Sydney New Year's Eve 2025
Sydney Harbour Foreshore
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Smoking ceremony
19:30
Welcome to Country & Pylon projections and lighting effects 20:30
Calling Country fireworks 21:00
Sydney Harbour lights 21:15
Midnight fireworks 00:00
Finish 00:12
Important event information
Hundreds of thousands of people will line the harbour foreshore for the 9pm and midnight fireworks this New Year’s Eve (NYE). Ring in the new year with our top tips to plan a safe, enjoyable and stress-free night.
Top tips to plan your night:
- Check vantage point capacity updates BEFORE leaving home: Most vantage points in the city are free and not ticketed. Check the Official Sydney NYE 2025 vantage point map for the latest updates on vantage points capacities. Once areas are full they will be closed. Make sure to plan ahead to know what you can and can’t bring into the vantage point site.
- Plan your trip by transport ahead of time: Thousands of extra services will run through the night into the early hours of New Years’ Day but there will be changes to normal transport operations due to road closures and for the safety of crowds so you need to plan ahead. Be prepared to walk further than usual between transport hubs and vantage points. Use the Trip Planner or a real-time transport app like the Opal Travel App to plan your trip by transport and keep up to date with real-time service updates. Travel on public transport is not free on NYE. You’ll need to use an Opal card or contactless debit/credit card or mobile device to tap on and off transport services wherever Opal is accepted. If you’re using an Opal card, top it up online beforehand. See more info on ticketing here.
- Public transport changes:
- Trains: additional services will run from mid-afternoon, with frequent services after midnight through til New Year’s Day. Trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 3pm. Trains from the city to the north will not stop at Milsons Point after 6pm.
- Metro: services will run frequently through New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day. Some stations will have changed entry/exit points from 11pm including Martin Place, Gadigal and Victoria Cross.
- Buses: will be diverting from their regular routes while roads are closed in the Sydney CBD from 12pm and in North Sydney from 3pm. Buses in local council areas will also be affected at various times.
- Ferries: will stop running on the harbour from around 5.30pm. Some wharves will close earlier including McMahons Point at 10am, Woolwich at 11.30am and Milsons Point at 2pm. Limited ferries will run after the midnight fireworks.
- Light rail services will run from 5am and be extended until 4am on all L1, L2 and L3 lines. From 2pm L2/L3 services will run to and from Town Hall only, from 7pm services will start and end at Central, change for trains or metro to continue your trip to the northern end of the city. From 8pm to 2.30am L1 services won't run between Central and Convention.
- No direct transport to Circular Quay from mid-afternoon: From 12pm buses will not run to Circular Quay, from 2pm light rail will end at Town Hall. From 3pm trains will not stop at Circular Quay. The last ferries arrive into Circular Quay around 5.30pm. If you're heading to the harbour catch transport to nearby Wynyard, Town Hall or Martin Place and continue on foot.
- More details on NYE transport changes are in this page below - see Trains, Metro, Buses, Ferries and Light Rail.
- Road closures: roads will close in the city progressively 12pm and in North Sydney from 3pm. Access to car parks will be very limited. If you're planning to drive on New Year's Eve or are getting dropped off via rideshare/taxi be aware of road closure times and be prepared to walk further than usual. Check livetraffic.com before you get in the car, and see our road closure maps.
Stay connected
Get real-time updates on transport services, vantage points and road closures at your fingertips by following these social media handles:
- Event and vantage point capacity updates: Check the official SydNYE website vantage point updates and follow @cityofsydney on Facebook and Instagram.
- For information on local council vantage points, ticketing and access arrangements visit the relevant local council website.
- Transport updates: follow @TrainsInfo, @BusesInfo, @FerriesInfo and @SydneyMetro for real-time updates on transport services and NYE changes. For a full list of live updates on TfNSW social handles see our social media page. Plan your trip using the Trip Planner or Opal Travel App for real-time service updates.
- Traffic updates: follow @LiveTrafficSyd for real-time updates on event road closures and traffic conditions. You can also download the Live Traffic NSW App.
- Maps:
Travel on public transport is not free on New Year's Eve. You’ll need to use an Opal card or contactless debit/credit card or mobile device to tap on and off transport services wherever Opal is accepted. If you’re using your Opal card remember to top it up in advance either online via the Opal Travel app or at one of the many Opal retailers as queues at top up machines will be long on the night. Plan ahead and ensure everyone has enough balance on their Opal card to cover their fare before boarding services.
Opal
You can use an Opal card for all modes of public transport in Sydney and surrounding regions, including metro, trains, buses, ferries and light rail.
Remember to top up your Opal card before you travel to avoid waiting in line at top-up machines. You can top up your card online or at an Opal retailer.
More ways to pay
Travel on Sydney’s public transport network is easy with contactless payments available on all transport modes. If your bank card shows the contactless symbol
you can use it to pay for your travel by tapping on and tapping off at Opal card readers. We accept American Express (AMEX), Mastercard and Visa credit or debit cards. You can also use a linked device such as a mobile phone. Adult Opal fare pricing applies and you will receive Opal benefits, including daily and weekly fare caps.
Travelling in a group?
If you’re travelling in a group, each person travelling in your group will need their own Opal card, Opal single ticket or contactless credit or debit card or mobile device. Contactless payments can only be used to pay an Adult Opal fare. Plan ahead and ensure everyone has enough balance on their Opal card to cover their fare before boarding the metro, train, bus, ferry or light rail service.
Sydney New Year's Eve Volunteers
Travel on public transport is covered for 2025 Sydney New Year's Eve City of Sydney volunteers from Wednesday 31 December 2025 to Thursday 1 January 2026 on the following transport services, simply show your Volunteer Travel Pass to transport staff before boarding services:
- Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity services (non-booked services bounded by Bomaderry, Goulburn, Bathurst, Scone and Dungog stations)
- Sydney Metro services.
- Sydney metropolitan buses
- Sydney Light Rail services
- Sydney Ferries
Remember to keep your Volunteer Travel Pass safe for your return journey or you'll need to use your Opal card as you must have a valid ticket when travelling on public transport.
Note: an additional train station access fee applies for travel to or from Domestic and International Airport stations. The access fee is not covered by your volunteer pass travel entitlements.
Getting to the City and North Sydney
How you walk from transport hubs to vantage points will vary depending on what time you arrive and whether you have a ticket to an event or venue.
To Circular Quay and surrounding foreshore areas
- Access Circular Quay West and The Rocks via George St, access Circular Quay east, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Opera House via Macquarie St
- Access Barangaroo via the Metro.
Darling Harbour
- Access via Town Hall, Central or Gadigal stations and continue on foot via Bathurst, Druitt Street or via Harbour St.
To Milsons Point, Kirribilli and surrounding foreshore areas
- From 8pm you'll only be able to exit Victoria Cross Metro Station via Denison St. Miller St will be entry only to safely manage crowd flow in and out of the station.
