It’s the last day of 2021 and Sydney is preparing for a big night of celebration with their annual Sydney Harbour Bridge fireworks. Crowds of people, including tourists, make their way to the city in the hopes they can catch a glance at the spectacular display.
Finding the perfect place to watch the clock strike 12 isn’t easy and most places are charging inflated prices for a few hours of fun. Thankfully there are a number of spots that are free of charge.
The Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks are some of the most iconic in the world and are screened globally, so it’s only natural people want to witness the magic in real life.
Of course, it goes without saying that as Omicron COVID cases surge across Sydney, the safest place to enjoy the fireworks from is literally just the comfort of your own home. But if you’re feeling festive and want to head out, remember to mask up, social distance and pack your hand sanitiser.
With that little disclaimer out of the way, here are all the best places to watch the NYE fireworks this evening for free.
Pirrama Park
Pyrmont
Pirrama Park is family-friendly and accessible, and it doesn’t get as crowded as some of the other locations, which makes it a prime choice. It also has great views, which is what everyone wants at the end of the day.
Observatory Hill Park
Millers Point
With capacity for 8,000 people, Observatory Hill Park offers 20 toilets and includes accessible toilets as well. If you’re looking to drink though, this one’s not for you; alcohol (and glass) are prohibited.
Bicentennial Park
Glebe
The views may not be as spectacular as some of the other locations, but if that means there are fewer people to contend with, perhaps that’s actually a plus for this evening. You’ll be able to catch everything above Circular Quay but make sure you bring food, though, as there’s not much around if you get hungry.
Blues Point Reserve
McMahons Point
Full disclosure, McMahons Point opened at 8am and is known to fill up pretty quickly, but it does serve up panoramic views of the Bridge, so if you’re in the mood to brave a crowd, this is a good option! Alcohol is prohibited here.
Bradfield Park & Mary Booth Reserve
Milsons Point
Milsons Point is close to transport and has great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Opening at 10am, this will be a popular choice, so make sure you arrive early to secure a spot. Alcohol and glass are prohibited, as are pets.
Lavender Bay Parklands
Lavender Bay
With a capacity of 1,500 people, Lavender Bay serves up great views with fewer people to contend with. Open from 8am, it’ll be tough to get a spot, though!
Stay safe, and Happy New Year!