New Year in Sydney: What You Can See in 96 Hours
- karenconnolly59
- Apr 21
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 2
(Author Unknown)
"Travel is the only thing you buy which makes you richer" is a saying that truly resonates. When your birthday falls on New Year, there is a strong desire to celebrate in style. And there’s no place better than Sydney for New Year's Eve. We spent time in this fabulous city before and after our trip to New Zealand, with the highlight being the celebrations around the famous harbour.
Planning Your New Year's Eve in Sydney
Researching accommodation and the best spots for the midnight fireworks can be overwhelming. The potential for FOMO is high if you’re unsure of the areas. Various websites outline expected crowds and party options, from numerous bars to cruises along the harbour and around the opera house. However, we yearned for something different.
When I turned 50, we celebrated in Singapore with a lavish New Year's Eve dinner at the Pan Pacific hotel. Afterward, we headed to the harbour, and I can tell you: it was packed!
Fast forward 15 years, and our vibe has shifted to something more relaxed. We were leaning toward parks and picnics instead of bars and all-night parties. (Does that make us sound old?)
We discovered the perfect spot in Sydney for your next NYE, and we’re excited to share our tips with you!
New Year in Sydney: What You Can See in 96 Hours
Day 1: Our First 24 Hours
First, let’s talk about where to stay. There are many choices, and prices skyrocket during New Year. We opted for an Airbnb for our first four nights. Arriving on December 30 after a long flight from the UK on the 28th, we believed this option would give us the flexibility to relax and recover.
However, there were pros and cons. Staying in an Airbnb meant we had to shop for essentials and figure out places to eat. A hotel with breakfast included might have been more convenient.
We chose an upscale area called Balmain. We booked our apartment in advance, thinking there would be a shortage of accommodations. Surprisingly, when we arrived, many local options were available and up to 50% less per night than what we paid! Ours cost £400 per night, which felt hefty for an Airbnb.
However, the location was perfect. We could easily walk down to Mort Bay and catch a ferry to Circular Quay and other destinations. Exploring the area on foot is a fantastic way to learn about the local culture. Locals are often eager to share the best places to visit.
After some wandering, we found a great view of the fireworks display at Circular Quay. However, Goat Island partially obscured the Harbour Bridge, so we continued our search for a better vantage point.
Dining out during our first day was no hassle. Balmain is dotted with eateries along Darling Street. We chose an Indian restaurant called Curries N Cocktails and enjoyed delicious dishes while people-watching from the pavement.
Day 2: New Year's Eve: Secure Your Spot!
On New Year’s Eve, we found an ideal location within walking distance from our apartment, offering unobstructed views of the stunning harbour. Here’s what you need to know:
Get there early! We arrived at 8 AM. The park was already filling up with gazebos and cool boxes.
Bring food and drinks. Plan for a long day; you’ll be there for at least 16 hours!
Prepare for the sun! Bring sunscreen and hats. It’s summer in Australia, and shade is limited.
Consider a sun umbrella. If you arrive a few days prior, it’s a good idea to buy one. Just remember to take it down at sunset since the first firework display starts at 9 PM for children.
Claim your bench! There are park benches available. It’s much more comfortable than sitting on the ground.
Take breaks. It’s a long day, so take regular walks.
Meet fellow visitors. Engage with others and get into the party spirit? Watch cool dudes dive and somersault into the bay!
Locate public toilets. These are available next to The Fenwick restaurant.
Don’t forget the drinks! If you lack a cool box (we didn’t), know that warm champagne isn’t the best.
Stock up on snacks. A great supermarket nearby offers a wide selection of takeaway chilled items. Just keep in mind the steep hill you’ll climb afterward.
Save your spot! If you find a bench, be aware that nearby space will fill up quickly. Arrive at the wall to secure the best view.
Interact with others. If anyone blocks your view after you’ve waited, kindly ask them to move. Most will comply.
So, where is this fabulous place for your New Year’s Eve?
It’s a charming little park called Thornton Park, next to Darling Street Wharf. If you sit to the left of the park, away from the ferry terminal, you will enjoy a clear view of the Harbour Bridge.
Let the Fireworks Begin!
Day 3: New Year’s Day: Getting out and About
It’s always a bit sad when New Year’s Eve ends. After a relaxing morning on New Year’s Day, we were eager to explore this wonderful city. Here’s how we spent the next 12 hours.