- From the Denison St exit turn right towards Pacific Hwy and Walker St to continue to either Milsons Point or McMahons Point (Blues Point) vantage point areas.
- Exit from North Sydney train station is as normal via Blue St.
- Buses will use different stops in North Sydney along Miller St, due to road closures on Blue St at the train station.
Getting home
After the 9pm and midnight fireworks, getting back to transport hubs to continue your trip home will be different to the way you arrived. Additional roads will have closed throughout the night and pedestrian fencing will be in place to manage crowds entering train & metro stations, bus interchanges, ferry wharves and light rail stops. Prepare to be detoured a longer way than usual to access transport services.
- After the 9pm fireworks, from harbour foreshore vantage points access to Circular Quay station will be limited as the station will fill quickly with crowds. The next major transport hubs are at Wynyard and Martin Place. There may not be direct access to Wynyard trains and buses via George St, with pedestrian detours in place via Bridge St, Phillip St and King St - if you're travelling home to the north walk to Metro Martin Place station via Bridge St and Phillip St and catch metro services to head north faster - you can connect with buses from Victoria Cross, North Sydney instead.
- After the midnight fireworks, from the harbour continue down George St to reach Wynyard and Town Hall stations. Use Phillip St and Elizabeth St or Macquarie St to access Metro and Trains from Martin Place.
- Access to buses at Wynyard is via King St only - no access from Grosvenor St.
- See the NYE 2025 - Getting Home Map Sydney CBD (pdf 1.6MB)
From North Sydney harbour foreshore vantage points
- If you’re travelling to stations in the north catch Metro services from Victoria Cross via Pacific Hwy and the Miller St entry. If you’re travelling south back across the Harbour Bridge, catch trains from North Sydney Station via Blue St instead.
- See the NYE 2025 - Getting Home Map North Sydney (pdf 494KB)
Sydney Metro services are high-frequency, driverless trains running between Sydney’s north-west and south-west via the city.
The M1 Line operates turn up-and-go Metro services in both directions between Tallawong, Chatswood and Sydenham.
On New Year’s Eve, metro services will run every 4 - 5 minutes through until New Year’s Day. Services then resume a 10-minute frequency on 1 January from first service.
Sydney CBD area vantage points:
- Metro stations in the city are located within walking distance of vantage points at Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal (near Town Hall) and Central.
- For access to Circular Quay vantage points, alight at Martin Place and continue on foot towards the harbour and Circular Quay.
- For access to Barangaroo and Walsh Bay/The Rocks vantage points, alight at Barangaroo and continue on foot.
- For access to Darling Harbour, alight at Gadigal or Central stations.
- Station changes:
- Gadigal: From 11pm Gadigal entry and exit will be via Park St only. Bathurst St access will be closed.
- Martin Place: From 11pm Martin Place metro entry and exit will be via the northern-western access at Hunter St and Castlereagh St.
Barangaroo Station changes: Barangaroo Metro station may be closed at the direction of NSW Police if crowds exceed capacity. You may need to use Wynyard Station instead.
North Sydney area vantage points
- For access to North Sydney vantage points, the closest Metro station is Victoria Cross. Alight at Victoria Cross to get within walking distance of Blues Point, Lavender Bay, Milsons Point and Kirribilli vantage points. You can also consider changing to trains from North Sydney to Milsons Point to get within closer walking distance of surrounding vantage points.
- Victoria Cross station access changes: from 11pm Victoria Cross station will operate as one-way only with all passengers to enter the station via Miller St and exit via Denison St. No entry via Denison St will be permitted.
- After the midnight fireworks, if you’re travelling to stations in the north catch Metro services from Victoria Cross via the Miller St entry. If you’re travelling south back across the Harbour Bridge, catch trains from North Sydney Station via Blue St instead.
For Metro service disruption information, check trackwork and travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.
Thousands of extra trains will run from mid-afternoon on New Year’s Eve to help you get to and from the celebrations.
Trains will operate close to a 24-hour timetable with the gap between the last train and first New Year’s Day service being less than 30 minutes on most lines. Plan your trip by train using the Trip Planner or the Opal Travel App.
Station changes
For crowd safety around popular vantage points, there will be changes to train station access in the city and lower north shore. Plan ahead as you may need to walk further than usual to access vantage points in the evening.
Key stations in the Sydney CBD and Lower North Shore will have changed arrangements during New Year’s Eve. Please note the following information carefully when planning your movements on the night:
- Circular Quay: from 3pm until midnight trains will not stop at Circular Quay Station as surrounding vantage points are expected to be near capacity.
- Use Wynyard, St James or Martin Place stations instead and continue on foot to the harbour.
- Milsons Point: from 6pm until midnight, trains from the city to the north shore will not stop at Milsons Point. This is to safely manage crowds at surrounding vantage points. Trains from Hornsby towards the city will pick-up only at Milsons Point.
- Use North Sydney Station and continue on foot to vantage points or properties around McMahons Point, Milsons Point and Kirribilli.
- Domestic Airport and International Airport: from 12:30am until 4:15am, trains will not stop at Domestic Airport and International Airport stations as Sydney Airport will be closed during this time.
- Wynyard Station: From around 8pm all CBD vantage points around Circular Quay are expected to be full. The York St entry to Wynyard Station will be closed and George St exit will be managed. Patrons will be directed to exit via Wynyard Walk for best fireworks viewing areas.
- Central Station: from 10pm access to the station will be managed. Some entries will be closed, follows signs and the directions of staff on the ground.
Getting there
Sydney Trains
- T1 North Shore Line: trains will run approximately every 5-6 minutes via Chatswood from 2pm until midnight.
- T1 Western Line: trains will run every 8 minutes from 2pm until midnight via Blacktown and every 30 minutes from Richmond and Schofields.
- T2 Leppington & Inner West Line: trains will run every 15 minutes from 2pm until midnight from Leppington via Liverpool and Granville.
- T3 Liverpool & Inner West Line: trains will run every 15 minutes from 2pm from Liverpool to the city via Regents Park.
- T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line: Trains from Bondi will run every 10 minutes, trains will run every 30 minutes from Waterfall and every 15 minutes from Cronulla, from 2pm until midnight.
- T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line: trains from Bankstown to Lidcombe will run at 5, 23 and 45 minutes past the hour from 2pm
- T7 Olympic Park Line: Sprint services between Lidcombe and Olympic Park run every 10 minutes until 10pm.
- T8 Airport & South Line: trains will run every 15 minutes from Macarthur and every 15 minutes from Revesby from 2pm until midnight.
- T9 Northern Line: trains will run every 15 minutes between Hornsby and the City and additional services every 15 minutes between Epping and Central Station from 2pm until midnight.
- Trains to Circular Quay depart Sydenham every 15 minutes from 2pm, stopping at St Peters and Erskineville.
