Foundation & Friends New Year's Eve Picnic

This event is now SOLD OUT.

New Year's Eve fireworks over Sydney Harbour
Location

Mare and Foal Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

See on map
Date

31 December 2024

Time

5pm - 12:15am

Price

$185 Foundation & Friends members

$225 Guest of Foundation & Friends members

$45 Child (6-15 years)

Children aged 5 years and under are free of charge

Duration

7 hours

This event is now SOLD OUT.

Welcome 2025 with Foundation & Friends

Since 1996, the Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens have hosted an annual New Year's Eve picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. 

We invite you and your friends to join us at the Mare and Foal Lawn, offering one of the best harbourside vantage points with a stunning view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This BYO event is perfect for groups of all ages, including families and children. Sydney's New Year's Eve is renowned as one of the most spectacular events globally, featuring breath-taking fireworks displays that captivate audiences worldwide.

Our picnic area is fully enclosed, and secure, providing a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your favourite snacks and the beautiful surrounds. Bring your own alcohol is permitted. By celebrating the new year with Foundation & Friends, you’re helping to support the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

What’s included?

  • Stunning waterfront views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
  • Space to set-up your own picnic blanket in the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Botanic Garden
  • Bring your own food and drink*
  • Family friendly atmosphere for people of all ages including children
  • Secure outdoor area in the Royal Botanic Garden with toilet facilities
  • Limited snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
  • Roving entertainers

 

*Please also note that the only glass permitted is wine bottles (including sparkling wine). No other glass is allowed.

Foundation and Friends new logo

Merchandise

Prepare for the picnic with our exclusive merchandise!

Grab blankets, picnic rugs, bucket hats or a deck of cards. Pre-purchase from the Botanic Gardens Gallery Shop and collect on the day of the event. You can also purchase on the day. Don't miss out on these must-have items!

Buy your merchandise here

Bean Bags

Be one of the lucky few to secure the comfiest seats at the event with our bean bag hire service!

Our plush bean bags offer ultimate comfort and relaxation, making them the perfect choice for lounging and enjoying the festivities. Book your bean bags in advance as there is only limited numbers.

Hire your bean bag here

The fireworks in the background with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Tickets

Event tickets are available at a special discounted price only to members of Foundation & Friends whose subscription is current on 31 December 2024.

Foundation & Friends membership allows you to book a maximum of 10 adult tickets, plus additional children’s tickets.

If you are not already a Foundation & Friends member you can join and buy New Year’s Eve Picnic tickets at the same time. Select the membership and ticket bundle to access the New Year's Eve Picnic tickets and start receiving amazing member benefits immediately, including special event access, discounted ticket pricing and 20% discount at the Growing Friends Plant Sales

See a full list of member benefits here

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a Foundation & Friends member?

If you are not already a member please purchase a membership and ticket bundle, which includes a Foundation & Friends membership as well as a ticket/tickets to the New Year's Eve Picnic event.

If I change my mind or if my circumstances change can my tickets be refunded?

No. Once the tickets have been issued, there will be no refunds. Tickets are non-transferable.

I am a member and have purchased one set of tickets. How do I purchase extra tickets?

For additional tickets, please call Foundation & Friends office at (02) 9231 8182 between Monday – Thursday, 9am – 3pm.

Will tickets be sold at the event?

No. There will be no ticket sales at the event. All attendees must present a ticket to gain entry.

How do we enter the Botanic Garden for the event?

Entry will open at 5pm via the Woolloomooloo Gate on Mrs Macquaries Road. Exit will be via the same point. The picnic site is approximately 500m from the entry gates.

Is there accessible access and facilities?

The whole Foundation & Friends picnic site is accessible. There is an accessible gate without stairs at the entry and the lawn areas are accessible via the designated pathways. Accessible toilets are also available at the picnic site. 

If you require extra assistance to access the picnic site, please book an accessible buggy transfer through the Garden.

You do NOT need to enter the accessible venue application ballot if you have purchased Foundation & Friends New Years Eve Picnic tickets.

My partner and I have a household membership, how many tickets can we buy?

You can purchase a maximum of 10 adult tickets in total, including 2 member tickets at $185 each, 8 member’s guest tickets at $225 each plus additional children’s tickets.

Can I buy food at the event?

No, this is a self-catered event with only limited snacks available for purchase. We recommend that all food and drinks are brought to the event. 

Please note that sharp knives are not permitted and we recommend bringing reusable plastic utensils and cups. 

Please also note that the only glass permitted is wine bottles (including sparkling wine). No other glass or glassware is allowed. Therefore, please make sure to bring all beer, soft drink and other items in cans or plastic containers.

Can I bring alcohol into the event?

Yes. The amount of alcohol permitted per person must fit into the equivalent of a small handheld esky. 

We encourage the responsible consumption of alcohol. 

Please also note that the only glass permitted is wine bottles (including sparkling wine). No other glass is allowed. Therefore, please make sure to bring all beer, soft drink and other items in cans or plastic containers.

What type of event is this?

It is an open-air family-friendly picnic on the grass overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Can I bring my own chairs to this event?

Yes. Please bring picnic rugs and beach chairs with rounded metal frames that will not harm the lawn. Please do not bring chairs that can dig into the ground as they are not permitted.

We have branded picnic rugs available to pre-purchase from our online store here. Bean bags are also available for collection on the day, these can be hired here (pre-booking required). These will be available for pick up on the day.

I have lost my ticket, what do I do?

First, check your e-mail account ‘junk’ folder.

You can find your ticket purchase through the Ticketbooth website, by entering your email address and password (if you've set one), otherwise the option to reset your password can be found just below your login on the website.

If you are still experiencing difficulties, you can contact the Ticketbooth support team at any time at [email protected] with your name, the event for which you have purchased tickets to and any other supporting purchase information (eg. Booking ID).

Is there anything I should bring?

There are no pass outs once in the event, so please bring everything you need when you arrive. As this is a BYO picnic event with very limited snacks available for purchase, we recommend bringing a picnic blanket and your favourite snacks and refreshments. For additional entertainment, board games and card games are encouraged. We also recommend bringing a warm top, jacket, or a rug as it can be a bit colder next to the harbour.

Is there anything that is not allowed?

You are NOT allowed to bring aerosols like insect sprays, sharp knives, camping or shade structures, drones, poppers, or sparklers. Projectile outdoor games such as balls, frisbees, and toss games are not permitted. Pets are not permitted. No glass is allowed other than wine bottles (including sparkling wine). Please do not bring chairs that can dig into the ground as they are not permitted.