Free places to watch the NYE fireworks in Sydney
Avoid the crush on New Year’s Eve
Steer clear of the CBD, where you'll find huge crowds and expensive entry prices. Instead, aim for these top free sites to watch the fireworks and cheers to a golden 2019 in (relative) peace. There might not be a readily available source of booze or food – or even a modern wiz palace – but the lack of lines and ample dancing room is well worth the mild inconvenience.
Plan ahead: Here's where to get coffee on New Year's Day.
RECOMMENDED: New Year's Day parties in Sydney.
Free places to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks
North Head
Get as far from the CBD as possible. You can only catch a glimpse of the bridge but still have an awesome view of the pretty explosions across the Harbour. The site fits 2,000 people, but leave the booze behind – it’s strictly no alcohol. You'll probably need to drive to make the trek, so keep in mind parking fees range from $3 per hour to a $20 per day.
Pirrama Park
If you want to cling to the foreshore, you can stay relatively central and still nab a free firework-viewing seat at Pirrama Park. It offers glorious views over Blackwattle Bay, can accommodate 15,000 party-goers and will be offering food and booze on the night. We recommend calling dibs on a picnic spot early.
Robertson Park
The city is almost a speck in the distance, but it’s a near panoramic speck with obstructed views of the bridge. Robertson is an unmanaged alcohol-free site that holds 500 but isn’t expected to reach capacity.
Simmons Point Reserve
Busy, but not squishy, with the reserve on the northeastern tip holding a few hundred people. It has an uninterrupted view of the bridge, but no alcohol is allowed, and there’s no toilets (you’ll have to pop round to another of the nearby parks for those).
Sydney Park
The sprawling grounds have capacity for 2,000 people, and the city skyline is viewable up the top of a steep hill. So you might want to get in early if you want to bag a spot around there. This is an unmanaged alcohol-free site.
Waverton Park
Probably the busiest spot on our list, but location and ease of access at this alcohol-free site can’t be beaten. You can avoid the city and hop on a train to Waverton, and the park is just a five-minute walk away, on prime waterfront real estate with a great view of the city and bridge.
Can I please use your bathroom?
Where to wee on NYE
We've gone and collected a list of public toilets that will be open into the wee hours on NYE. Visit these when the fireworks are coming and the seal is well and truly broken.