- Southwest Link Buses: Buses run regularly between Sydenham and Bankstown. Change at Bankstown for trains to the city or at Sydenham for either metro or train services to the city and North Sydney.
- SW1 buses between Bankstown and Sydenham, SW2 buses between Bankstown, Belmore and Sydenham and SW3 buses between Sydenham and Campsie will run every 5 - 10minutes throughout the day and extend until 3am.
Intercity
- Central Coast & Newcastle Line: selected services arriving at Central between 1pm and 11pm will be increased to 10-carriages.
- South Coast Line: services arriving at Central between 11:30am and 10pm will be increased to 8-carriages.
- Blue Mountains Line: selected services arriving at Central between midday and 8:30pm will be increased to 8-10 carriages.
Getting home
Sydney Trains services from the city
- T1 North Shore Line: trains will run every 4 to 5 minutes from the City to the North Shore from midnight until 3:30am then every 6 minutes from 3:30am until 5:00am.
- T1 Western Line: trains will run every 5 minutes from the City to Blacktown, every 15 minutes to Penrith and every 30 minutes to Richmond and Schofields until 5:30am.
- T2 Leppington & Inner West: trains will run every 15 minutes to Liverpool from midnight until 3:30am and every 30 minutes from 4am until 5:30am. Trains to Leppington will run every 15 minutes until 4am, then every 30 minutes until 5:30am.
- T3 Liverpool & Inner West Line: trains will run every 20 minutes from midnight to Liverpool via Regents Park until 1:30am, then every 20 minutes until 4:30am.
- T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line: trains will run every 15 minutes from Central to Cronulla and every 30 minutes to Waterfall from midnight until 3:30am. From 3:30am until 5:30am trains to Waterfall and Cronulla will run from Bondi Junction every 30 minutes. Services to Bondi Junction run every 8 minutes.
- T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line: trains will run from Lidcombe to Bankstown at 17, 32 and 56 minutes past the hour.
- T7 Olympic Park Line: Sprint services between Lidcombe and Olympic Park run every 10 minutes until 10pm and every 20 minutes from 10pm until 5:30am.
- T8 Airport & South Line: trains will run to Macarthur every 15 minutes from midnight until 3:30am and Revesby every 15 minutes until 3:30am, then and every 30 minutes from 3:30am until 5:30am.
- T9 Northern Line: trains will run every 15 minutes to Hornsby via Strathfield from midnight until 5:30am.
- Trains to Sydenham depart every 15 minutes until 4:30am, stopping Erskineville and St Peters.
- Southwest Link buses: Buses run between Sydenham and Bankstown regularly until late. T4, and T8 trains and M1 Metro services run regularly to Sydenham to connect with buses towards Bankstown.
- SW1 buses between Bankstown and Sydenham, SW2 buses between Bankstown, Belmore and Sydenham and SW3 buses between Sydenham and Campsie will run every 5 - 10minutes throughout the day and extend until 3am.
NSW TrainLink
Head to Central to catch one of the regular and additional train services running to regional stations to help you get home after the midnight fireworks.
- Blue Mountains Line: additional services to Lithgow leave Central at 12:54am, 1:24am and 2:24am. Catch the 2:24am service to Lithgow to connect with the Bathurst service departing 5:19am.
- Central Coast & Newcastle Line: additional services to Newcastle Interchange leave Central at 10:18pm, 11:18pm (to Wyong), 12:18am, 1:18am, 2:18am, 2:50am and 3:18am (to Gosford).
- Southern Highlands Line: additional service to Moss Vale leaves Central at 1:07am and 1:37am.
- South Coast Line: additional services to Kiama leave Central at 1:19am, 2:19am and 3:19am.
Trackwork
There is no trackwork planned for New Year's Eve.
For train service disruption information, check trackwork and travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.
Thousands of extra bus services will run on all major routes from the Northern Beaches, the Hills, North Western Suburbs, Victoria Rd, Eastern Suburbs and Inner West to the city and to the north shore from around 3pm on New Year’s Eve. Additional services will also run from around 8pm and after the midnight fireworks to help you get home. Most services will continue to run until as late as 3am.
Remember, buses will be affected by road closures in the Sydney CBD and local council foreshore areas as vantage points reach capacity so you will need to walk further than normal to reach your chosen vantage point. Plan your bus trip using the Trip Planner or the Opal Travel App for service times, alternative routes and stops.
Key bus changes
- In the city:
- From 12pm buses that usually run to Circular Quay will relocate to Martin Place.
- From 5pm buses that run to Martin Place including buses from the eastern suburbs will relocate to Hyde Park and buses from the west and inner west will start and end trips at Town Hall QVB. Buses from the hills will start and end trips at Wynyard
- From 7pm buses from the north will start and end trips at Wynyard.
- In North Sydney: from 3pm buses will be diverting and using different stops around North Sydney and Victoria Cross stations. Buses will not run to Milsons Point or McMahons Point due to road closures.
- From 11pm to 1.30am: while the Sydney Harbour Bridge is closed for the midnight fireworks buses start and end trips in North Sydney or the city. Catch trains or metro to travel across the bridge during this time and connect with buses either side of the bridge to continue your trip.
Southwest Link buses will run more frequently on NYE and extend until 3am to help you get home. SW1 buses between Bankstown and Sydenham, SW2 buses between Bankstown, Belmore and Sydenham and SW3 buses between Sydenham and Campsie will run every 5 - 10minutes throughout the day and extend until 3am.
Buses in other local council areas including Inner West, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Mosman, Northern Beaches, Randwick, Waverley, and Woollahra will also be affected by road closures so plan ahead.
Bus diversions
Detailed information on bus diversions will be available closer to the date.
For bus service disruption information, check travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.
If you’re planning on catching a ferry to the city or lower north shore keep in mind that ferries are extremely popular on New Year's Eve and will start reaching capacity from the early afternoon.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to have an alternative transport option in mind as long queues are expected. As well, some ferries stop operating from the early evening due to events taking place in Sydney Harbour and limited services will run after the midnight fireworks.
NYE Ferry service changes:
- McMahons Point wharf will be closed at 10am.
- Woolwich wharf will be closed at 11.30am.
- Milsons Point wharf will be closed at 2pm.
- All ferries will stop running on the harbour from around 5.30pm.
- Some ferries stop operating earlier in the afternoon.
- After the midnight fireworks limited ferries will operate to Manly and Lower North Shore wharves only. No late night ferries on other lines, use trains or buses instead.
- A Harbour exclusion zone will be in effect from 8pm until 12:45am. See Harbour Exclusion Zone map here.
- Check last service details for the Sydney Fast Ferry services.
Last ferry services before and after harbour fireworks.
F1 Manly
- Before fireworks
- From Manly: 17:00
- From Circular Quay: 16:45
- 170x route buses will run between Manly Wharf and Wynyard from 4pm until 11pm.