Balmain is a lovely area with a mix of properties that boasts Victorian charm, sandstone heritage, and beautiful waterfront homes, all within minutes of Sydney’s Central Business District. The relaxed neighbourhood is perfect for walking, with many places to eat and relax. Despite the holiday, some local restaurants were still open, though hours may vary.
From our apartment, we strolled down to Mort Bay. We hopped on a ferry to Circular Quay, where the surrounding districts of Sydney were easily accessible.
We prefer to explore on foot and take in famous landmarks. Our four full days in Sydney (including NYE) required careful planning to fit everything in before flying to New Zealand. Here are some suggestions:
Taking a ferry around the bay is an excellent way to admire the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Payments can be made easily by tapping your credit or debit card. However, one card per person is required. Alternatively, the Opal card offers discounted fares.
Climbing the Harbour Bridge is a must-do. The various climbs offer breathtaking views. Prices start from around £130 per adult, reaching approximately £190 for the Ultimate Climb. I completed the climb on a previous trip, so I opted out this time. If your budget allows, I recommend it; the view is unforgettable. Just know that no personal photo-taking is allowed; all pictures are taken by the climbing team and are extra.
If climbing the Harbour Bridge isn’t your thing, you might prefer Sydney Sky Tower. This observation deck offers panoramic views and is higher than the bridge. Options include the indoor deck starting at $37 online or a 60-minute Skywalk for $95. Combo packages include attractions like the zoo and aquarium.
For a taste of culture, you can join a guided tour around the Opera House. Tickets start at $27 for a one-hour tour that explores the building's history. Booking also allows you to enjoy live events or stream some for free.
Our goal was to walk as much as possible to truly immerse ourselves in Sydney's vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage.
We began at Circular Quay, walking through the CBD, heading toward the Sky Tower, then to Haymarket, Darling Harbour, and The Rocks.
Haymarket is an area worth exploring, known as Chinatown, Thaitown, and Koreatown. This urban village is filled with Asian food venues, shops, bars, and entertainment. The rich tapestry of cultures makes it a fascinating experience. We stumbled upon the old Victorian vegetable market building and realized we were in a district housing over 3,000 businesses, boasting countless food options, though it presented challenges for our vegan preferences.
There are numerous eating options outside the Haymarket building, so options are plentiful. As you wander, you'll pass through the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Tumbalong Park, and the International Conference Centre as you make your way towards Darling Harbour.
Darling Harbour is a beautiful, family-friendly waterside area. The Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Sea Life Centre are both located here. Strolling along King Street Wharf leads you to the iconic Rocks area.
The first settlers arrived at The Rocks. For thousands of years, this area was home to the Gadigal People. Unfortunately, colonization devastated the local populace. The site transformed into Australia's first town center but was once known for its rough atmosphere.
Sandstone from the area constructed many buildings, and in the 1900s, they planned to erect high rises. Fortunately, citizens, lobbyists, and unions prevented this, leading to preserved buildings for us to explore. Walking around transports you back in time, revealing a hidden history in the free Discovery Museum.
As we explored, we discovered Nurses Walk. As a former nurse and midwife, this area intrigued me. The first nurses in two Sydney hospitals were convicts. They worked under public funds.
Between 1788 and 1816, hospitals were situated in The Rocks, including a portable one constructed within a week. This quickly became home to nearly 500 patients. A garden at the buildings’ back supplied exotic and native herbs to ease the drug shortage.
In 1868, Lucy Osburne arrived in NSW with trained nurses from Florence Nightingale's school in London. Lucy was pivotal in establishing professional nursing education in Australia.
This exploration was a big walking day, and we covered many steps enjoying the atmosphere. There’s always more to discover!
Day 4: Before We Moved On: Bondi to Coogee Walk
The Bondi to Coogee Walk is a must-do. We took the bus to Coogee to approach Bondi differently. The weather was perfect, albeit warm. The path winds through undulating coastal scenery, about 6-7km in length. It’s manageable if you take your time and stay hydrated. The cliffs, waves, and coastal aesthetics are stunning, complemented by natural swimming pools and a cliff-side cemetery.
We hope you find this post, 'New Year in Sydney: What You Can See in 96 Hours,' useful. While 96 hours is far too short to see everything Sydney has to offer, it allows for an engaging experience. The city is walkable, and there’s plenty to discover within walking distance or with short bus or ferry rides. Sydney is a destination we would revisit, as there’s still so much left to explore. This was part of our New Zealand tour, not just a stopover. If you plan to visit Sydney, allocate at least 4-5 days, especially during New Year when securing a good spot takes an entire day!
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Thank you for reading,
Karen and Michael
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