Sydney NYE Fireworks 2025: where to watch for free

The Rocks precinct will have five vantage points: Campbell’s Cove, Dawes Point Park, East Circular Quay, West Circular Quay and Hickson Road Reserve). Each of the venues offer their own advantage. For instance, Campbell’s Cove boasts uninterrupted views of the harbour, Dawes Point Park and Hickson Road Reserve offer sheltered picnic spots from beneath the Bridge and East and West Circular Quay situate you right in the centre of the action.

Open from 9am

Address: various (around The Rocks)

Time Out tip: Given its prime position, each of these venues reach capacity quickly, so get there early and make a day of it

Each of The Rocks’ public vantage points are alcohol-free areas, so to stay hydrated, we’d recommend checking out our list of the best restaurants and bars in Circular Quay – they're a failsafe option for an excellent final dinner of the year.

If you want to cling to the foreshore, you can stay relatively central and still nab a free firework-viewing seat at Pirrama Park. This accessible, family-friendly site doesn't get crowded and offers glorious views over Blackwattle Bay. It can accommodate 8,000 party-goers with different food and drink options available. What's more, you're allowed to BYO.

Open from 2pm

Address: Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

Time Out tip: This venue has a designated accessible viewing area for those with accessible needs – bookings essential

Made up of Clark, Quibaree and Watts Parks, this area serves up brilliant views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the NYE fireworks. There’s no alcohol or re-entry, but you can grab food on-site or BYO snacks. It often fills to its 3,000-person capacity, so arriving early is a smart move. You’ll also find accessible toilets and drinking water stations.

Open from 9am

Address: Harbourview Cres, Lavender Bay

Time Out tip: Wendy Whiteley’s Garden will be closed during this event

Live out West and don’t want to endure jam-packed public transport on NYE? Say goodbye to 2025 at Parramatta Park. Jessica Mauboy takes centre stage at the Crescent Stage area –entry is free throughout, but you’ll need a wristband for this area. The Paddock Stage will have Furnace and the Fundamentals perform, followed by Parramatta’s first-ever drone show at 8.55pm before the 9pm fireworks. Fittingly, the Family Stage will have little ones dancing and singing along with Emma Memma. The Fun Zone includes rides and roving performers, perfect for families looking for a safe, fun night out. Don’t worry, there’ll be heaps of food stalls and trucks to fill you up.

Open from 5pm

Address: Pitt St & Macquarie St, Parramatta 

Time Out tip: The drone show is best viewed from The Paddock, so get there early

Are you a Northern Beaches local and don’t wanna head into the city? We wouldn’t want to either. Good news – The NB will once again set off their own fireworks on NYE at the family-friendly time of 9pm at Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Manly Cove and Bayview – and there’s another show at midnight. Bring your picnic or grab some takeaway from local restaurants and let the fun times roll. Of course, keep in mind road closures and alcohol-prohibited zones.

Open from 9am

Addresses: 

Dee Why: Ted Jackson Reserve, The Strand

Frenchs Forest: Lionel Watts Reserve, Blackbutts Rd

Manly: Manly Cove, East Esplanade

Bayview: Winnererremy Bay 

Time Out tip: Leave your dog at home – no pets allowed

Home to a sprawling children’s playground complete with slides, swings, water fountains and a 21-metre flying fox, it’s safe to say that Darling Harbour is an excellent family-friendly option. The free-to-access Cockle Bay vantage opens at 9am, so you’ll have time to fit in a few hours of play before catching the fireworks. Food-wise, head to Darling Square for tons of options or bring your own snacks. No alcohol or re-entry is allowed here. 

Open from 9am

Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney

Time Out tip: The Cockle Bay fireworks at 9pm and midnight are independent to the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks which cannot be viewed from here

Enjoy the western side of the Sydney harbour at Simmons Point Reserve free of charge. It's busy here, but not super crowded, with the reserve on the northeastern tip holding 300 people for the fireworks. As with many a Balmain foreshore, it has an uninterrupted view of the bridge, BYO alcohol is allowed, but there are no toilets (you’ll have to pop round to another of the nearby parks for those).

Open from 10am

Address: Simmons Street, Balmain East

Time Out tip: Keep in mind that ferries stop running on the harbour at 5.30pm 

Commanding unique views of Sydney Harbour, McKell is a secret sanctuary where you can swim in the harbour via the sandstone steps. So, set your picnic blanket and basket down on the water's edge and make the most of it. Why not take the family out to this oasis and spend the last day of the year enjoying Sydney's fireworks?

Open from noon

Address: Darling Point Rd, Darling Point

Time Out tip: Roads approaching this area will close from 3pm, so arrive early

Overlooking Cowper Wharf in Woolloomoolloo, Embarkation Park has a great view of the Harbour Bridge, but beware that the lovely foliage here does mean some restricted viewing. You can BYO food, but not alcohol. There are toilets and drinking water stations.

Open from 4pm

Address: Victoria Street, Potts Point

Time Out tip: This vantage point reached capacity (1,200 people) in 2024, so come early

If you don't want to fork out hundreds of dollarydoos for Luna Park's NYE party, you can do the next best (free) thing at Bradfield Park and Mary Booth Reserve. The space can hold up to 16,000 people and there will be plenty of food options on offer, but alcohol is prohibited and there will be bag checks. 

Open from 9am

Address: Fitzroy St, Milsons Point

Time Out tip: This popular location gets packed due to its proximity to transport, open spaces and views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Make big plans for New Year’s Eve celebrations at Bigge Park in Liverpool. You’ll find carnival rides, games, live entertainment and plenty of delicious food and drink stalls to keep the good times rolling before the main event – the fireworks at 9pm. Gates close at 8pm, so make sure you’re in early. While pets and BYO alcohol aren’t permitted, there will be a pop-up bar to keep the grown-ups happy. 

Open from 5pm

Address: Bigge St, Liverpool 

Time Out tip: There is no pedestrian access on College Street or Moore Street, so you’ll need to enter via Bigge Street

Although tiny (it can hold up to 250 people), this foreshore has incredible sightlines out towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The secluded spot in Rose Bay is an alcohol-free zone and there won't be any food being sold. So it's going to be all about the views here. But take it from us, they're worth it.  

Open from 3pm

Address: Dumaresq Road, Rose Bay

Time Out tip: The last ferry to Rose Bay leaves Circular Quay at 4.45pm, so plan your trip accordingly

Though this area is home to an extensive park – perfect for setting up camp with your picnic hamper – it’s also the spot to be if you’re keen to let a little loose on the dance floor. Live music will soundtrack the night from 5pm onwards and there will be cultural performances. There are accessible toilets, water fountains, food trucks and a licenced bar so you can buy booze – BYO alcohol is not allowed here. 

Open from 11am

Address: Nawi Cove, Barangaroo

Time Out tip: You must access Nawi Cove via Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo South as no other entrances will be open

If you reside in the Ryde area, come on down to Meadowbank Park for family-friendly fireworks at 9pm. Find a spot on the grass and let the kids burn off some energy at the playground. Pack your own picnic or grab some takeaway from nearby eateries. There'll be plenty to choose from, including a couple of ice-cream trucks (perfect for a sultry summer's night) and a gourmet burger truck. This is an alcohol-free event, so you'll need to get into the spirit of things without the spirits! 

Open from 5pm

Address: Constitution Rd, Meadowbank 

Time Out tip: While dogs on leads are allowed, we recommend keep your furry friends at home