- After fireworks
- From Manly: 00:30, 01:10, 01:50, 02:30, 03:10, 03:50, 04:30, 05:10 and 05,50
- From Circular Quay: 00:30, 01:10, 01:50, 02:30, 03:10, 03:50, 04:30 and 05:10
F2 Taronga Zoo
- Before fireworks:
- From Circular Quay: 16:52
- From Taronga Zoo 17:14
- After fireworks:
- From Taronga Zoo: 00:54 and 01:54, stopping at Cremorne Point and Circular Quay
F3 Parramatta River
- Before fireworks:
- From Parramatta to Circular Quay: 15:38
- From Olympic Park to Circular Quay: 15:48
- From Parramatta to Barangaroo: 16:38
- From Olympic Park to Barangaroo: 16:48
- From Circular Quay to Parramatta: 17:07
- From Barangaroo to Olympic Park: 18:03
- Note: McMahons Point will close from 10am and Milsons Point will close from 2pm as surrounding vantage points will be at capacity.
- After fireworks:
- No services after fireworks down the river.
- Limited shuttle ferries will run from Balmain East to Barangaroo only, a 12.20am, 12.40am, 1am, 1.20am, 1.40am and final service at 2am.
F4 Pyrmont Bay
- Before fireworks:
- Pyrmont Bay to Circular Quay: 17:16, stopping at Barangaroo, Balmain East and Circular Quay
- From Circular Quay to Pyrmont Bay: 17:12, stopping at Balmain East, Barangaroo and Pyrmont
- Note: ferries will not stop at McMahons Point from 10am and Milsons Point from 2pm due to wharf closures.
- After fireworks:
- Limited shuttle ferries will run from Balmain East to Barangaroo only, a 12.20am, 12.40am, 1am, 1.20am, 1.40am and final service at 2am.
F5 Neutral Bay
- Before fireworks:
- From Kirribilli to Circular Quay: 17:02 and 17:14
- From Circular Quay to Kirribilli: 16:55
- After fireworks:
- From Circular Quay 00:55, 01:35, 02:15, stopping at Kirribilli, North Sydney, Neutral Bay and Kurraba Point.
- From Kirribilli: 1:02, 1:42 and 2:22
F6 Mosman Bay
- Before fireworks:
- From Mosman Bay: 17:22, stopping at South Mosman, Cremorne Point and Circular Quay.
- From Circular Quay: 17:00, stopping at Cremorne Point, South Mosman, Old Cremorne and Mosman Bay.
- After fireworks:
- From Circular Quay: 01:00 and 02:00, stopping at Old Cremorne and Mosman Bay.
- From Cremorne Point to Circular Quay: 00:40, 01:30 and 02:30
- From Mosman Bay: 01:22 and 02:22, stopping at Cremorne Point and Circular Quay
F7 Double Bay
- Before fireworks:
- From Double Bay direct to Circular Quay: 17:12
- From Circular Quay to Double Bay: 16:57, stopping at Darling Point.
- Access to Garden Island wharf for ticketholders only. Last service from Circular Quay to Garden Island at 15:57, last service from Double Bay to Garden Island at 13:20.
- No services after fireworks.
F8 Cockatoo Island
- Before fireworks:
- From Cockatoo Island to Circular Quay 17:19, stopping at Greenwich, Birchgrove and Balmain.
- From Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island 16:45, stopping at Balmain, Birchgrove, Greenwich and Cockatoo Island.
- Note: Cockatoo Island Campers advised to be on the island by 3pm
- Note: ferries will not run to Woolwich Wharf from 11.30am due large crowds at vantage points surrounding the wharf. Last ferry from Woolwich to the city leaves at 11:24am.
- After fireworks
- From Circular Quay: 01:05 and 02:05, stopping at Milsons Point, McMahons Point, Birchgrove, Greenwich and Woolwich.
- From Woolwich to Circular Quay: 01:35 and 02:35, stopping at Balmain East, McMahons Point and Milsons Point
F9 Watsons Bay
- Before fireworks
- From Circular Quay to Watsons Bay: 16:45, stopping at Rose Bay
- From Watsons Bay to Circular Quay: 17:15, stopping at Rose Bay
- No services after fireworks
F10 Glebe
- Before fireworks
- Ferries run every 40 minutes from 6:40am between Blackwattle Bay, Pirrama Park and Barangaroo.
- Last ferry from Blackwattle Bay (Glebe) to Barangaroo via Pirrama Park: 17:20
- Last ferry from Barangaroo to Blackwattle Bay Glebe via Pirrama Park: 17:00
- No services after fireworks
Exclusion zones
With congestion around boat ramps and a 6-knot speed restriction in place from 3pm and exclusion active from 8pm to 12.45am, allow extra time to get to your desired viewing area. See Harbour Exclusion Zone map and detailed advice here.
Popular spots such as Farm Cove and Athol Bay fill up quickly, so it’s best to get in position early. Vessels over 15 metres are not permitted in Farm Cove.
Safety messages will be broadcast on marine VHF channels 16 and 88. In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero).
See the NSW Government - Waterways website for more information on exclusion zones and safe boating during New Year’s Eve.
Recommended vantage points
- North-west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge - Clarkes Point, Balls Head, Berrys Bay, Lavender Bay.
- South-west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge - Mort Bay, Ballast Point, Snails Bay.
- North-east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge - Kurraba Point, Cremorne Point, Neutral Bay,Mosman Bay, Athol Bay.
- South-east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge -Farm Cove, Woolloomooloo Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay.
Spit Bridge opening times
The Spit Bridge will operate to a changed timetable for New Year’s Eve with additional openings on Wednesday 31 December 2025 and Thursday 1 January 2026.
- Wednesday NYE timetable: 10.15am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm*, 7:30pm*, 8:15pm, 9:15pm and 10:45pm*
- Thursday NYD timetable: 2:15am*, 3:15am*, 10:15am, 11:15am, 2:15pm, 8:15pm and 9:15pm
*additional opening times marked by asterisk.
Safety on the water
With extra maritime traffic expected on the state’s waterways during New Year's Eve celebrations, NSW Police and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are compliant with maritime laws.
Before heading out, check the vessel is in good working order, and ensure all the required safety equipment – including lifejackets – is on board.
Skippers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure there is safety equipment on board their vessels and are responsible for the manner in which their vessel is driven.
Download the MarineRescue app from the App Store or Google Play and stay safe on the water.
Inner West - L1 Dulwich Hill Line
L1 Dulwich Hill line light rail services run between Central Station (Grand Concourse) and Dulwich Hill stopping at key destinations near vantage points including Glebe, The Star and Darling Harbour. Plan your trip using the Trip Planner.
Service changes on NYE:
- L1 services run regularly from 5am and will be extended until 4am on New Year's Day.
- From 8pm to 2.30am services will not run between Convention and Central Grand Concourse due to expected large crowds and road closures. Continue on foot to Central for train and bus connections.
