Welcome 2024 at these alternative places to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks around Sydney!

The countdown to the new year is officially on! And, if you’re anything like us, when it comes to planning New Year’s Eve, we always seem to leave it to the last minute. Who can blame us? This time of the year everything seems a little hectic.

But if you’d rather ditch the party and watching the fireworks on the TV at home is not on the cards, we’ve rounded up a guide to all of the best places to watch the fireworks around Sydney.

Whether that be by the water or some of Sydney’s best kept secret vantage points, this list is aimed to de-stress your final end of year festivity. So pop on something sparkly and fun as we introduce you to the top places to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks around Sydney!

 

Athol Lawn, Mosman

Sitting atop of Bradleys Head is Mosman’s Athol Lawn. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, Athol Lawn provides some of the best views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Welcoming guests of all ages, this alcohol-free New Year’s Eve firework event allows a capacity of only 2000 guests. Encouraging BYO picnics, Athol Lawn will be open from 3pm until 12:30am. Bookings are essential.

Where: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman, NSW 2088
Cost: from $24
More information here.


Dudley Page Reserve, Dover Heights

For a relaxed atmosphere and amazing views of Sydney Harbour’s fireworks display, Dudley Page Reserve in Dover Heights is your go-to for New Year’s Eve. With food and alcohol for sale, Dudley Page Reserve will also have a DJ to keep the whole family entertained. Plus, did we mention that there will be face painting and lots of activities too? A ticketed event, be sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out!

Where: Lancaster Road & Military Rd, Dover Heights, NSW 2030
Cost: from $32 per person
More information here.


Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown

Back for another year, Koshigaya Park in Campbeltown will be transforming for their annual New Year’s Eve event. With free entry, this family-friendly event includes something for everyone. We’re talking food trucks, carnival rides, live music, kids entertainment, free facepainting, airbrush tattoos, an all-ages glitter bar, show bags and, of course, for the main event, midnight fireworks. Although this is an alcohol-free event, the Campbeltown Catholic Club is only a touch away to kick-on afterwards.

Where: Koshigaya Park, Cnr of Hurley St & Camden Rd, Campbelltown, NSW 2560
Cost: Free entry
More information here.


The Mast Precinct, Mosman

If you’re looking for the best places to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney this year, The Mast Precinct in Mosman is your best bet. Although it is a ticketed event, The Mast Precinct will have drinking water stations available, accessible toilets as well as food and beverages for sale. Open from 3pm until 12:30am, we recommend you book ahead to this New Year’s Eve event.

Where: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman, NSW 2088
Cost: from $30
More information here.


North Head, Manly

If you’re in search of a relaxed place to watch the New Year’s Eve Sydney fireworks, North Head in Manly may be the spot for you. Led by NSW National Parks, this free ticket event welcomes both locals and visitors to the northern-most edge of Sydney Harbour National Park. Simply pack a picnic, spread out a rug and enjoy a quieter Sydney celebration – the views are guaranteed to be panoramic! With only 2000 spots available, gates are set to open at 5:30pm with the event closing at 12:20am. Please note: North Head is an alcohol-free zone and bag searches will be conducted upon entry.

Where: North Head Scenic Drive, Manly, NSW 2095
Cost: Free entry
More information here.


Parramatta

If you’re heading to Sydney’s north-west to bring in 2024, Parramatta is home to five exciting places to watch the fireworks. With free entry, Binalong Park, Max Ruddock Reserve, Dundas Park, Doyle Ground and George Kendall Riverside Park will welcome guests of all ages to watch the 9pm fireworks. On top of this, there will so be live music and a range of food vendors. Be sure to pack a picnic blanket, foldable chairs and lots of food to nibble on!

Where: Binalong Park, Max Ruddock Reserve, Dundas Park, Doyle Ground and George Kendall Riverside Park.
Cost: Free entry
More information here.


Penrith Panthers, Penrith

If you prefer to boogie into 2024, Penrith Panthers is the place to be this New Year’s Eve. Starting at 4pm, guests are invited to the disco takeover at western Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. With fireworks at 9pm and at midnight, there will also be carnival rides, games, food trucks, a petting zoo, face painting, show bags and live music too. Plus, if you’re feeling creative, Penrith Panthers also encourages visitors to dress up to get into the mood!

Where: Penrith Panthers Rugby Leagues Club, 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith, NSW 2750
Cost: Free entry
More information here.


Wollongong Harbour, Wollongong

For a splash of something different, farewell the year that was and welcome 2024 thanks to Wollongong Harbour’s free New Year’s Eve event. Sponsored by the Cram Foundation, this family-friendly celebration starts at 5pm with roving entertainment spread around the area. With food trucks available in Osborne Park, Wollongong Harbour will have an extraordinary, bigger than ever fireworks display at 9pm. With handfuls of watch points around the city, Wollongong Harbour will also have an accessible viewing area for those with disability or accessibility requirements.

Where: Cove Beach, Cliff Rd, Wollongong, NSW 2500
Cost: Free
More information here.


Sydney isn’t the only city with great fireworks! Check out this list of the Top New Year’s Eve Firework Displays around the World. And New Year’s Eve celebrations is not complete without a glass of bubbly, so check out this guide to the Best Champagnes and Sparkling Wines for New Year’s Eve.

Feature image: Photographed by Arthur Chauvineau. Image via Unsplash.
This article was first published on December 26 2017. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on December 14 2023.