5 reasons to ring in the New Year in Darling Harbour
Be front row and centre for Sydney’s world famous fireworks. As the world waits for the stroke of midnight, all eyes are on Sydney and its spectacular fireworks displays. Place yourself at the centre of the action and ring in the New Year at one of the city’s best celebration spots for the night – Darling Harbour.
Where will you be at midnight when the first firework sparkles in the sky? Whether you’re raising a glass from your hotel balcony, embracing a loved one by the harbour, setting your intentions aboard a luxury boat, or clinking cocktails with friends, Darling Harbour is the place to do it.
For a most memorable night, why not cap it all off with a stay in the city? If you haven’t already booked a room, here are just a few reasons to get that reservation locked in now!
1. Location, location, location
It all happens in Darling Harbour on New Year’s Eve, with much of the action taking place just across from our hotel. We’re talking epic displays of flame, light and fireworks throughout the evening, with free access to the area. It’s booze-free outside and family friendly. From 7pm, be treated to an hourly flame and light show, and then get some of the best views in town for both land and water-based firework displays from 9pm and midnight. Note that there’s no designated viewing areas so nab yourself a spot early!
2. Eat, drink and be merry
Some of Sydney’s best drinking and dining establishments call Darling Harbour home, spanning several precincts including Barangaroo, Cockle Bay, Kings Street Wharf and Darling Square. With more than 150 different restaurants, cafes and bars in the area, many with water views, you can take a seat and enjoy something delicious to eat while celebrating New Year’s Eve. Book early if you want a table with fireworks views. If views aren’t on your priority list, there’s plenty of venues dotted throughout Darling Harbour and Pyrmont from which to enjoy the festivities, including some of Sydney’s old pubs.
3. No commute, no worries
The final day of the year is also the busiest in the city, with hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors alike looking to line Sydney Harbour’s foreshore to celebrate with loved ones and catch the evening’s events. Darling Harbour gets busy early, with access, parking and space on public transport often limited. Avoid the commuting crowds, get yourself a secure parking spot and a hotel room, head into the city early and set yourself up for a convenient, easy-access experience this New Year’s Eve. Base yourself in Darling Harbour, and when it’s time to call it a night, you are only minutes away from your head kissing the pillow.
4. The best parties happen on boats
Arguably the best vantage point to see all the action of the night is from the water. Reserve yourself on a New Year’s Eve cruise. Some with food and drink packages and others are BYO. If you are looking for an uber exclusive float, hire a private charter for you and your nearest and dearest. Our hotel is a stone’s throw from private wharves, moorings and the ferry terminal to get you onboard to the night of your life.
5. Go low key
There are plenty of hotel rooms across Sydney which offer spectacular views of the harbour, perfect for watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks from, including our own Balcony rooms (although these are usually booked up well in advance – so best to plan ahead!). But if your celebration style is a little more subtle, or you’re looking to enjoy the night on a budget, you can still soak up all the NYE vibes with a stay in Darling Harbour sans view, and simply wander across the road to watch the fireworks as and when you’re ready. Between times, you can hit Wayfarer’s Bar & Cafe for a snack and a cocktail, or sit in the comfort of your room in a robe and slippers. You do you!
—
If you’re looking to welcome the New Year with us, check out our collection of room types here to find the perfect fit for your stay.
To see more events taking place in Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and Sydney, see our What’s On page.