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Sydney is one of the world's most iconic places to celebrate New Year. I mean, we've all seen the classic shots of the insane fireworks over Sydney's Opera House, but this year, we want to encourage you to see them in person. In this blog, we'll unpack everything you need to know about planning your NYE 2025 trip to Sydney including:
- The best Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks 2025
- The best vantage points for watching the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks 2025
- The best accommodation for Sydney New Year 2025
- The Best Sydney New Year Restaurants
What You Should Know About the Sydney NYE Fireworks
When is Sydney New Year 2025?
Sydney will ring in the New Year on Wednesday, 31st December 2024, with celebrations peaking at midnight as the clock strikes midnight on Thursday, 1st January 2025.
What's open on New Year's Day in Sydney?
Many restaurants, cafes, and attractions in Sydney remain open on New Year's Day, making it a great time to explore the city. Popular spots will be buzzing like the:
- Sydney Opera House
- Taronga Zoo
- Bondi Beach
Many shopping centres, like Westfield Sydney, may open slightly later than usual and are worth a visit. If you’re after a more relaxing day, why not soak up the sun at one of Sydney’s many beaches?
How much does it cost to watch the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks?
The good news? You can watch the fireworks for free from many vantage points across the city, including popular public spaces like Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney Harbour National Park, and Darling Harbour.
Are there New Year's Eve fireworks on at 9 pm in Sydney?
Yes! Sydney puts on a family-friendly 9 pm fireworks display before the main midnight show. The early fireworks are perfect if you’ve got little ones or simply want a sneak peek before the big event. You'll get a fantastic light show, minus the midnight madness.
What channel can I watch the Sydney NYE fireworks 2025?
The 9 pm and midnight Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks will be broadcast live on ABC and iview from 8.30 pm. If you’d prefer to catch the event from the comfort of your Sydney NYE hotel or can’t make it to the city, the telly will give you front-row seats to all the action – no matter where you are.
The Best Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks Events 2025
1. New Year's Eve All-Inclusive Boat Party
When: Tuesday 31 December from 8 pm to Wednesday 1 January 2:45 am
Price: From $650
One of the most popular ways to watch the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks is on a cruise. On this luxury NYE cruise in Sydney, you can take in the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour as you toast to 2025. On this particular Sydney NYE cruise, included in the ticket you'll get:
- A buffet dinner
- Unlimited beer, wine, cider, champagne and spirits
- Access to a cocktail bar
- To listen to a live DJ playing disco, house and 2000's tunes
- To get snapped by a professional photographer
2. MCA Sculpture Terrace: Celebration NYE 24/25
When: Tuesday 31 December from 8 pm to Wednesday 1 January 2 am
Price: From $597
Our next choice for a Sydney NYE 2025 event is Sydney's best LGBT+ NYE party held on the rooftop Sculpture Terrace at the Museum of Contemporary Art (so you can already imagine the stunning views). Make sure to dress in white, as this is a chic, all-white NYE event. Inside you can:
- Tuck into gourmet canapés
- Listen to DJs
- Watch live cabaret
- Enjoy unobstructed views of the fireworks
3. NYE Pier Party
When: Tuesday 31 December from 8:30 pm to Wednesday 1 January 12:30 am
Price: From $549
Ring in 2025 by partying at the NYE Pier Party where you can dance to the live DJ Havana Brown (she's toured with Britney, Rihanna and Lady Gaga). With the 4-hour beverage package, you can keep your energy high and your bellies filled thanks to the delicious catering on offer. There are also indoor and outdoor spaces for you to party, chat or chill.
4. NYE 2025 Fireworks Sydney Rocket Cruise
When: Tuesday 31 December from 9 pm to Wednesday 1 January 1:45 am
Price: From $749
Another top choice for a Sydney New Year's Eve boat party is the NYE 2025 Fireworks Sydney Rocket Cruise. Said to be the cheapest way to experience New Year in Sydney from the water, you can bring your own food and drinks, sit back and relax and enjoy a prime spot for watching the fireworks. The boat also has indoor and outdoor seating so you can be sure you'll get the best view possible of the Sydney NYE fireworks 2025.
