sydney new years eve packages celebrations
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EPIC SYDNEY NEW YEARS EVE PACKAGES & TIPS FOR FAMILIES (2022/23)

by Danielle Mathie
by Danielle Mathie

As Sydney is one of the best destinations to bring in the New Year with your loved ones, we want to profile the top family-friendly Sydney New Years Eve packages out there for 2022/23.

Each year over a million people head to the harbour foreshore to see the Sydney NYE fireworks, which goes off at 9pm and midnight. It also attracts up to a billion people watching on television each year.

For this reason, it makes it an extremely popular New Years Eve festival Sydney event with restaurants, accommodation, vantage points, cruises and parties booking out many months in advance.

Therefore this brings with it so many questions for parents like where to go, what to do and see, will we get a spot to watch the Sydney NYE fireworks, how will we get there and back, how much will it cost and finally will it be worth it?

New Years Eve festival Sydney event

New Years Eve festival Sydney event celebrations. | Photo: Tim Hill

To help you answer these questions and to reduce the stress of celebrating the hottest event of the year in Sydney, we’ve put together a guide for you and your family.

So, below is a family friendly things to do on New Years Eve guide, where to stay in Sydney for New Years Eve and some tips to help you make the most of this bucket list experience.

This article may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more info.

Page Contents

Top Sydney New Years Eve Packages and Tips:

Sydney NYE vantage points for fireworks

What makes Sydney one of the best NYE fireworks displays is it impressively lights up the entire harbour, stretching for miles.

There are many vantage points and Sydney NYE cruise options to experience a New Years Eve Sydney party.

So, we profile 10 of the best Sydney NYE vantage points and places to take kids in Sydney.

1. Darling Harbour

Now, this is one of the busiest Sydney NYE vantage points as it can hold up to 40,000 people for the fireworks.

Being close to plenty of public transport options and an alcohol-free zone – it makes it a firm favourite for families to ring in the bells.

Darling Harbour New Years Eve celebrations kick off from 7pm with free flame and firework shows on Cockle Bay every hour (7pm, 8pm, 10pm and 11pm) plus the 9pm and midnight displays as well.

Note: Limited seating is available so get there early to secure a spot as it does get busy fast.

If you’d rather have something booked then this spot also has a number of New Years Eve Sydney restaurant packages available, and one that allows children is at the Dockside.

Priced from $195 per adult and $95 per child (4-12 years), NYE at Dockside serves up canapés, three-course gourmet meal, five and a half hour beverage service, DJ entertainment and balcony viewing of the Sydney NYE fireworks. 

Darling Harbour New Years Eve
Cost: Free and from $195 at Dockside
Opens: From 1pm
How to get there: Various trains, buses, ferries and light rail options are available. See the NSW transport site.

2. Pirrama Park, Pyrmont

For spectacular partial views of the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and harbour, Pirrama Park in Pyrmont is an ideal location to spend NYE with the family.

This vantage point opens from 2pm and has a capacity of 15,000 people, but it doesn’t really get too crowded.

It’s a spot where you can comfortably enjoy the fireworks with room to lay out a rug and enjoy a picnic.

Public transport is nearby with the light rail stop at The Star Casino and walking distance from there.

In the past, it has held a Sydney NYE tickets family friendly event at the Pirrama Park Wharf Viewing area, catering to only 800 people and offers a licenced cash bar.

Tickets were around $200 per adult, $179 per child (12 and under) and free for under 5s. As well as exclusive entry to see the fireworks display, the package includes a starter, main and dessert meal along with a glass of wine or soft drink. 

The wharf area also has unreserved long table dining, deck chairs and plenty of space to bring a rug to enjoy the music, display and entertainment.

Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
Cost: FREE to $200 per adult, $179 per child
Opens: From 3.30pm
How to get there: Catch the light rail to The Star and walk.

3. Cremorne Point

Cremorne Point NYE celebrations are a firm favourite for lower north shore residents as it serves up incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a distance.

To get to the viewing spot you need to walk the Cremorne Point Walk track to get to the foreshore.

Here you will be able to find a family friendly spot and enjoy a picnic. Only thing is it does get busy with other families and locals vying for a spot, so you may have to compromise with partial views as trees can occasionally blocking the fireworks display.

However, if you pick your area and timing well you could have impressive views. Some families leave after the 9pm fireworks, leaving spots free for the midnight show.

What’s great about a Cremorne Point New Years Eve experience is it’s free, a no-alcohol zone and only allows for up 7,000 people.

Note: Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place and public transport will be congested. Be sure to factor this into your visit or stay nearby to make getting to/from this vantage spot as easy as possible.

Cremorne Point
Cost: FREE
Opens: From 1pm
How to get there: Stay locally and walk, catch a ferry to Cremorne Point or bus routes 180 and 225.

