New Year's Eve in Sydney 2012

Sydney City Council stages the Sydney fireworks on NYE and they have a brilliant website that has maps of the vantage points and rules for each place. There has been a significant increase in alcohol free areas this year so make sure you check the maps on the city of Sydney website for the rules before you head to your favourite spot.

The main thing to know is that the city is really very crowded on NYE and roads are closed so everyone travels by public transport. The buses and trains will be really full and moving around the city between 8pm and 1am is quite difficult. That said, it is still worth being there. You just need to plan in advance what you are going to do, where you will meet and what you will eat and drink. You can bring your own food into almost all vantage areas but many are now either alcohol free or do not allow you to bring your own drinks. They do however sell them at ridiculous prices inside some of the sites.

There are great viewing areas on both sides of the harbour so my strong recommendation is to stick to the side that you are staying on. Getting back across the bridge after it's all over is tedious. Also make sure you can see the front of the Harbour Bridge if possible, this is where the main climax of the fireworks takes place and it's usually spectacular.

My favourite free spots are:

North side of the Harbour

1. Cremorne Point Reserve - it's an alcohol free zone these days but still a beautiful place to view the action. Get there early as only 5000 people are allowed.


2. Bradfield Park Milson's Point - This is no BYO but you can buy alcohol here... The capacity is 50,000 and it does fill up so again get there early.


3. Bradley's Head Mosman - No alcohol is allowed here - capacity for 5000
I have just heard they plan to charge entry here but not sure if it is going ahead. Check the North Sydney Council website for the latest.

1. Mrs Macquarie's Point - this is my favourite spot... it fills up and closes by 5pm most years so get here really early - and it's no longer BYO so bring $$$ if you want to drink - capacity 19,000


2. Sydney Opera House - Sydney Mad House on NYE - Great view, but this is THE most crowded place you can imagine, if you don't mind crowded the buzz here is amazing.


3. Macquarie Street Lawns - above the Opera House - no BYO and slightly more civilised than the other parts of Circular Quay most years.

The Royal Botanic Gardens have 2 paid options for ticketed entry to their amazing locations for those who are not members of the "Friends of the Botanic Gardens"

Tickets for all events go on sale on 4 October and will sell out very quickly if past years are a guide.

Midnight at the Oasis - At the Mrs Macquarie's Point end of the gardens this site takes in the Opera House and Harbour Bridge together.. they almost look like they are sitting one in front of the other. Tickets cost A$325 are are available now. Ticket price includes a 3 course meal and a midnight snack. I think this event is great value considering the location. Drinks are not included though so it might not be the best bet if you want to drink the night away as the prices will be steep I am sure. This is an adult only event. Tickets still available 14/12/2011

Lawn with a view - Located on the lawn outside Government House and directly above the Sydney Opera House this is a box seat view. Tickets include a picnic. Sold out

Friends of the Botanic Gardens members can buy tickets to the Mare and Foal Lawn area. More details here

If you are planning on viewing the fireworks from anywhere within the gardens, either paid or unpaid, download this map for entry times and walking routes for each of the fireworks viewing locations
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Image credit: By Rob Chandler via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to be on the water under the fireworks then you are looking at an average of between $250 and A$500 per person.

All the main tour operators offer cruises on Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve with some of the big name boats charging up to A$800 a head. For that you get a 6 hour cruise with a 5 course meal and drinks. This really is the best way to experience Sydney on NYE if you can afford it. Just do your homework and make sure you chose a vessel that is suited to your musical/food tastes. 20 something's may not like to listen to a 60's band all night ;-) just like 40+ might not like 5 hours of dance music.

At about 9.20pm after the first round of fireworks many of the vessels on the harbour turn on their lights and parade up and down the harbour until the midnight fireworks. You can view the official Harbour of Light parade vessels for more details. If you would like to join one of them it is probably best to contact them via their websites.

2011 Cruises on offer include;
21/11/11 - Update - These are selling out fast. See individual entries for details. Updated 14/12/2011
Majestic Cruises have 2 cruises, a 5- course sit down dinner for $800 (early bird price) or a finger food and mini buffet for $600. Both packages include drinks. SOLD OUT
Captain Cook Cruises have the Matilda starting at $399 for a BYO food and drink cruise. An a la carte meal on their best vessel will cost up to $899. Matilda now $299 - some other reductions. Tickets still available on all boats 14/12/2011
The Pontoon Ballroom vessel from Sydney Harbour Escapes has a $500 cocktail food and drinks cruise in their glass sided boat. This is likely to attract a younger crowd. Tickets still available.
Vagabond Cruises has 3 options ranging from $550-$675
RhythmBoat Cruises - has a cruise for $470 that includes seafood buffet and beer and wine. Prices have dropped by $100 on some cruises 14/12/2011

If you really want to splurge then Captain Cook Cruises has an overnight cruise on NYE

If there are a few of you it may be worth considering a charter. With a group of 10 for example it could costs as little as $350 and you are then free to customise your evening. Check out Sydney Boat Hire

Another option is to hire a water taxi for either the 9pm show for approximately $125 or $240 for the midnight show.