- From 2.30am to 4am services will resume running as normal along the entire line.
From Central change for trains or Metro services to Wynyard or Martin Place to get within closer walking distance of Circular Quay. Note, from 3pm trains will not stop at Circular Quay. If you're travelling to Darling Harbour, walk from Central.
Sydney CBD and South East - L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford Lines
L2 Randwick light rail services run between Circular Quay and Randwick via Central Station (Chalmers Street) and L3 Kingsford line services run between Circular Quay and Kingsford via Central Station (Chalmers Street).
L2 and L3 services stop at key destinations near vantage points including Sydney Harbour and Darling Harbour. Plan your trip using the Trip Planner.
Service changes on NYE:
- L2 and L3 services run regularly from 5am and will be extended until 4am on New Year's Day.
- From 2pm to 7pm services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay due to event road closures.
- From 7pm to 4am services will not run between Central Chalmer Street and Circular Quay due to event road closures.
Change at Central to connect with trains to Wynyard or Metro services to Martin Place to get within closer walking distance of Circular Quay. Note, from 3pm trains will not stop at Circular Quay. If you're travelling to Darling Harbour, walk from Central, or Town Hall (before 7pm).
Services will resume running as normal along the entire line from 5am Thursday 1 January.
Parramatta - L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line
L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line light rail services run between Carlingford and Westmead via Parramatta CBD. Services run regularly from 5am to 1am daily. Plan your trip using the Trip Planner.
Alight at Parramatta Square and connect with a train service to Central to connect with other transport services to get to your vantage point.
Passengers are reminded that trams can’t stop quickly or easily – so please stop, listen and look around for trams and use designated pedestrian crossings.
For light rail network maps see Light rail service information. For light rail service disruption information, check travel alerts or plan your trip using the Trip Planner.
Driving
The city is no place for cars this New Year’s Eve with significant road closures and parking restrictions in effect across the city, as well as in North Sydney, Milsons Point and Pyrmont. Roads will also close across various local council vantage points.
Access to and from car parks will be difficult. If you are catching taxis or rideshare, be aware of road closures and prepare to walk further than usual or to connect with transport to get within closer walking distance of your vantage point. As roads close transport services will also be affected so be prepared to walk further than usual between transport hubs and vantage points, and the way you arrived will be different to the way you leave after the midnight fireworks.
Road closures
In the Sydney CBD, some roads start closing from as early as 4am with roads in Circular Quay and The Rocks closed by 12pm, followed by major closures in the city centre and Pyrmont by 7pm. In North Sydney, Milsons Point and Kirribilli roads start closing from 5pm, with some early morning local road closures around vantage points.
The Cahill Expressway southbound lanes 7 and 8 on the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay Overpass will close from 4am on NYE. The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be completely closed in both directions from 11pm ahead of the midnight fireworks. The citybound lanes of the Anzac Bridge, Western Distributor, M4 and M8 citybound tunnels and Iron Cove Link will be closed from 11pm to 1:30am.
From Saturday 27 December to Saturday 3 January, access from the City West Link to Victoria Road towards Balmain and Drummoyne will be reduced from two lanes to one lane to facilitate set up of a temporary work site for Western Harbour Tunnel work, due to commence from Sunday 4 January.
Majority of roads in North Sydney and Milsons Point will reopen by 3am, in the Sydney CBD most roads will reopen by 4am.
Key road closures
City centre and Pyrmont
- 4am 31 December to 4am 1 January: roads in the Royal Botanic Garden including Art Gallery Road and Mrs Macquaries Road.
- 4am 31 December to 6am 1 January: the Cahill Expressway lanes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and overpass at Circular Quay, including the High Street and Mount Street on-ramps. For travel to and from the east use the Sydney Harbour Bridge deck lanes or the Sydney Harbour tunnel instead. Macquarie Street from Bridge Street to the Sydney Opera House, Albert Street, and Conservatorium Road. The Cahill Walkway will also close at 6am
- There will be lane and on-ramp closures from 26 Dec due to Warringah Freeway Upgrade works. Access to the Cahill Expressway will be affected. Visit livetraffic.com for more information
- 6am 31 December to 4am 1 January: roads in Millers Point and The Rocks including a section of Argyle Place and Kent Street High Street, High Lane, Windmill Street, and Trinity Avenue, along with a section of George Street, and in the city centre including sections of Bridge Street, Macquarie Street, Phillip Lane and Circular Quay access east road. In Potts Point a section of Victoria Street and McDonald Lane.
- 6am 31 December to 10am 1 January: Circular Quay west from George Street at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
- 8am 31 December to 4am 1 January: roads in Millers Point at Observatory Hill including Watson Road and Upper Fort Street.
- 12pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: roads in Circular Quay and The Rocks north of Bridge Street will close, including Phillip, Young, Loftus, Pitt and George streets, along with other local roads. Harrington Street north of Essex Street will close along with sections of Essex Street, and Argyle Street and a section of Hickson Road. Access to Hickson Road north of Pottinger Street will be available for light vehicles only between 12pm and 2pm. Heavy vehicles will not have access to Hickson Road north of Pottinger Street from 12 midday.
- 2pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: roads in Millers Point including Lower Fort, Pottinger, Cumberland, Gloucester and sections of Argyle Place, Harrington and Essex streets will close along with Hickson Road north of Pottinger Street. In the city centre, sections of Grosvenor, Bridge, Lang, Phillip, and Young streets will close along with other local roads.
- From 2pm while Grosvenor St & Bridge St is closed, motorists can travel east across the city via King St and west via Market St.
- 4pm 31 December to 1am 1 January: Iron Wharf Place from Darling Drive (Sofitel access) at Darling Harbour.
- 4pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: in Haymarket, Railway Colonnade at Central station will close.
- 4pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: Railway Colonnade Drive between Hay Street and Pitt Street at Central Station including all car, bus, and coach parking on the Western Forecourt, and the ramp
- 5pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: roads in the city centre including sections of Bridge, Pitt, Bent, Hunter, O’Connell, Bligh, Elizabeth, Phillip, Castlereagh, Jamison, Grosvenor, Lang, Prince Albert Road, and College streets, St Marys Road, Boomerang Place, and Yurong Parkway. Roads in the Millers Point area, including sections of Hickson Road, Kent Street, Dalgety Road, Towns Place and other local roads. In Barangaroo, Waterman’s Quay and Barton Street will close. In Pyrmont north, sections of Harris Street and Pirrama Road will close. There will be no access to Sydney Harbour Bridge from Kent Street.
- 6pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: Darling Island Road and surrounding local roads on the peninsula in Pyrmont will close.