4. Taronga Zoo

For a family friendly wild NYE celebration, why not consider heading to Tarango Zoo.

With spanning Sydney Harbour views, it’s no wonder this attraction is extremely popular with families for New Years Eve.

They sell a variety of Taronga Zoo NYE tickets for different outdoor picnic-style vantage areas at their premises such as the diamond, platinum, gold and silver packages.

Most of these packages include food and drinks but for cheaper options, you can bring a picnic.

The cost of their packages are outlined below:

  • Diamond package priced at $630pp includes onsite parking, food and drinks, live entertainment, all vantage point access, all-day zoo pass and gift bag
  • Gold package priced $315 (Adult), $205 (Child 4-15 years), $950 (2 x Adults and 2 x Child) includes onsite parking, zoo pass, live entertainment and multiple vantage point access
  • Silver package priced $210 (Adults), $115 (Child), $598 (2 x Adults and 2 x Child) includes ride and park service, zoo pass, allocated vantage point access and live entertainment

Add-ons are available including accommodation, restaurant NYE experiences and food hampers.

For a luxe soiree (18 years+) experience (sorry kids!), the zoo offers a secluded private rooftop balcony event featuring canapés, flowing beverage package and rooftop views of the fireworks. This, however, will set you back around $750 per adult.

5. Parramatta Park, Parramatta

For a NYE celebration away from Sydney Harbour, why not consider heading west to Parramatta.

They serve up a smaller celebration that lines the foreshore of the Parramatta River.

Starting from 4pm the city hosts an array of entertainment, food stalls and activities suitable for families.

The kids can enjoy the activities, performances, rides and water and fireworks displays.

Then at 6pm the first of their NYE displays kicks-off before the main fireworks commence at 9pm.

Outside of the Harbour City, Parramatta Park has to be one of the best Sydney New Years Eve parties for families.

An upside of celebrating away from the Sydney CBD and in Parramatta is that there are more accommodation options available and priced cheaper.

Here is a list of our top family friendly Parramatta accommodation and self contained accommodation Parramatta offers for New Years Eve:

Also here is the latest Parramatta accommodation deals.

Plus as the event ends at 9pm, you can still catch the midnight Sydney fireworks on the TV.

Parramatta Park
Cost: Free entry
Opens: 4-9pm

6. Peppercorn Reserve, Drummoyne

Located in Drummoyne, Peppercorn Reserve is a hidden gem spot to bring in the New Year, and a favourite with locals and families.

The reason being is this small park offers views of both the harbour and city, as well as island views of Snapper and Spectacle Island.

To view the Sydney NYE fireworks is free from this location and all you need is to bring a rug and picnic and you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxed evening with the family.

Note: There are no public toilets available at the reserve.

7. Northern Beaches

What is great about spending NYE in Sydney is there are so many different celebrations experiences available, like on the beach.

One seaside destination popular to ring in the bells is the Northern Beaches with their New Years Eve Sydney event festivities at Dee Why and Manly Beach.

Both are gorgeous beach locations and offer relaxed fireworks displays suitable for the whole family.

And, that’s why we’ve included Dee Why and Manly as one of our New Years Eve Sydney family friendly spots.

Both Dee Why NYE and Manly NYE host their fireworks displays at 9pm. For Dee Why it’s at The Strand and Ted Jackson Reserve, while for Manly its at the Manly Cove, East and West Esplanade Reserves.

So, why not escape the inner city madness and bring a picnic to enjoy an early beachside NYE celebration.

As traffic will be congested for the event, why not consider staying in the Northern Beaches. Here’s our favourite family friendly accommodation for NYE:

Dee Why and Manly Beach
Cost: FREE
Where: The Strand and Ted Jackson Reserve and Manly Cove, East and West Esplanade Reserves
When: 9pm fireworks
How to get there: Stay locally Dee Why or Manly Beach or catch the Manly Ferry New Years Eve services

8. Birchgrove Park, Birchgrove

Another great location for western side Sydney Harbour Bridge views is from Birchgrove Park.

Located near Balmain this waterfront park can host up to 5,000 patrons for NYE.

Each year, Birchgrove Park New Years Eve offers enough space to set up a rug and picnic and let the kids run wild.

As it’s a no-alcohol zone it’s a family-friendly spot away from rowdy celebrations and has toilets and playground facilities.

Birchgrove Park
Cost: FREE
Opens: From 8am
How to get there: Catch the 441, 433 buses

9. Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo

Not only is this one of the largest Sydney NYE vantage points but Barangaroo Reserve is also a must-do for families.

Featuring wide sloping lawns and affordable ticket entry prices, this site caters for up to 10,000 people who will be able to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge light up.

