Free places to watch the NYE fireworks in Sydney

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.

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. 

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.

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).

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. 

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.