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Sydney New Year’s Eve Vantage Points – Make an informed decision

What’s your vantage point of choice going to be this New Year’s Eve in Sydney? The spectacular fireworks display is something you definitely don’t want to miss, so pick your spot at the earliest. If you can’t make up your mind, check out the official 2014 Sydney New Year's Eve vantage point map to find the best location to bring in the New Year.

Vantage points may be dime-a-dozen, but don’t underestimate the crowds. All the good spots get taken by early evening, so if you want to watch the world’s ‘largest and most technologically advanced’ New Year’s Eve fireworks display, you’ve got to plan well in advance.

Many top vantage points are family friendly, some have food and alcohol on sale while others allow you to bring your own and some are ticketed while others have free entry. But, wherever you choose to go, make sure you take public transport and get there early so you can spend the evening in good company till the highlights of the evening begin to unfold.

The go-to spots for those who are not aware of all the vantage points are the Sydney Heads, the inner harbor and the Parramatta River and they are definitely the most crowded. There are many more vantage points that afford a fantastic view of the Harbour of Light Parade and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display – so do your homework if you don’t want to get lost in the crowds. Here are a few of the popular ones…

The Circular Quay Promenade, within the foreshore of the Sydney Harbour, is free for all and opens at midday. It’s the perfect place for an unobstructed view of the New Year’s Eve festivities. But, this promenade can host only about 4,500 people, so get there early!

Photo courtesy:

Eduardo Mariz

With an open view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Birchgrove Park is a spacious vantage point that boasts a fantastic view of the city skyline as well as the festive fireworks. Alcohol is permitted at the venue and you could even bring your portable BBQ along and enjoy a relaxed evening out.

Photo courtesy:

Jonathan Poh

Mrs Macquaries Point is a great vantage point within the Royal Botanical Gardens and can accommodate about 20,000 people. Entry is free and you can buy food and alcohol on the premises, though you cannot bring your own.

Photo courtesy:

Jason James

Darling Harbour is a popular vantage point for families, many of whom leave after the 9 pm family fireworks. Darling Harbour hosts a lot of paid events as well and you could choose between the best of both worlds.

Photo courtesy:

Charlie Brewer

Enjoy a panoramic view of New Year’s Eve fireworks at Blues Point, a nature reserve at McMahons Point in North Sydney. This venue can host about 12,000 people, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available for sale, so you really don’t have to bother carting around a hamper.

Photo courtesy:

Russellstreet

If you wish to avoid the madness of the city, you could head to Manly's East Esplanade where you’ll be treated to some fantastic pre-fireworks family entertainment, besides the real deal later in the night.

Photo courtesy:

Darren Foreman

Luna Park on Milsons Point rates are pretty high on the vantage points chart for its great entertainment value and amazing waterfront location that affords a fantastic view of the New Year fireworks. You could also choose to attend its famous Harbour New Year’s Eve Party, which is a ticketed event.

Photo courtesy:

Nicki Mannix

You really can’t go wrong with Pirrama Park too. It’s a fantastic vantage point with ample space and allows you to bring your own hamper and alcohol.

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danwalker90

Taronga Zoo is a great venue for couples and small groups of friends and you can enjoy the fireworks in the company of protected wildlife. It is a ticketed venue, but you’re allowed to bring your own picnic hamper.

Photo courtesy:

Orin Zebest

There’s of course the other option of steering far away from the crowds that throng the waterfront and booking your group on cruisers, yachts, catamarans or schooners – depending on what you’re willing to spend for a memorable New Year’s Eve experience. These vessels, no doubt, offer great food and entertainment packages and make the best viewing gallery for the Harbour of Light Parade and the NYE fireworks!

Photo courtesy:

John Cowper

These just skim the surface of the amazing vantage points Sydney has to offer. Check out the map and find the location that promises an experience that suits you best, before the crowd gets the better of you!

Posted on November 10, 2014
by Sydney New Years Eve Cruise