Families can stretch out with a picnic or purchase food and drinks at the onsite food stalls.

Between the fireworks displays, there is live entertainment and music to enjoy.

Best of all, this Barangaroo New Years Eve vantage point has both alcohol-free zones and licenced areas making it one of the most suitable New Years Eve Sydney events for all ages.

It’s also close to public transport with Wynyard Train Station only a 10-minute walk away.

Note: Barangaroo New Years Eve tickets usually go on sale from August if the event is running. Be sure to subscribe to their email list to stay up to date with the latest information and if they are running this event for 2022/23.

Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo
Cost: $57.10 (Adults), $36.20 (Child 3-15 years)
Opens: From 6pm via Hickson Road gates
How to get to Barangaroo: Catch the train to Wynyard Station

10. Shark Island

It’s one of the best locations to take in the NYE views of Sydney Harbour.

Shark Island is known for hosting an exclusive ticketed event for only 780 guests who can watch the fireworks with plenty of space to sprawl out and party.

This spot has various food and drinks options to purchase or you can bring a small picnic for the festivities.

There’s a DJ onsite playing the hottest house, disco, funk and soul tracks to get you in the summer island mood at this special vantage point.

Note: Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Be sure to check the City of Sydney website for the latest event information.

Cost: $260 (Adult), $186 (Child 5-15 years)
How to get there: Catch the ferry from Marshal at Lyne Park, Rose Bay
When: 6.15pm to 1.15am

Sydney NYE cruise packages for families

For a truly memorable way to spend NYE in Sydney is by getting on the water.

That’s why a New Years Eve family cruise Sydney experience is a must for the biggest event of the year.

There’s a bunch of family cruises from Sydney available to celebrate New Years Eve and our top picks are below:

1. Fantasea Cruise

This New Years Eve Sydney cruise with Fantasea is a family friendly experience as they provide a fun and safe environment for young children.

Departing from Darling Harbour at 8pm, this 1.5-hour cruise positions the vessel west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to get great views of the 9pm fireworks.

You’ll be away from the chaos of the city centre and be able to view the event from the boat’s open rooftop.

As the boat has limited passenger numbers on board, it ensures you will have a comfortable, stress-free and memorable experience.

Note: Drinks and food is available to purchase at the boat’s cashless bar (so card payments only).

Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve Family Cruise
Departs: 8pm from Darling Harbour
Cost: $290 (Adult), $190 (Children under 15 years), $799 (2 x Adults, 2 x Children)

2. Sydney Harbour Escapes

Now, this is one for those families who are after a super-luxe experience. Chartering a family NYE Boat is the crème de la crème of all New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney.

That’s why the price tag that goes with it isn’t an easy one to swallow.

Boat hires start from $3,500 and can go up to $120,000 per vessel, however, passenger numbers vary as well and range from 1-85.

So, if you have a few family members and friends you could nab yourself a smaller size boat and divvy up the cost to be more affordable per person.

And, it would be one hell of a New Years Eve festival Sydney experience.

Sydney NYE Cruise Charters
Cost: From $3,500 per vessel
Where: Darling Harbour

To find out more on available boats, passenger numbers and prices for your family friendly Sydney Harbour New Years Eve cruise click here.

3. Sail Australia

Another family friendly New Years Eve Sydney cruise option is with Sail Australia who caters to finding you the most suitable boat option for your family.

Some of our top picks with Sail Australia are:

  • MV Magic Vessel – caters to 40 passengers and departs King St Wharf 3, Darling Harbour at 7.30pm, returning at 1.30am.It includes a cocktail menu and food stations, DJ entertainment, prime position for fireworks and beverage package. Cost is $650 per adult and $550 per children
  • MV Eclipse Vessel – caters to 150 passengers and departs King St Wharf 3, Darling Harbour at 8pm, returning 1am. It includes a cocktail and buffet menu, DJ entertainment, prime position for fireworks and beverage package. Cost is $750 per person
  • Ocean Surfer Vessel –  departing from Manly at 7pm and returns 9.25pm. It costs from $265 per adult, $159 per child (4-15 years) and it’s a cruise-only service, BYO drinks and food. Great option for the early family fireworks

New Years Eve Sydney restaurant packages

Going hand in hand with New Years Eve celebrations is having dinner beforehand and then enjoying the fireworks display.

There are many restaurants that offer New Years Eve Sydney restaurant packages in the ‘Harbour City’. So, your hardest decision will be to find one that is child-friendly as most serve up a romantic couples experience.

However, don’t be discouraged as they’re as places out there that cater to children and families.

Below are our favourite NYE restaurants Sydney picks for enjoying dinner with the family before the fireworks entertainment.

