We get it, last Christmas feels like it happened a week ago. But believe it or not, we’re more than half way through the year (68.8 per cent, to be precise), and the summer party season is just around the corner. If you’re the planner of your group, you’ll want to take note. The ballots for some of Sydney’s best fireworks viewing spots are open now, and tickets for other spots (both paid and free-to-reserve) are moving fast. Keen to find out more? Read on.
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This year’s NYE celebrations are on track to be as spectacular as ever, with an epic fireworks display and mesmerising light projections set to transform the skyline as we welcome 2026. Full details for this year’s events are yet to be released, but the basic program for the harbour-based festivities includes a 7.30pm smoking ceremony, pylon projections on the Harbour Bridge from 8.30pm, a Welcome to Country at 8.45pm, the Calling Country fireworks display at 9pm, and the world-famous midnight fireworks display as the clock strikes 12.
A few notable changes this year include an expanded viewing set-up on the Cahill Expressway (you can enter the ballot for free tickets here), and a new approach at the Sydney Opera House – which will offer 6,000 free tickets (available to book via the Opera House website on December 26). In the heart of the harbour, Cockatoo Island is offering elevated camping and accommodation packages this year, with the ballot to book accommodation on the island closing on Wednesday, September 17.
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The City of Sydney's updated NYE website contains all the info you’ll need about public transport on the night, NYE harbour cruises and the various vantage point options across the city. You can learn more, browse vantage point options and book tickets over here.
“Whether you’re committed to securing a family-friendly front row spot at one of the many free viewing areas at parks and headlands around the harbour or planning to go big with your booking, the official website has you covered,” explained Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO.
New listings will be added to the City of Sydney’s NYE website as the big night approaches, so you can stay up-to-date over here, and we’ll make sure to share updates when other big events are announced for silly season.
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