While the Sydney Harbour NYE fireworks are a spectacular attraction and a bucket list item for many, the crowds from some of the top vantage points can sometimes be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide of the top things to do this New Year’s Eve throughout Sydney, that will have you avoiding the masses, but still feeling part of the lively evening atmosphere.
Light Up the Lake
Location: Chipping Norton Lake, Chipping Norton
Ticket price: Free
Fireworks: 9pm and midnight
Gates Open: 5pm
Light Up the Lake is Liverpool’s free and family-friendly lakeside New Year’s Eve party. This event offers top-notch international cuisine and a dedicated carnival zone packed with fun rides, show bags, live performances to keep the kids entertained all day long. Light Up the Night is the ultimate way for families to celebrate NYE away from the crowds. Fireworks can be enjoyed at the kid-friendly time of 9pm, as well as at midnight to ring in the new year.
An excellent family-friendly event, Light Up the Night takes the stress out of NYE allowing both kids and parents to relax and enjoy their evening.
New Year’s Eve at Manly Cove
Location: East Esplanade and West Esplanade, Manly
Ticket price: Free
Fireworks: 9pm
Gates Open: 5pm
Escape the Sydney city madness and enjoy a family-friendly evening at Manly this New Year’s Eve. Join in the beachside celebrations that take over East and West Esplanades of Manly Beach and watch the sun set on the last day of the year.
Bring your picnic blanket and grab a spot on the grass or sand. It is worth remembering that there is typically no food or drink for sale, other than that found at local eateries and BYO alcohol is prohibited – so remember to bring along a picnic basket with the essentials.
NYE at Koshigaya Park
Location: Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown
Ticket price: Free
Fireworks: 9pm and midnight
Gates Open: 7pm
With a great line-up of entertainment starting at 7pm and not one, but two firework displays, there is no better place to see in the New Year than at Koshigaya Park in Campbelltown. Gates open at 7pm, and there will be a large screen on the western side of the park displaying all of the on-stage action, so you’re sure to have a front-row seat no matter where you decide to set up for the day.
If you are coming with kids, then there is plenty to keep them busy all evening including a range of food and drink stalls, shops – and of course live entertainment. If you are looking for a relaxed NYE in the park – and don’t want to stay up to until midnight to see the fireworks, then Koshigaya Park is the ideal destination this New Year’s Eve.
Parramatta Park New Year’s Eve
Location: Parramatta Park, Pitt and Macquarie Streets
Ticket price: Free
Fireworks: 9pm
Gates Open: 4pm
Parramatta’s New Year’s Eve event, in the beautiful and spacious Parramatta Park, is a great way to celebrate 2019 with family and friends. Enjoy live performances and entertainment, kids’ activities, food stalls and evening fireworks – which take place in the sky right above Parramatta Park.
Starting at 4pm, Parramatta’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are spread across the southern end of Parramatta Park with four great areas to enjoy. Two stages offer live entrainment for adults (The Crescent) or children (Coronation Hill) and the two dedicated play areas are packed full of kids’ rides, face painting activities and more.
A range of delicious food options will be available throughout the park. However, it’s recommended that you buy your food earlier rather than later as the queues can get quite long. Alternatively, bring a picnic basket along to enjoy – but remember that this is a glass-free event.
There are plenty of great events running during NYE in Sydney which avoid the crowds at the Sydney Harbour fireworks. However, if you can’t resist the lure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge countdown, then there are a few ticketed events which offer views of the fireworks and some great additional perks.
NYE at Taronga Zoo
Location: Taronga Zoo
Ticket price: From $200 pp
Fireworks: Sydney Harbour midnight fireworks
Gates Open: 6pm
If you are looking to embrace your wild side this NYE, then there is no better place to do it than at Taronga Zoo. This ticketed event will provide you with some of the most spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour fireworks alongside a host of entertainment.
Guests can enjoy live performances and entertainment, food and drinks stalls, and a chance to experience some of Taronga’s wildlife until dark on the NYE Trail - a great way to keep the kids entertained in the lead up to the show. Diamond Reserve tickets also include Premium food hampers with drinks, so you won’t need to lug your picnic basket around all day!
NYE at the Royal Botanic Garden
Location: Royal Botanic Garden
Ticket price: From $270 pp
Fireworks: Sydney Harbour midnight fireworks
Gates Open: dependent on the ticketed area
The Royal Botanic Garden is again playing host to a range of events on NYE such as all-inclusive cocktail parties (from $595pp) for couples and friends looking to bring in the new year in style. What could be better than free-flowing drinks and food, and a DJ playing tunes that light up the dancefloor?
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, then the Royal Botanic Garden also offers a range of ticketed events where you can lay your picnic blanket out. From self-catered picnic-style events (from $270 pp) to catered picnics with a wide range of entertainment (from $350 pp). These events offer prime fireworks views with space for the kids to roam. It’s worth noting that you’ll want to be in line before the gates open if you’re looking to secure a front-row picnic spot.
No matter how you choose to celebrate NYE in Sydney, Accor has a range of accommodation throughout the city – so that you can enjoy your evening hassle-free. Book your Sydney NYE accommodation now.
