Sydney’s NYE fireworks welcome the world to the first big party celebrating the new year, and the state government is making many of the city’s most popular viewing sites free for all again.
The previous Liberal NSW government introduced ticketed areas to government-owned sites around the Sydney Harbour foreshore in 2018 to howls of public anger and resentment.
The Minns Labor government announced on Sunday it would roll back the cover charges at many locations as part of an election commitment.
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Fireworks viewing will be free again across Barangaroo Reserve, West Circular Quay, Campbells Cove, Hickson Road Reserve and parts of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and The Domain.
The iconic Mrs Macquarie’s Point, where partygoers previously paid anything from $12.50 to $520 for a spot, will also be free to attend.
It will be first come, first served, with the most eager audiences expected at their favourite spots at least a day in advance.
Sites will be closed as they reach capacity.
The government said several public domain venues within Sydney Harbour would also be free, with access managed through a ticketing system.
These include Bradleys Head, Strickland Estate, Clark Island, Goat Island and Shark Island.
There will still be smoke and alcohol-free spots throughout the city and free access managed through a ticketing system will remain for the NYE on the Cahill Expressway event.
The government said the changes would allow about 60,000 Sydneysiders and visitors to once again access some of the harbour’s best vantage points free of charge.
The government has also provided limited exemptions to two charities, the Taronga Conservation Society of Australia and the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation, to continue their annual New Year’s Eve fundraisers.
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