There are several options for those of you who want to see in the new year at the Sydney Opera House.

The Opera Gala - Opera Australia host the party here... The Gala concert includes viewing of the fireworks from the glass balcony at the front of the opera house. Prices for the Concert Hall party in 2011 that include the midnight fireworks start at $620 and go to $975 for the premium package! 2011 tickets are on sale now! There are cheaper prices for pensioners and those who do not want to stay until midnight. Dinner packages are also available. Visit the The Opera House Gala page for full details - Tickets still available 14/12/2011

Opera Bar's Beach Party - Sold Out
I love Opera Bar... it's the bar with the white umbrellas that sits next to quay side of the Opera House and the ultimate outdoor venue for a NYE on the harbour. Last year tickets were $295 for 4 hours of canapés and entertainment - drinks are not included. Register your interest now via their website, tickets will be available from October. Sold Out

Opera Kitchen - "The Gaia Rhythm Show". - Same great view as Opera Bar, Opera Kitchen features food from a collection of well-known establishments like Justin North's Becasse and Charlie and Co Burgers, Miss Chu, Kenji Nishinakagawa. and Cloudy Bay Fish Company. Live band and performers will entertain. Tickets still available 14/12/2011

Every year since 1998 the fireworks have culminated in the display of a symbol on the front of the Harbour Bridge (Opera House Side). This is often the most talked about aspect of the event..

1998-99 - Smiley Face with hair
1999-00 - "Eternity" in Copperplate writing, in honour of Arthur Stace; and a Smiley Face
2000-01 - Rainbow Serpent and Federation Star
2001-02 - Uluru and a Dove of Peace
2002-03 - Dove of Peace and the word "PEACE"
2003-04 - City of Light - Light Show
2004-05 - Disco Ball
2005-06 - Love Heart
2006-07 - Coathanger and a Diamond
2007-08 - A Sand Timer
2008-09 - The Sun
2009-10 - Taijitu Symbol, a Blue Moon and a Ring of Fire
2010-11 - Red 'X' Mark and Smiley Face

Image via Wikimedia commons

If you would prefer something a little more structured and planned you could try one of these events

Taronga Zoo - has 3 different packages available for 2011. Silver reserve tickets with some restricted views start at A$165.00, Gold reserve $265 unrestricted views. Both Silver and Gold tickets are bring your own. Diamond reserve are $500 and for this you get a picnic basket and a bottle of French wine. All tickets include entertainment, zoo access, free parking and complimentary transport from the car park. The zoo is a perfect location and limited numbers mean you won't feel too crowded. Update 14/12/11 - Diamond and Gold tickets sold out - Silver tickets still available.

You can camp on Cockatoo island on NYE smack bang in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Some of this event is balloted and the ballot closes on July 15. More tickets will be released in August. DIY camping @ $320 for 4 people. Read more about camping on Cockatoo Island on my secret Sydney page.

Sydney Harbour Islands - Along with Cockatoo Island there are 4 other harbour islands, Clark, Goat, Shark and Fort Denison and tickets for these usually go on sale in late October. Fort Denison's package is over $1000 this year so this is not an option for anyone on a budget.

Shore Thing 2011 - Bondi Beach - (Licensed 18+ dance event ) Beginning at 8.30pm Shore Thing offers 6 hours of entertainment and midnight fireworks on Bondi Beach. Headline acts this year are David Guetta, Armand Van Helden and The Aston Shuffle. Tickets on sale from October 8th

Darling Harbour will have free family areas as well as lots of restaurants offering special packages. It's also home to several nightclubs so there is something for everyone but you should know that you don't really get the whole harbour experience from here. They have fireworks but it's just not the same.

Luna Park Harbour Party Luna Park is another brilliant location to see in the new year, right under the fireworks with dance music. This year's entertainment includes Wynter Gordon, The Potbelleez, Zoe Badwi, Ajax, Beni, Cassian and possibly more. Tickets from $99 Tickets still available at various prices 14/12/2011

New Years Eve - Bon Voyage - Swiss Grand Hotel - 2 hours complimentary cocktails (6-8pm) and free bubbly at midnight. DJ's and a great view right over Bondi Beach. Tickets still available 14/12/2011

Gorgeous Presents FACT NYE at the MCA rooftop Amazing views, great food and Spanish DJs. First release sold out but second release on November 25th. $249 current allocation sold out, more tickets may become available. 14/12/2011

A Night at the Savoy - The Loft on King St Wharf and Moet and Chandon present a night o fine food and burlesque. Tickets $235 include 4 hour drinks package and substantial canapes. Still available 14/12/2011

For more music related options the Live Guide NYE directory is the place to go