Sydney’s annual New Year’s Eve party is as famous all over the world as Sydney itself. Putting on one of the best NYE fireworks displays in the world, New Year’s Eve on the Sydney Harbour Bridge is Australia’s version of New York’s Times Square ball drop. With a new theme each year, more than 1 billion people consider the spectacle THE way to celebrate December 31. With more than 1.6 million spectators on the Harbour along with 2.3 million people all over Australia and millions more all over the world, TV broadcasts, radio simulcasts and live streaming online help make this the party of the year.
Fun for the whole family, this New Year’s Eve party kicks off at 6pm with a thrilling aerial display by the masterful flying aces. Come 7pm a simple tug boat takes centre stage with a stunning water display before an encore aerial performance at 8pm signals the final curtain call for the flying aces. The traditional Welcome to Country ceremony follows, marking our respect for the heritage and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, a moving ritual for all Australians.
At 9pm the first fireworks display of the night lights up the sky for the smaller spectators who won’t make it to midnight. The family fireworks shower the Sydney Harbour and Bridge with colourful explosions firing from the iconic attractions themselves as well as 4 barges floating on the water below. The Harbour of Light Parade then illuminates the famous body of water with 60 ships all decked out in dazzling lights, enchanting spectators of all ages as they perform unique choreography glowing across the water.
It’s then the moment we’ve all be waiting for, the main event, the Midnight Fireworks Display. As the clock strikes midnight, we’ll welcome in the New Year with a spectacular extravaganza of exploding pyrotechnic effects that light up the night sky for a stunning 12 minute display. With firing points all around the harbour, it doesn’t matter where your vantage point is, you’ll be treated to an incredible show.
With millions expected at the celebrations at the harbour, we recommend claiming your spot at one of the recommended vantage points early in the afternoon to ensure you don’t miss out. There are vantage points across the Harbour including Bradleys Head, Campbells Cove, Darling Harbour, East Circular Quay, Lookes Avenue Reserve, Mrs Macquaries Point, Observatory Hill Park, Pyrmont Bay Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Rushcutters Bay Park, Sydney Opera House and The Rocks. Wherever you choose to join the party be sure to tune into the synchronised simulcast on 106.5 KIIS FM or livestream from ABC TV, YouTube and the official Sydney New Year’s Eve website.
There will also be additional public transport services in place to help the missions of spectators to move safely around the city, but crowds are to be expected so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Whether you’re lucky enough to be joining the celebrations in Sydney or will be tuning in from elsewhere, there’s no better way to see in the New Year than with the iconic Sydney Harbour NYE extravaganza.
