New Year's Eve

Due to extensive road closures and high pedestrian traffic in the city on New Year's Eve, public transport is the easiest way to get to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and The Domain Sydney. There are additional trains, bus and ferry services available and transport hubs are within easy reach of this site. 

The closest train stations are: 

• Martin Place Train Station 
• St James Train Station 

For additional transport information visit transportnsw.info or phone 131 500.

What essential items should I pack?

We recommend you pack the following items to ensure you have a comfortable day and evening: 

• Picnic rug
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Suitable clothing for all weather conditions
• An empty water bottle (to be filled on site) or water in a sealed container

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, picnic foods are permitted.

What can't I bring?

The following items cannot be brought on site: 

• No glass (including bottles or containers of any kind)
• No umbrellas over 50cm
• No tents, cabanas, or gazebos
• No large seating (small low-to-ground beach chairs permitted) 
• No alcoholic beverages
• No large camera tripods
• No signage, banners, or flags
• No items with offensive or political messaging

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No. Our liquor licence does not permit BYO alcohol. However alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase inside all four public vantage points across the Garden and The Domain.

What type of food is on sale? 

All sites will offer a wide mix of takeaway cuisines, vegetarian options, ice cream, soft drinks and water, tea and coffee. Bar services will also be available. 

What facilities are available? 

All public viewing event sites offer food and beverage outlets, water refill stations, toilets, waste bins, and first aid.  

Where can I buy food and drinks? 

There are outlets selling food, drinks and alcohol operating until midnight. Water bubblers and bottle refill taps are available on site. 

Can I bring in my own alcohol? 

No. You cannot bring your own alcohol or opened soft drink containers. There will be licensed bars on site. The responsible consumption of alcohol will be strictly enforced. If patrons arrive already under the influence of alcohol, they will not be permitted entry. 

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, picnic foods are permitted.

What time will the bars open at the public viewing sites? 

The bars open at midday and close at midnight. Alcohol sales are subject to Responsible Service of Alcohol and Harm Minimisation Practices which will be strictly enforced.  

• Any patrons under the influence of alcohol on arrival will be refused entry
• Only people aged 18 years and over can drink and purchase alcoholic beverages
• Patrons are also strictly prohibited from supplying alcohol to minors onsite (i.e. persons under 18 years of age)
• You may be required to present photographic ID to security and bar staff to purchase alcohol

What will the bars sell? 

The public bars will sell a range of full and light strength beer, a small range of mixers, single serve wines, soft drinks, juice and water.

Is there shelter onsite? 

No. All New Year's Eve events within the Garden and The Domain are outdoors with limited shelter. Visitors should be prepared for all weather conditions. Be sun safe earlier in the day and bring a jumper, poncho or raincoat too. Umbrella use is discouraged and umbrellas over 50cm in length are not permitted.

Are there accessible facilities and services onsite for someone with a disability? 

Botanic Gardens of Sydney caters for people with disability to create a safe, inclusive and enjoyable event for all. People with accessibility needs are invited to enter the accessible viewing area ballot to enjoy the fireworks with their friends and family from a managed, accessible viewing area. The area offers a great place to enjoy the event. To ensure we can accommodate as many guests as possible, there is a maximum of 4 people per booking.

Please note the accessible viewing area ballot is now closed. One hundred spots are available and successful applicants will be informed via email by 13 December 2024.

If you will need assistance to get across the Garden to the event, please book an accessible buggy transfer in advance.

Are there accessible toilets available onsite? 

Yes. Accessible toilets are available.  

Yes.​​​​​​

No. 

Queuing starts from 7am on New Year’s Eve and all viewing areas will be closed to new entries as soon as they reach capacity. When choosing a vantage point, make sure you have a plan B, as popular areas fill up quickly

There are two fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve – at 9pm and midnight. Note that some views of the fireworks from all sites could be partially restricted by tree canopies.

No. There are no pass outs from the event once a guest has entered the site. If you need to leave you will not be permitted re-entry and there are no exceptions.

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney will be closed on 31 December 2024.