5. NOIR NYE 2024/25 at The Fox Hole
When: Tuesday 31 December, 7 pm – Wednesday 1 January, 1 am
Price: From $269
Set in Sydney’s historic Rocks area, this chic, all-inclusive event at The Fox Hole offers premium gins, cocktails, and roaming canapés. Dress to impress, hit the dance floor to a live DJ, and enjoy the broadcast of Sydney’s world-famous fireworks at both 9 pm and midnight.
6. New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Dinner Cruise: Sydney 2000
When: Tuesday 31 December, 7:30 pm – Wednesday 1 January, 12:30 am
Price: From $1,150
Celebrate NYE in pure luxury aboard the Sydney 2000. Choose from three different dining decks – whether you're after a premium party experience or a six-course degustation on the Sky Deck. All packages include over five hours of cruising with unbeatable views of the fireworks, live music, and champagne flowing all night.
The Best Vantage Points for New Year's Eve in Sydney 2025
If you're not keen on attending a NYE party or Sydney NYE cruise, there are plenty of public and ticketed vantage points to choose from where you can still watch the Sydney fireworks. Here are our favourites:
1. Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
How to Get There: It's a 25-minute walk from Circular Quay, or you can catch Bus 441 from Queen Victoria Building (QVB) to Art Gallery/Mrs Macquaries Chair.
One of the most popular free spots to watch the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks is from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens offers stunning views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. But you'll need to arrive early to secure a spot as it's a first-come, first-served location.
2. Sydney Harbour National Park - North Head
Address: North Head Scenic Drive, Manly NSW 2095
How to Get There: Take the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay (30 minutes) to Manly Wharf, then Bus 135 to North Head for stunning views.
The Opera House itself is a top location for watching the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks 2025, offering close-up views. You can get tickets to the exclusive events held here or try to snag a spot in the surrounding area.
3. Darling Harbour
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000
How to Get There: A 10-minute walk from Town Hall Station or take the Light Rail L1 to the Convention Centre. Many buses service the area as well.
With multiple fireworks displays and entertainment throughout the evening, Darling Harbour is perfect if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to make a night of it.
4. Sydney Opera House Forecourt
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
How to Get There: Walk 5 minutes from Circular Quay Station, or take any bus, ferry, or train that stops at Circular Quay.
A prime spot for watching the fireworks, the Opera House Forecourt is close to the action. Tickets are required for access to exclusive events, but the surrounding area also offers great views if you’re early enough.
5. Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
How to Get There: Take the F2 ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf, then walk 20 minutes to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre.
Offering unobstructed views of the Harbour Bridge, Bradleys Head is a great family-friendly spot. It’s also a ticketed area, so book in advance to avoid missing out.
6. Barangaroo Reserve
Address: Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000
How to Get There: Walk 15 minutes from Wynyard Station or take the Light Rail L1 to Barangaroo.
A newer and more spacious location, Barangaroo Reserve offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the spectacle. It's a ticketed event, so you'll need to book in advance, but it promises a great view and a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the more crowded areas.
7. Observatory Hill Park
Address: Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000
How to Get There: A 10-minute walk from Wynyard Station or Circular Quay. Observatory Hill offers panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge fireworks.
The Best Accommodation for Sydney New Year 2025
If you're looking for the best hotel for Sydney New Year 2025, you might be considering the price, amenities and location to name a few. One thing to note is that because demand is high for spending New Year in Sydney, the hotel prices are too. Try and book as far in advance as possible to get a fair price. Here are our picks for the best accommodation for Sydney New Year 2025.
SKYE Suites Sydney | 300 Kent Street, Sydney, 2000, AU | ★★★★★
A modern hotel in Sydney with a great indoor pool and upscale gym. Its location is perfect for walking to the majority of Sydney's top sights.
