spectacular fireworks, live entertainment, or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Below are our favourite things to see and do at Sydney's New Year's.

Watch the Fireworks: Watch the world-famous fireworks display over Sydney Harbour at midnight, featuring launch points from the Harbour Bridge as well as barges on the water. There are plenty of vantage points to choose from; some are free, while some require pre-booked tickets to enter. Our tip? Head to these vantage points early (ticketed or otherwise) to grab the perfect spot.

Free Live Music: Enjoy live music and performances at various harbour-side precincts like The Rocks and Barangaroo.

Watch Pylon Projections: Projections enliven the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons throughout the night. Watch the lighting effects on the eastern side of the bridge that dazzle the harbour foreshore.

Calling Country fireworks: At 9pm, a celebration of sky, land and sea country is presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through music, dance and illustration.

Hop on a 2026 New Year’s Eve Cruise: Take a scenic harbour cruise for a unique vantage point of the fireworks and city skyline. There are also 9pm cruises available for those who want to catch the Calling Country fireworks.

Join a NYE party at a rooftop bar or waterfront restaurant: Most of, if not all, Sydney restaurants and bars will join in on the fun for NYE celebrations. Whether they’re dining and drinks specials, or they’re hosting their very own NYE party, there’s plenty to choose from to ring in the new year. From sexy wine bars like Dean & Nancy on 22 to waterfront classics like the Opera Bar — the choice is yours.

How much are tickets and how to get them

As mentioned, a lot of vantage points for the midnight fireworks are free; however, premium harbourside parks, rooftops, cruises, and events are ticketed — and they sell out fast.

Get tickets to 2026 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise

Where to stay on New Year’s Eve in Sydney

As Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations are centred around Sydney Harbour, there are plenty of hotels and accommodation options to choose from that’ll suit your taste and budget. And if you’re staying up for the midnight fireworks, the crowds getting out of the city can get pretty chaotic. So, booking a hotel that’s nearby is definitely a wise choice — whether you’re a Sydney local or travelling to Sydney for the event. Although rooms do get pricey this time of year, it’s well worth it for the bucket-list moment.

Here are some of our favourite hotels near Sydney New Year’s Eve events:

Park Hyatt Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

Capella Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Find more accommodation near Sydney New Year’s Eve Events

Tips for getting the most out of Sydney New Year’s Eve

Arrive early: If you’re heading to a vantage point for the midnight fireworks, it’s best to start arriving early in the afternoon to secure your spot. Even if it’s a ticketed vantage point, the best seats in the house will fill up fast. Our tip? Pack a picnic (and a pack of cards) as you wait for the main event.

Book tickets in advance: Sydney’s New Year’s Eve events are known to sell out well in advance. So, don’t dilly dally and secure your tickets to vantage points, cruises, and rooftop bars ASAP.

Use public transport: Many roads around the harbour close off to cars during this time. The best way to get in and out of the city is via public transport. Or better yet, book a hotel in the city to skip the long lines to the train station.

Pack the essentials: Make sure you’ve packed plenty of water to last you through the day (and night). Along with sunscreen, sunnies, a hat, snacks, and a portable charger. And if you have the space, a pillow to sit on is a lifesaver.