New Year's Eve
31
Dec
Start the year bright

New Year's Eve

Darling Harbour is your ultimate family friendly destination to ring in the new year. Say hello to 2027 with spectacular fireworks at 9pm and midnight over Cockle Bay!
When
Thursday,
31 Dec 2026

Ring in 2027 at Darling Harbour, one of Sydney's most iconic destinations for New Year's Eve celebrations. Enjoy spectacular free fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight, set against the stunning waterfront and city skyline.

Whether you're celebrating with family, friends or visitors to Sydney, Darling Harbour offers a vibrant atmosphere, waterfront dining, live entertainment and unforgettable views of the New Year's Eve fireworks.

No bookings or reserved viewing areas are required—it's first come, first served. Capacity limits apply to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, so once a viewing area reaches capacity, it will close. We recommend arriving early to secure your spot.

Please note that there are no pass outs, so if you leave the precinct, re-entry cannot be guaranteed.

Check the vantage point map for up-to-date closures.

Where to dine
Ready to ring in the New Year with a bang? Darling Harbour's dining scene is serving up unforgettable NYE feasts. Take a look at what's on offer, and find the perfect spot to celebrate with your crew. 
Adria Restaurant Bar Cafe

Savour Adria's exclusive 4-course New Year's Eve menu, featuring rich Adriatic flavors, and elevate your celebration with a 3-hour premium drinks package.

Find Out More
Blackbird Cafe
Send off 2026 in style with a tasteful 4-course banquet menu and balcony seating overlooking the spectacular harbour.  
Find out more
I'm Angus Steakhouse

Enjoy exceptional dining, premium drinks and a vibrant waterfront atmosphere at I'm Angus Steakhouse this New Year's Eve. Indulge in a specially curated four-course menu featuring the finest Australian beef, signature steakhouse favourites and fresh seafood, all crafted for an unforgettable celebration.

Find Out More
Nick's Seafood Restaurant

Ring in the New Year in style at Nick's Seafood Restaurant with a spectacular waterfront dining experience. Indulge in a special four-course New Year's Eve menu showcasing the freshest Australian seafood, expertly prepared to celebrate the occasion.

Find Out More
The Ternary

Celebrate New Year's Eve with an unforgettable dining experience at The Ternary, featuring an indulgent international buffet showcasing flavours from around the world.From Pacific oysters and carved roast beef to Goan seafood curry and a live chocolate fountain, every station is crafted to impress.

Find Out More
Where to dance
Ready to dance your way into 2026? Check out the hottest New Year's Eve dance events and parties in Darling Harbour.
29/30 at W Sydney
Two levels. One night. Zero repeats. Ring in 2026 from the top of the city. From 8PM, 29/30 rooftop bar at W Sydney comes to life across two distinct levels.
Read more
Zephyr
Ring in 2027 from one of Sydney’s most iconic rooftop bars. Enjoy Champagne on arrival, 4.5 hours of premium beverages, and live DJ entertainment; all set against the glittering backdrop of the midnight fireworks.
Read More
FAQs

The Darling Harbour New Year’s Eve fireworks are non-ticketed and free for all. 

The precinct will open with managed access from 1pm. 

The accessibility area in Cockle Bay is located on the western side of the bay, in front of the ICC. The accessible area is first comes first served basis and capacity will be monitored by Security. If the area reaches capacity, customers will be directed to the steps in front of ICC Sydney.

More information for patrons with accessible needs can be found here.

There will be two displays of the Darling Harbour fireworks at 9pm and 12am. 

Due to extensive road closures and high pedestrian traffic in the city, public transport is the easiest option to get to Darling Harbour on New Year’s Eve. Additional trains, buses and light rail services will be available.

The closest train stations are:

  • Town Hall Station (500 metres)  
  • Wynyard Station (1.2km)

The closest light rail station is:

  • Town Hall (650 metres)

It is recommended that you check your transport details at transportnsw.info or by calling 131 500 before travelling. For live traffic updates, please visit livetraffic.com. For all the information specific to the above events, please follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts to stay up to date.

The following items will not be allowed to be brought into the event site: 

  • No BYO beverages including alcohol and water (soft water bottles allowed) 
  • No glass 
  • No sparklers, party poppers or candles 
  • No large umbrellas, beach chairs or other shades structures

Patrons will be subject to bag checks. See full terms and conditions here.

We recommend watching the fireworks from Cockle Bay. 
Pyrmont Bridge will be closed as a viewing location for both the 9pm and 12am fireworks. 

No. Umbrellas over 50cm in length, tarps, tents, shade structures, tables, milk crates or chairs (other than low line beach chairs) are not allowed. All umbrellas should be lowered during the fireworks to enable clear views for other patrons. There shall be no pegging or other penetration to the turfed areas.

There will be food trucks available at Cockle Bay.

There are also over 150+ places to eat and drink in Darling Harbour. From authentic Asian flavours in Darling Square to alfresco dining in Darling Quarter and prime harbour views at Cockle Bay Wharf, there’s something for everyone. We recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

Toilets are located below: 

  • Tumbalong Boulevard, near IMAX Sydney. Including accessible toilets.
  • Tumbalong Boulevard, near Betty's Burgers. Including accessible toilets.
  • Darling Quarter
  • Eastern end of Pyrmont Bridge
  • Cockle Bay Wharf 

See map below for details. 

Yes, drinking stations will be available throughout Darling Harbour. Please see map below for locations. 

MORE THINGS TO DO

Your visit to Darling Harbour doesn't have to end at midnight. Make a night of it, and treat the whole family staycation at some of the best hotels in the city, and then wake up to a day out at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo or even a play at the Children's Playground.

Don't forget to fuel up on delicious food including authentic Asian cuisine at Darling Square, casual alfresco dining in Darling Quarter and yummy Aussie seafood at Cockle Bay Wharf.

Want more? Discover the best events happening in Darling Harbour.

Book Your NYE Stay

There's a reason Sydney's NYE fireworks is one of the most world-famous ways to bring in the New Year! Book at stay at any one of the great hotels in Darling Harbour and be right on the doorstep to watch the 9pm and midnight fireworks.

What To Pack For NYE in Darling Harbour

To make sure you have an unforgettable night, it's important to pack the right essentials. So, let's dive into the must-haves and the absolute no-nos to make this year's celebration as easy as counting down from 10!

GALLERY