New Year's Eve
FIREWORKS
New Year's Eve fireworks are FREE - no tickets required!
Darling Harbour is Sydney's iconic location to ring in 2026.
Start your new year bright with spectacular fireworks at 9pm and midnight.
No special spots or reservations, it's first-come, first-served. We'll make sure it's safe with capacity limits. Once a spot's full, it's closed, so come early! No pass outs. Check the vantage point map for up-to-date closures.
Enjoy breathtaking waterfront views and great seats for the fireworks display, along with a specially curated menu.
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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!
The Darling Harbour New Year’s Eve fireworks are non-ticketed and free for all.
The precinct will open with managed access from 1pm.
If Cockle Bay reaches full capacity, there will be an opportunity to watch the City of Sydney fireworks at the Tumbalong Park Stage Screens.
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.
MAP
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.
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.