Vantage points map

Circular Quay west

  • Free
  • Alcohol prohibited
  • Toilets
  • Accessible
  • The Rocks

The site includes Circular Quay west promenade, First Fleet Park, Museum of Contemporary Art podium and Tallawoladah Lawn areas. Limited views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

  • A large crowd sits on the ground at night facing the Sydney Opera House, which is illuminated across the harbor. City buildings and trees are visible in the background.
  • Large crowd gathers at night near Sydney Harbour; the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are illuminated in the background.
  • Large crowd gathers by the waterfront at night, watching colorful fireworks explode over a bridge and harbor.
  • A large crowd of people sits and lounges on blankets at a grassy park beside the water, with the Sydney Opera House visible in the background.
  • Groups of people sit and stand along a riverside promenade with palm trees, banners, and a view of a large bridge in the background.
  • A large group of people sit and gather outside a tan stone building with trees and banners, enjoying a sunny day.
  • A large crowd sits on blankets in a park near the waterfront, with palm trees and the Sydney Opera House visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • Sydney Harbour view with the Harbour Bridge on the left, the Opera House on the right, boats in the water, and people walking along the waterfront.

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Admission, hours and capacity

Admission

No ticket required.

You do not need to book or register to enter.

Hours

9am – 1am

Capacity

Holds up to 16,000 people

This venue reached capacity at 3:30pm in 2025

About the Site

  • Food and beverages

    You can buy food here or bring your own

  • Alcohol

    Alcohol isn’t allowed here

  • Toilets

    Toilets are available, including accessible facilities

  • Drinking water

    Drinking water stations are available

Restrictions

  • No glass
  • No camping
  • No sunshades
  • No pets
  • No busking
  • No drones
  • No re-entry
  • No portable chairs over 80cm tall
  • No BYO alcohol
Read the full conditions of entry

Accessibility

  • Accessible entrance and continuous path of travel
  • Transport less than 1km

Location & Access

Alfred Street, Circular Quay, The Rocks

Open in Google Maps

Enter from Alfred Street gate 6 before 6pm, George Street gate 10 or 13 after 6pm

Managed by

Placemaking NSW

02 9240 8500 Website

Transport options

Getting here

  • Public transport is the best way to get around on New Year’s Eve with thousands of extra services running.
  •  See road closure information.

    • Train

      The closest station is Circular Quay however from 3pm trains will not be dropping off passengers. If you are arriving after 3pm, use Wynyard or Martin Place.

    • Metro

      Use Martin Place station and continue on foot.

    • Light rail

      Light rail services will not run to Circular Quay from 2pm

    • Bus

      Buses will relocate to Martin Place from 12pm and Hyde Park from 5pm. Continue on foot to the harbour via George Street.

    • Taxi

      Major roads in Circular Quay close from 12pm with some earlier morning closures in place. Plan ahead if catching taxis or rideshare.

    Getting home

    • See the Getting home from Sydney CBD area map.
    • 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

    • Train

      Circular Quay station will be busy. Access to Wynyard train station is via George Street and King Street only.

    • Light rail

      Light rail services to the south east will leave from Central only after 7pm.

    • Bus

      Buses leave from Wynyard, QVB and Hyde Park. Access to Wynyard buses is via George Street and King Street only.

    • Ferry

      Limited ferries run after the midnight fireworks, services will be busy so have a back up plan.

    Plan your night

    Fireworks viewing guide

    What you need to know to enjoy the celebration harbourside.

    View guide

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