Everything you need to know about Sydney New Year’s Eve 2021

Whether 2021 flashed or crawled by for you, we can all agree that we’re ready for a good NYE party. Sydney’s celebrations are some of the best in the world and this year will be no different, with our glittering harbour set to sparkle with abundant music, lights and fireworks. 

It always pays great dividends to plan ahead but especially this year, because there’ll be some notable changes to locations, ticketing and services. To help make the most of your evening and ensure a smooth passage from home and back, here’s a list of everything you need to know ahead of the big day.

_{Photograph: Brook Mitchell/City of Sydney}

You’ll need a ticket to access many of the vantage points

The City of Sydney manages six fully accessible vantage points; these are Observatory Hill, Beare Park, Bicentennial Park, Giba Park, Pirrama Park and Embarkation Point. Tickets to these are free and available to book now, but with capacity limits ranging from 900 to 19,000 depending on the location, you’ll want to snap up a spot quick smart if you’re planning on going. Pass outs, water refill stations and toilets will be available at all of them. Most other vantage points will come with a fee, so consult this handy map to see prices and ticket status. 

_{Photograph: Cole Bennets/City of Sydney}

...And many of them will operate a little differently this year

To keep everyone safe and ensure festivities run smoothly, opening times, services available at vantage points and pass out rules will be different to previous years. To avoid being caught out, do your homework by thoroughly reading each location’s page and familiarising yourself with essential info such as arrival and closing times, restrictions, and whether you can drink alcohol and BYO.

_{Photograph: Supplied/City of Sydney}

You’re encouraged to support local restaurants

At the six vantage points mentioned above there’ll be no food for sale. Instead, you’re encouraged to visit a local restaurant or café before arriving, or bring along a picnic to enjoy – however please check location pages to see what you’re allowed to bring (no glass, please!) Alternatively, many of the city’s restaurants and bars will throw their own lavish NYE dinners and parties which you can find out about here.

_{Photograph: Bianca De Marchi/City of Sydney}

There will be fireworks at 9pm and midnight (but not at Darling Harbour)

Unlike previous years, there won’t be fireworks at 9pm or midnight at Darling Harbour, although many of the area’s cruises, restaurants and bars will still be lively affairs with views of the main displays. The excitement begins at 8.30pm with pylon projections enlivening the Sydney Harbour Bridge while lighting effects dazzle the harbour foreshore. At the family-friendly hour of 9pm there’ll be a Welcome to Country display with eight minutes of fireworks, songs and projections curated by First Nations artist Blak Douglas. Finally, a dazzling 12-minute display at midnight will celebrate the start of 2022.

_{Photograph: Flickr/Stilgherrian}

Commute, commute, commute

Some things never change though – don’t drive, and take public transport. Extra services will be running, and there’ll be road closures throughout the city. At this point exact information hasn’t been released yet, so keep an eye on official channels over coming weeks.

_{Photograph: Mick Tsikas/City of Sydney}

There are many ways to experience Sydney New Year’s Eve

Finally, you don’t need to battle the crowds to enjoy the festivities. Whether you plan to party at home, at a family or friend’s place or at a local venue, there’s many ways to tune in. The ABC will broadcast live from Sydney Harbour, capturing all the lights and action from 8.30pm. The Welcome to Country fireworks and midnight fireworks will be broadcast live on sydneynewyearseve.com and ABC iview. On the road? Switch over to KIIS 1065 and listen to the exclusive soundtracks accompanying the show at 9pm and midnight.

The City of Sydney will continue to monitor the health situation while working with the NSW Government and relevant agencies for a safe 2021 New Year’s Eve celebration. Visit the official website for the latest news and updates about Sydney New Year’s Eve 2021.