Sydney, NSW · Summer
Sydney New Year's Eve
31 December annually (9pm and midnight fireworks)
Sydney throws the biggest New Year's Eve party in the country, and one of the first major midnight celebrations in the world each year. More than a million people ring the harbour for the 9pm family fireworks and the main midnight display, when the Harbour Bridge becomes the centrepiece of a show watched by a global television audience of many millions.
Vantage points range from free foreshore parks and headlands to ticketed venues, harbour cruises and restaurants. The best free spots fill from early morning on the 31st, so committed spectators arrive with picnic rugs and patience. If fireworks over water are on your list, this is the definitive Australian version.
- Major Event
- Family Festival
- When
- 31 December annually (9pm and midnight fireworks)
- How often
- Every year
- Venue
- Sydney Harbour foreshore
- Crowd
- 1,000,000+ around the harbour
- Entry
- Free + ticketed
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Public holiday
- New Year's Day
Dates shown follow the event's typical pattern; exact dates change each year, so confirm on the official site before booking travel.
Getting there by bus
Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Sydney. We’ve prefilled the usual event date; adjust it to suit your plans.
Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.
More events around Sydney
SummerSydney FestivalFirst three weeks of January
SummerYabun Festival26 January annually
Summer-AutumnSydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi GrasMid-February to early March; parade on first Saturday of March
AutumnSydney Royal Easter ShowApprox. 12 days spanning Easter (late March to mid-April)
AutumnSydney Writers' FestivalOne week in late May
Autumn-WinterVivid SydneyLate May to mid-June (23 nights)