The Langham, Sydney | 89-113 Kent Street, Millers Point, 2000, AU | ★★★★★
A historic Sydney hotel in a quiet part of the city but only a 15-minute walk to the Darling Harbour. The bar serves excellent cocktails and previous guests have raved about the attentive staff.
Little National Hotel Sydney | 26 Clarence St, Sydney, 2000, AU | ★★★★
A sleek, modern hotel near the train station. Rooms are small but cosy, and don't miss the chance to have drinks on the rooftop.
Spicers Sangoma Retreat - Adults Only | 70 Grandview Lane, Bowen Mountain, 2753, AU | ★★★★★
For a peaceful NYE in Sydney outside the city and near the Blue Mountains, consider this adults-only hotel that boasts a pool, spa and delicious on-site dining.
Capella Sydney | 24 Loftus Street, Sydney, 2000, AU | ★★★★★
A boutique hotel in the Sydney CBD area with outstanding service and amenities. Don't miss the delicious waffles at breakfast.
The Best Sydney New Year Restaurants
Meat & Wine Co
Address: 2 O'Connell St, Sydney NSW 2000
Restaurant type: Steakhouse
A sophisticated restaurant at Circular Quay where you can enjoy delicious steak accompanied by fine wines and cocktails.
O Bar and Dining
Address: Australia Square, level 47/264 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Restaurant type: Modern Australian
You can view the NYE fireworks from the comfort of your seat when spending NYE at the O Bar. Enjoy an eight course dinner 47 stories in the air as you sip French champagne and toast to the year ahead.
Infinity at Sydney Tower
Address: 108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Restaurant type: Modern Australian
Dine at one of Sydney’s highest restaurants, offering a 360-degree revolving view of the city. On New Year’s Eve, you can indulge in a fine dining experience with locally sourced Australian ingredients, all while enjoying a spectacular bird's-eye view of the fireworks.
Otto Ristorante
Address: Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Restaurant type: Refined Italian
Located along the waterfront, Otto offers an exquisite New Year's Eve dinner with Italian-inspired dishes. The outdoor seating gives you prime views of Sydney’s iconic skyline and the fireworks, making it a fantastic choice for NYE celebrations.
The Ternary Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Address: 100 Murray St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Restaurant type: International cuisine
On New Year's Eve at the Ternary, you can enjoy a delicious buffet between 5 pm to 7 pm or 8 pm to 10 pm. Enjoy champagne, seafood, antipasto and delicious desserts that are sure to fuel you for the fireworks later on.
Will You Celebrate New Year 2025 in Sydney?
Sydney is one of the world's best destinations to ring in the New Year, with its iconic fireworks lighting up the harbour in a way that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you're watching from a free vantage point like Mrs Macquarie's Chair or treating yourself to a luxury boat party, there’s no better place to welcome 2025. With stunning views, fantastic restaurants, and a buzzing atmosphere, Sydney’s New Year's Eve 2025 is truly one for the bucket list.
Gift a Hotel Stay in Sydney for New Year with Hotelgift
With a Hotelgift card, you can treat someone to an unforgettable New Year in Sydney or in over 170 other countries. Whether it’s for a fun NYE celebration or a relaxing post-holiday retreat, they’ll have the freedom to choose from thousands of top hotels.
Why gift a hotel stay with Hotelgift?
- 24/7 customer service: We're here to help anytime, anywhere.
- 2 years to redeem: They can plan their getaway whenever it suits them, with plenty of time to make it happen.
- Staycations or holiday escapes: Ideal for Aussies looking for a nearby staycation or holiday accommodation further afield.
- Personalise your hotel gift voucher: Choose from eGift, PDF, or a physical hotel gift voucher, and add a personal message to make it even more thoughtful.
Whether it’s for New Year in Sydney, a summer staycation, or a future adventure, a hotel gift card gives your loved ones the flexibility to enjoy the perfect night away for them.