1. City Extra

Be positioned in the heart of the Sydney NYE celebrations at City Extra in Circular Quay.

They’re offering 200 spots to dine, party and take in the prime views of the NYE festivities.

As you watch the 9pm and midnight fireworks, you’ll be able to enjoy an open bar for the duration of your evening, live entertainment and a four-course meal.

Best of all, children under 18 years are welcomed and usually only costs half price of an adult ticket.

City Extra NYE Celebration Evening 2022/23 
Where: E4 East Podium Between Wharf 3 & 4
Cost: From $485 per adult and $200 per child
When: 7pm – 1am

2. The Sydney Boulevard Hotel (TBC)

This place has long been a favourite with locals and tourists to ring in the bells with their themed NYE celebrations.

The Sydney Boulevard Hotel usually hosts a fun and family friendly NYE event as they serve up delicious canapés, free-flowing beverages, live music and of course spectacular 180-degree views of the harbour fireworks from the 25th floor.

Centrally located it makes getting to/from the hotel easy for families as public transport is close by with Town Hall Station only a few minutes walk away.

They also offer a range of comfortable NYE accommodation Sydney options for those who prefer to party and stay in the hotel.

Note: Tickets are standing only with a few scattered tables and chairs around the event.

Sydney Boulevard Hotel Cocktail NYE Experience
Cost: From $289 per adult and $145 per child
Where: 90 William Street
Opens: 8pm-1am

New Years Eve Sydney accommodation 

To avoid the chaos of heading to and back home from your New Years Eve Sydney party then why not consider staying close by to your event.

The good thing about the Harbour City is it offers heaps of accommodation options, but the downside is they book out quickly and can more a bit more expensive, especially if you leave it to the last minute.

So, to help you out here are our recommended family friendly New Years accommodation Sydney options to consider that is near those vantage points and Sydney New Years Eve packages featured above.

1. For NYE events in/ around Circular Quay

2. For NYE events near Balmain

  • BM21 Balmain 2 Bed Beauty
  • Hidden GEM in Balmain
  • Pop Artist’s Concept Store On Darling St

3. For NYE events in/around Dee Why and Manly Beach

4. For NYE events in Parramatta

5. For NYE events at Taronga Zoo

6. For NYE events in Cremorne Point

7. For NYE events in Pyrmont, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo

New Years Eve Sydney Tips for Parents

Celebrating New Years Eve in Australia’s largest and most popular city for the event of the year is an exciting experience, but for parents, it can be daunting.

So, to reduce your stress, anxiety and that feeling of ‘never again’ we’ve listed 10 tips to help you have a smoother and more enjoyable experience together as a family:

1. Be organised and plan

This means knowing where, when, how to get there and how much you intend to spend for your celebrations. We recommend booking something that guarantees entry, food/drinks and views of the fireworks (see above for options) to avoid disappointment.

Nothing worse than going all that way with your family to your celebrations spot and not seeing a thing (this is especially the case if you want to watch the fireworks from Circular Quay or The Rocks).

Also, book early – subscribe to the event’s newsletter and social channels to ensure you know when their tickets are released as they will go quickly.

2. Get there early

A lot of vantage points and venues fill up fast and the best spots are taken quickly. So go early if you can.

3. Catch public transport or walk

These are the easiest ways to get to/from your NYE festivities. Be sure to know the travel routes, cost per ticket, trip times, ensure everyone has a travel card and understand the walking distance

4. Pack your essential items

Depending on your event it can include sunscreen, hat, mosquito spray, jacket, food, drinks, rug, charged phone, camera, printed entry tickets, public transport card eg. Opal Card, cash and cards, poncho and umbrella if it’s to rain and you’re outside.

5. Lost and found plan

Be sure to have a plan in place if your child wanders. This can include writing your phone number on their arm or have a wristband, giving them a mobile device setup with your number on speed dial and let them know where the meeting point is if you get separated.

6. Make sure your kids won’t get frightened by the sound

Pack headphones to reduce the noise from the fireworks display if up close and outside.

7. Be well rested

It’s a big event so ensure everyone in the family is well-rested beforehand.

8. Bring a pram

This is especially the case if you have young children. They will get tired so it will be a good place for them to rest. Plus, you can use the pram to store your items.

9. Road closures

If you plan on driving then you need to know when and what roads will be closed.

10. Go with a group

Why not celebrate with your friends and other parents. It’ll be more fun having company and there’ll be more eyes watching over one another/ the kids as well.

Have you celebrated NYE in Sydney? Share your tips and things to do in Sydney on New Years Eve?

Danielle is a mum, travel blogger and communications professional from Brisbane, Australia. Stay updated with her travel adventures, tips and top family holiday picks on stuffitgotravelling.com.

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