- 7pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: more roads in the city centre including sections of Macquarie, Elizabeth, Castlereagh, Pitt, King, Market, Bathurst, and Park streets and Hospital, St Mary’s and Prince Albert roads. In Pyrmont, further sections of Pirrama Road will close. In Darling Harbour sections of Wheat Road and Harbour Street, including Cross City Tunnel Harbour Street and Bathurst Street off ramp westbound and Harbour Street on ramp eastbound will close. Other Cross City Tunnel portals will remain open.
- From 7pm the only way to travel east or west through the city is via Goulburn Street. From the Sydney Harbour Bridge there will be no access to Harbour Street at Darling Harbour. Use York Street or Glebe off ramps. In Potts Point sections of Victoria Street and Challis Avenue.
- 8pm 31 December to 1am 1 January: Darling Drive between Murray and Pier streets. Vehicles from car parks permitted to exit southbound only onto Darling Drive.
- 10pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: roads from Wynyard to Town Hall including York Street and sections of Clarence, Margaret, Eskine, King and Market streets. Roads in Wynyard bus interchange will close including Carrington Street, Wynyard Street, and Wynyard Lane.
- 11pm 31 December to 1:30am 1 January: Sydney Harbour Bridge closed in both directions. The Anzac Bridge will be closed citybound, westbound lanes remain open. The M4 and M8 citybound tunnels and Iron Cove Link tunnel will also be closed. Roads in the CBD also closed include Sussex, Napoleon, and Kent streets, a section of Hay Street in Chinatown and all roads around King Street Wharf/Barangaroo.
- 11pm 31 December to 4am 1 January: further closures in city centre around Hyde Park include sections of Liverpool, Pitt, Castlereagh, Bathurst and Elizabeth streets. Near Central in the city south sections of Pitt, Elizabeth, Hay, Campbell, George, and Quay streets, and a section of Ultimo Road, small sections of local roads will be closed.
North Sydney
- 7pm 30 December to 3am 1 January: roads around vantage points in Milsons Point, Kirribilli and McMahons Point will close including Blues Point Road, Lavender Crescent, Kirribilli Avenue, Olympic Drive, Broughton and Pitt streets, Railway and Henry Lawson avenues.
- 8am 31 December to 3am 1 January: sections of Blues Point Road, Alfred Street South and local roads surrounding vantage points will close.
- 12pm 31 December to 3am 1 January: Fitzroy Street between Alfred Street South and Broughton Street and Balls Head Dr (loop Rd)
- 3pm 31 December to 3am 1 January: Blue Street at North Sydney station and Ennis Road from Broughton Street at Milsons Point station will close.
- 5pm 31 December to 3am 1 January: more major roads in North Sydney, McMahons Point, Milsons Point and Waverton including sections of Miller Street, Blues Point Road, Lavender and Union streets, Balls Head Road, Pacific Highway southbound, Alfred Street south, Walker and Denison streets and surrounding local roads.
- From 5pm access to Kirribilli and Milsons Point is via Military Rd only due to the closure of Pacific Hwy southbound.
- From 5pm 31 December: access to Kirribilli and Milsons Point is via Military Road only due to the closure of Pacific Highway southbound.
- 8pm 31 December to 3am 1 January: Pacific Highway northbound off ramp to North Sydney from Sydney Harbour Bridge. Use the Miller Street or Military Road off ramps instead for access to North Sydney.
- 11pm 31 December to 1.30am 1 January: Sydney Harbour Bridge closed in both directions and Western Distributor fully closed between Pyrmont and the city. Roads in city centre west also closed including Sussex and Kent streets, and all roads around King Street Wharf/Barangaroo.
- For traffic on Arthur Street southbound between Berry and Mount streets, turn left on to Warringah Freeway northbound.
Sydney CBD Walkway and Cycleway closures
As roads close through the day and night, closures will also be in place on shared pathways, walkways and cycleways below. Follow directions of signage.
Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway
- From 6pm 31 December to 2am 1 January: Sydney Harbour Bridge walkway and cycleway (both directions) between Milsons Point and Observatory Hill Park.
- From 8am cyclists traveling south on Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway will be required to slow down on approach, dismount and walk their bicycles a short distance to safely connect to shared paths, cycleways and open roads.
- From 8am Watson Road and Upper Fort Street will be closed. Pedestrians will be walking on the road to Observatory Hill Park throughout the day.
Western Distributor walkway
- The Western Distributor walkway above Darling Harbour will be closed twice during the fireworks shows, from 8:30pm to 9:15pm and from 11:30pm to 12:15am.
Cahill Expressway
From 4am to 6am
- From 4am 31 December to 6am 1 January, Cahill Walk on the Cahill Expressway Circular Quay overpass will be closed.
City centre
From 5pm 31 December to 4am 1 January
- College Street cycleway between Liverpool Street and Prince Albert Road
- King Street cycleway between Pitt and Phillip streets (Queens Square)
- King Street cycleway between Sussex and Clarence streets
- Pitt Street cycleway between Alfred and King streets
- Hickson Road cycleway between Munn St overpass and Barangaroo Central
From 6pm 31 December to 2am 1 January
- Kent Street cycleway between Margaret St and Kent St on-ramp
From 7pm 31 December to 4am 1 January
- Castlereagh Street cycleway between Bathurst St and King St
From 11pm 31 December to 1:30am 1 January
- Kent Street cycleway between Liverpool and Margaret streets
From 11pm 31 December to 4am 1 January
- Castlereagh Street cycleway between Liverpool St and Bathurst St
- Liverpool Street cycleway between Castlereagh and Dixon streets
Darling Harbour and Pyrmont
- From 8pm 31 December to 1:30am 1 January: Darling Drive cycleway between Ultimo Road and Murray Street.
Local council NYE vantage points and traffic changes
Roads will also be closed in various local council areas with restricted access to peninsulas including Balmain, Birchgrove, Hunters Hill/Woolwich, Darling Point, Point Piper, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay, Coogee, Greenwich, Kurraba Point, Cremorne Point, Bradleys Head Mosman, Dee Why and Manly.
More details to be added.
For all the details on local area road closures and changed access arrangements, visit the respective council website or livetraffic.com.
For real-time updates on traffic conditions and road closures during New Year’s Eve visit Live Traffic NSW website or app, or follow @LiveTrafficSyd on Twitter and Live Traffic NSW on Facebook.
Roads will be closed in various local council area vantage points with restricted access to peninsulas including Balmain, Birchgrove, Hunters Hill/Woolwich, Darling Point, Point Piper, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay, Coogee, Greenwich, Kurraba Point, Cremorne Point, Bradleys Head Mosman, Dee Why and Manly.
For all the details on local area road closures and changed access arrangements, visit the respective council website or livetraffic.com or see the NYE 2024 TfNSW Interactive Road Closure and Clearway map.
For information on events in Parramatta council areas visit the website.
