Vantage points map

Thornton Park

  • Free
  • BYO alcohol allowed
  • Accessible
  • Balmain East

A very popular site that becomes congested. Excellent views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge spans across the water with city buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A cityscape featuring the Sydney Harbour Bridge over the harbor, with a stone building and greenery in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Benches overlook Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the left, city buildings on the right, and a ferry wharf along the waterfront under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Stone walkway along a waterfront with city skyscrapers in the background, benches and green lawn on the right, and blue sky above.
  • Green lawn with a small garden bed, trees, and two buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A paved path leads to a circular garden bed surrounded by grass, with houses, trees, and people sitting near the water in the background.

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Admission, hours and capacity

Admission

No ticket required.

You do not need to book or register to enter.

Hours

3:30pm – 1:30am

Capacity

Holds up to 1,000 people

About the Site

  • Food and beverages

    No food for sale but you can bring your own

  • Alcohol

    You can bring your own alcohol

  • Toilets

    No toilets are available

    Toilets available nearby at Lookes Avenue Reserve

Restrictions

  • No drones
  • No camping
  • No busking
  • Sunshades must be taken down at sunset

Accessibility

  • Accessible entrance and continuous path of travel

Location & Access

Darling Street, Balmain East

Open in Google Maps

Managed by

Inner West Council

02 9392 5000 Website

Transport options

Getting here

  • Some roads into the Balmain and Birchgrove Peninsula will close from 3pm. After 7pm, access is for resident passholders only. See the road closure map and real-time traffic updates at livetraffic.com
  • Ferries stop running on the harbour by 5:30pm.
  • Buses will continue to operate to and from Balmain and Birchgrove unless directed otherwise due to large crowds.

      Getting home

      • Follow signage and directions of NSW Police towards bus services leaving the area towards the city and inner west suburbs.
      • Limited ferries will operate from Balmain East after the midnight fireworks. Plan your trip and have a back-up plan as services will be busy.
      • Pedestrian diversions are in place on New Year’s Eve. The way you arrive, may be different to how you get home. Be prepared for a longer walk to transport hubs.
        Plan your night

        Fireworks viewing guide

        What you need to know to enjoy the celebration harbourside.

        View guide

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