It’s absolutely time to start locking in your New Year’s Eve plans and securing the best spot to see the famous Sydney fireworks—no more dilly-dallying, people! We’ve all ended up at a friend of a friend’s random house party or resigned to the idea of watching the display on tv (no shade but also, it’s been a year so you deserve to celebrate it with a little IRL, awe-inspiring atmosphere).
You can line up a top-notch possy to this year’s fireworks by nabbing a ticket to one of the seven different events taking place at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Join a wild garden party where you can dance the year away under the stars or do something a little more lowkey and curl up on a lush picnic rug with all the best champagne and nibbles, watching the harbour light up with fireworks and the roars of celebration. There’s truly something for every NYE vibe with both family-friendly and 18+ options throughout the iconic gardens.
Plus, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a not-for-profit organisation, so all funds raised from the NYE events go straight to supporting the horticultural and scientific work that the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust deliver.
Read on for our top picks to bring a bit of wonder to your NYE, plus a stellar view of the fireworks.
LAWN WITH A VIEW
$370pp
If you’re not one for packed venues and standing in line for a drink all NYE long, this is the event for you. Located at one of the most sought-after spots to see Sydney’s world-famous fireworks display Lawn With A View at Bennelong Lawn will have you situated right above the Opera House. It doesn’t get more iconic than this. Gaining access to the Bennelong Lawn will make for one unforgettable night. Marvel at the fireworks and panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the CBD and Opera House as you indulge in a decadent picnic hamper on your fave outdoor rug. You’ll feel at the centre of Sydney’s celebrations from up here.
THE POINT
$520pp
For those who want that insanely good view with more of a bougie party vibe, this one's for you. Located at The Point and bringing elevated picnic vibes, tuck into an entire entrée hamper on arrival, then dine your way around the world with a huge selection of food stalls serving savoury and sweet dishes all included with your ticket. Plus, buying a ticket to The Point will also give you access to live music and DJs throughout the night and pop-up bars with a range of sips available to buy throughout the night. Nab your tickets to this chill party here.
MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS
$475pp
Food lovers gather around for this premium sit-down dining experience. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House at Oasis’ waterside location. Take your time enjoying a lavish three-course meal before partying away with live music on the dance floor. Two separate bars will be selling a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as light snacks throughout the night so you can stay well fuelled and party into 2023. Nab your tickets here.
WELCOME TO BRIDGEVIEW
$385pp
Set on the Tarpeian Lawn of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the event features fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay, and (as it says on the box) of the Bridge. Each ticket includes a personal picnic hamper with an entrée, dinner, dessert, snacks, a super scrumptious late-night supper and a bottle of water. Simply head to the bar for booze, and you’re sorted for a long night of fun. Lock in this stellar location here.
NYE GARDEN PARTY
$595pp
The Calyx is hosting an exclusive garden party right in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The Calyx Garden Party is all about entertainment, delicious drinks, canapes for days, and a stack of food stations and your ticket includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the night. In-between eating and drinking, dance your socks off with live bands and DJs and relax in several seating areas scattered throughout the Calyx’s stunning indoor and al fresco spaces. As midnight approaches, take a night-time walk through the Garden to an exclusive harbour-side viewing area for the fireworks, and cheers to the new year with a complimentary glass of bubbles. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else. Assemble all your mates and grab your tickets here.
MRS MACQUARIE’S POINT
From $40pp
Situated on Mrs Macquarie’s Point, connected to the lush expanse of the Royal Botanic Gardens, this event will provide casual garden vibes to ring in the new year. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is on the most north-easterly part of Farm Cove which looks out over the bustling harbourside vistas including the Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and the Opera House – and, of course, has great views of the midnight fireworks. Enjoy quality amenities, free drinking water, bars serving a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a massive range of Sydney’s famous food vans. This is one of the more low-key events so you won’t be breaking the budget here. Lock in tickets here to enjoy good views, with good food, good drinks, and all your favourite people.
FOUNDATION & FRIENDS NYE PICNIC
From $160pp
Members of the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens gain exclusive access to the heart of all the action at The Mare and Foal Lawn within Royal Botanic Gardens. Arguably one of the best harbour-side vantage points, the lawn has a spectacular view over the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. This self-catered outdoor picnic is one of the few NYE events where BYO alcohol is permitted. The picnic area is fully enclosed in a secure area where you will be able to stretch out and relax while enjoying your favourite snacks and a stunning view. To suss how to nab a ticket bundle that includes a 12-month membership, that comes with incredible benefits, head over here.
Keen to suss all the options in more depth and get your mates on board? Head over here for all the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney NYE event details.
Image credit: Supplied
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