City of Sydney Council
- Potts Point: Road closures will be in place from 6am to 4am on sections of McDonald Lane and Victoria Street, and from 7pm to 4am on sections of Challis Avenue and Victoria Street. Special event clearways will be in effect on sections of McDonald Lane, Challis Avenue and Victoria Street from 6am NYE to 4am NYD. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
North Sydney Council
- Cremorne Point and Kurraba Point: local roads off Lower Wycombe Road, Bannerman Street, Murdoch Street and Iredale Avenue into Cremorne and Kurraba Points will close from 5pm NYE until 3am 1 Jan. Clearways will be in effect on parts of Bannerman Street, Murdoch Street from 3pm NYE to 3am NYD and Milsons Road from 6am NYE until 3am NYD. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Neutral Bay to Mosman: Clearways will be in effect along both sides of Falcon St and Military Rd between the Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest and Spit Rd, Mosman from 3pm NYE until 3am NYD.
Mosman Council
- Mosman - Taronga Zoo: sections of Athol Wharf Road and Bradleys Head Road will close from 3pm NYE until 2am 1 Jan, and from 11:30pm sections of Bradleys Head Rd, Prince Albert St, Thompson St, Whiting Beach Rd will close until 2am. Clearways will be in effect on sections of Athol Wharf Road, Whiting Beach Road, Spit Road and Bradleys Head Road from 1pm NYE until 3am 1 Jan and on sections of Military Road from 6pm NYE to 3am 1 Jan NYD. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Neutral Bay to Mosman: Clearways will be in effect along both sides of Falcon St and Military Rd between the Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest and Spit Rd, Mosman from 3pm NYE until 3am NYD.
Northern Beaches Council
- Dee Why: Road closures will be in place from 4pm to 10pm on sections of Howard Ave and The Strand, a section of Oak Ave will close from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Special event clearways will be in effect on The Strand, Dee Why from 12pm midday to 10,30pm on NYE. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry..
- Manly: Road closures will be in place from 5pm to 10:30pm on sections of Belgrave St, Eustace St, Gilbert St, Wentworth St, West Promenade, East and West Esplanade and Victoria Pde. Special event clearways will be in effect on sections of East and West Esplanade, Belgrave St, Pittwater Rd and West Promenade between 1pm and 10pm on NYE. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Inner West Council
- Inner West Council – Balmain: Roads into Balmain East and Birchgrove peninsula from Victoria Rd will close from 3pm to 1am including sections of Darling St, Evans St, MacKenzie St, Hartley St, Joseph St, McKell St, Wharf Rd and other local roads. Access will be maintained for residents and authorised passholders only. Special event clearways will be in effect on Victoria Road (western side) from The Crescent to Westbourne Street from 3pm New Year’s Eve to 2am New Year’s Day. No-stopping and extended bus zones will also be in effect on sections of Darling St, Eaton St, Grove St and Montague St. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Hunters Hill Council
- Hunters Hill: From 1pm NYE the Hunters Hill Peninsula will be closed from Church Street at Reiby Rd until 1:30am on NYD. Access will be maintained for residents and authorised passholders only. From 11:30pm NYE until 1:30am NYD the Burns Bay Rd on and off-ramps to Church St will be closed – detour via Victoria Road. Lane closures will also be in place on sections of Burns Bay Road and Victoria Road between 8pm NYE and 2am NYD. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Woolwich: From 8am Mon 30 Dec to 1:30am NYD Clarke Rd from Franki Ave and Merrington Place in Woolwich will be closed. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Huntleys Point: From 1pm NYE to 1:30am NYD Huntleys Point Rd from the roundabout south of Victoria Rd (northbound) will be closed. Access maintained for local residents. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Special event clearways will be in effect from 11am NYE to 2am NYD on sections of Alexandra St, Burns Bay Rd off-ramp, Church St, Clarke Rd, Elgin St, Ferry St, Franki Ave, Gale St, Gladesville Rd, Park Rd, Reiby Rd, Ryde Rd, The Avenue, The Point Rd, Valentia St, Victoria Rd and Woolwich Rd. No-stopping zones will also be in effect from 11am NYE to 2am NYD on sections of Huntleys Point Rd, Margaret St, Alfred St and Edgecliff St.
Randwick Council
- Coogee: Road closures will be in place from 5.30pm to 10.30pm on NYE on sections of Alfreda Street, Arden Street, Baden Street, Brook Street, Beach St, Coogee Bay Road, Dolphin Street, Hill Street, Ormond Gardens and Vicar St. Special event clearways will be in effect from 4pm until 10.30pm on sections of Alfreda Street, Arden Street, Baden St, Beach Street, Bream Street, Brook Street, Dolphin Street and Coogee Bay Rd. Special event clearways will be in effect on a section of Brook St from 12pm midday to 10.30pm NYE. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Woollahra Council
- Darling Point: Roads into Darling Point peninsula from New South Head Road will close from 3pm NYE until 2am NYD including New Beach Road and Loftus Road. From 6pm NYE until 2am NYD sections of Annandale Street, Darling Point Road, Hampden Road, Mona Road, Greenoaks Avenue, Yarranabbe Road and other local roads will close. Special event clearways will be in effect from 8am NYE to 2am NYD on sections of New Beach Road and Thornton Street. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Point Piper: From 3pm NYE until 2am NYD sections of St Mervyns Avenue, Wolseley Road and Wunulla Road will close. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Rose Bay: Road closures will be in place from 3pm NYE until 2am NYE with access maintained until 6pm for residents only. In Rose Bay sections of Bayview Hill Road, Caledonian Road, Collins Avenue, Dumaresq Road and Tivoli Ave will close. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Vaucluse: Road closures will be in place from 3pm NYE until 2am NYE with access maintained until 6pm for residents only. Sections of Carrara Road, Hopetoun Avenue, Old South Head Road, Petrarch Avenue, Queens Avenue, Serpentine Parade and Vaucluse Road will close. Special event clearways will be in effect on sections of New South Head Rd from 3pm NYE until 2am NYD. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
- Watsons Bay: Road closures will be in place from 3pm NYE until 2am NYE with access maintained until 6pm for residents only. Sections of Marine Parade and Robertson Place will close. Special event clearways will be in effect from 3pm NYE to 2am NYD on sections of Old South Head Road and Military Road. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Waverley Council
- Dover Heights: Roads around Dudley Page Reserve will close from 6pm NYE until 2am New Year’s Day (NYD) including sections of Gilbert Street, Blake Street and Victory Street. Special event clearways will be in effect from 4pm NYE to 2am NYD on sections of Blake Street, Lancaster Road and Military Road. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Lane Cove Council
- Greenwich: road closures will be in place from 6pm NYE until 1am NYD on sections of Albert Street, East Street, George Street, Gother Avenue, Greenwich Road, Manns Avenue, O’Connell Street, Prospect Street, St Lawrence Street and Victoria Street. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Parramatta City Council
Parramatta Park will be closed to all vehicles from 6am on 31 December 2025. There will be no parking inside the Park and a number external parking spaces around the Park will not be available due to event operations.
Motorists should expect some delays throughout Parramatta CBD and surrounding Parramatta Park, motorists should also exercise caution and be aware of increased pedestrian activity on roads in the area. For maps of the road closures and clearways, and real-time updates see the livetraffic.com entry.
Parking
The city is no place for cars on New Year's Eve with car parks expected to fill early and extensive restrictions on street parking, its best to leave the car at home and take advantage of the additional public transport services running through the night.
Many car parks will become inaccessible as roads progressively close in the city throughout the night. Remember if you have arrived early, roads around you may have closed. It is a fineable offence to drive along or exit a driveway onto a closed road.
Special event clearways
Widespread special event clearways will be in effect along nearly every road in the Sydney CBD. There will be no on-street parking available.Special event clearway parking restrictions are strict no parking zones for all vehicle types, and apply even to local residents and businesses with parking permits or TfNSW Mobility Scheme permit holders.
Look for the bright yellow signs and check them carefully before leaving your vehicle to avoid being towed. Vehicles left in a marked special event clearway zone will be towed and a towing fee of $251 will be sent to the registered vehicle owner.
If your vehicle is towed, you can search your vehicle registration at the Find My Car website to find its new location, or alternatively call 132 701 to speak to an operator.
Clearway locations and times from New Year’s Eve (NYE) until New Year’s Day (NYD):
- Sydney CBD and Pyrmont: special event clearways will be in effect on most major roads throughout the Sydney CBD and Pyrmont from 6am on NYE until 4am on NYD. Some clearways will be in effect on Macquarie St from 2am NYE to 6am NYD and around Central Station from 4pm NYE to 4am NYD.
- North Sydney and surrounds: special event clearways will be in effect on roads in North Sydney, Milsons Point, Kirribilli, Lavender Bay Neutral Bay, Cremorne and Mosman between 1pm on New Year's Eve and 3am on New Year's Day. Some clearways will be in effect the night before on 30 Dec from 6pm and 7pm, and early on NYE from 6am on roads along the waterfront. Clearways will be in effect along both sides of Falcon St and Military Rd between Crows Nest and Spit Junction from 3pm NYE to 3am NYD.
- Local council areas: clearways will also be in place on various roads in the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Northern Beaches, Balmain Peninsula and Hunters Hill Peninsula.
Visit livetraffic.com for full clearway listings in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney and various council areas.
Vantage points
There are a number of areas within vantage points that are reserved for people with disabilities or have accessibility needs to enjoy the night with their family and friends. For more information for each location including accessible features, site entry and public transport advice visit the Sydney New Year's Eve Accessibility Page.
Pick up & Drop off zones
Patrons with accessibility needs are encouraged to arrive early and leave after 1am to avoid the peak crowd arrival and departures.
A designated wheelchair accessible taxi rank and pick-up and drop-off point will be located at Shakespeare Place.
A valid Australian Disability Parking Permit or TfNSW Mobility Parking Scheme Permit must be displayed in the windscreen to gain access to accessible parking and accessible set-down and pick-up points.
Transport services
Accessible trips are shown in the Trip Planner with the wheelchair icon. You can select "accessible services only" in the Options to ensure you only see accessible services. Only trip plans with accessible train platforms, ferry wharves and buses will be presented. See accessible travel or download a transport app (select the "Accessibility" filter).
Public transport will run close to a 24-hour timetable to help you get to and from the celebrations.
Below is a summary of transport changes that will take place throughout the day and night.
- Trains, metro, buses and light rail will operate close to a 24-hour timetable.
- Trains will run additional services across most lines from 2pm, with frequent services after the midnight fireworks through until New Year’s Day. Trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 3pm. Trains from the city to the north will not stop at Milsons Point after 6pm.
- Metro services will run every 4 to 5 minutes from midday through until New Year’s Day.
- Buses will be affected by road closures in the Sydney CBD from 12pm and in North Sydney from 3pm, as well as various local council areas. Some local bus routes in the city and North Sydney will be affected earlier in the day. Additional services will run to and from the city and North Sydney on key routes.
- From 12pm buses that usually run to Circular Quay will relocate to Martin Place
- From 3pm buses that usually run to North Sydney station will relocate to stops on Miller St and Berry St due to the closure of Blue St.
- From 5pm Martin Place buses will relocate to Hyde Park.
- From 7pm all buses will use stops at Wynyard, Town Hall QVB, or Hyde Park only.
- From 11pm to 1.30am buses will not travel across the Harbour Bridge while its closed for the midnight fireworks. Change for trains or metro to travel across the harbour during this time.
- Ferries will not run on the harbour from around 5.30pm. Some wharves will close earlier in the day. Limited ferries will run after the midnight fireworks only.
- Light rail services will run from 5am and be extended until 4am on all L1, L2 and L3 lines. From 2pm services will run to and from Town Hall only, from 7pm services will start and end at Central, change for trains or metro to continue your trip to the northern end of the city. From 8pm to 2.30am L1 services won't run between Central and Convention.
Timeline of changes
- From 10am, McMahons Point wharf will close.
- From 11.30am Woolwich wharf will close
- From 12pm, buses that usually run to and from Walsh Bay and Millers Point will start and end trips at Town Hall, Park St.
- From 2pm, light rail and buses will not run to Circular Quay. L2 and L3 light rail will start and end trips at Town Hall, while buses will use Martin Place stops. Milsons Point Wharf will close
- From 3pm, trains will not stop at Circular Quay. Buses in North Sydney will relocate to stops on Berry St and Miller St due to the closure of Blue St.
- From 5.30pm approx, Ferries will stop running to Circular Quay, some ferries continue running to other wharves. Buses from the inner west, north and southern will operate to and from Wynyard and Town Hall only while major road closures are in place.
- From 6pm, Trains from the city to the north shore will not stop at Milsons Point, use North Sydney station or Victoria Cross metro and walk instead.
- From 7pm, eastern bus services to and from the city will operate from temporary bus interchanges at Hyde Park while major road closures are in place. L2 and L3 light rail services will start and end at Central, change for trains or metro to continue your trip to the northern end of the city.
- From 8pm to 2.30am, L1 light rail services will not run between Convention and Central.
- From 8pm and 10pm, access to Wynyard and Central stations will be different. From 8pm access Wynyard via George St, Wynyard Walk or Clarence St entries, the York St entry will be closed. From 10pm Central station access will be managed via Eddy Avenue, follow directions of staff and NSW Police on site.
- From 11pm to 1.30am, while the Sydney Harbour Bridge is closed for the midnight fireworks, buses start and end trips in North Sydney or the city. Catch trains or metro to travel across the harbour during this time and connect with buses either side of the bridge to continue your trip.
- After midnight: limited ferries operate to Manly and lower north shore wharves only, no services on Parramatta River or to eastern suburbs wharves. Trains, buses, metro, and light rail services continue to operate through the early hours of New Year’s Day.