Sydney New Year's Eve 2025: Your complete guide to the celebrations
Updated . First published
More than 1.1 million people will head into Sydney to see the Harbour Bridge lit up for the biggest ever New Year's Eve fireworks show, as authorities ramp up security and patrols in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
The landmark will be the backdrop for nine tonnes of fireworks and 25,000 individual pyrotechnic shots in a dazzling 12-minute show at midnight tomorrow.
While there will be heightened security and officers carrying longarm rifles, Premier Chris Minns said safety was paramount and urged people not to let their fears deter them from celebrating in the city this year.
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This year's celebrations are expected to be bigger than ever. Wolter Peeters
"We can't let these people win. We have to show defiance by going out and spending time with family and friends heading into the New Year's period," he said on Sunday.
Here is everything you need to know about this year's program in Sydney.
What time are the fireworks?
The first set of fireworks will go off at 9pm.
The eight-minute display has been created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and will showcase sky, land and sea country.
The main fireworks event will kick off the new year at 12am and last for 12 minutes.
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More than 1.1 million people are expected to head into the city to view the fireworks. Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images
Bondi victims to be honoured
The City of Sydney has made last-minute changes to the New Year's Eve fireworks program to honour the 15 victims of the Bondi terror attack.
"These moments will provide an opportunity for people to show respect, to reflect on the atrocity and to say we will not let this hateful act of terror divide us," Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said.
Shortly before the 9pm fireworks, the Harbour Bridge pylons will shine white with the image of a dove and the word "peace".
The landmark will be lit again in white, and a menorah will be projected on the pylons at 11pm.
At this time, city goers will pause for a minute of reflection.
They are urged to turn on their phone torch and shine it across the harbour, as a symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Then, a projection of a dove and the words "peace" and "unity" will be shown on the pylons.
There will also be a strong police presence throughout the city, with officers carrying unprecedented amounts of firepower.
"It's not normally the case that NSW Police officers have longarms, but they will be deployed on Sydney's streets in the run up to New Year's Eve and that is a clear and deliberate message from the police that safety is the number one priority and they will be acutely aware and alert for any threats affecting the people of this state," Minns said today.
While Waverely Council has cancelled the New Year's Eve events scheduled to take place at Bondi Beach in respect to the community, nearby at Coogee Beach, 15 solitary fireworks will light up the sky in memory of each victim.
The tribute will start at 9pm just before the 15-minute Coogee Sparkles fireworks event.
There will be no midnight fireworks.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the small but meaningful tribute would offer the community a moment of solidarity and hope.
"As the sky falls dark on New Year's Eve, the memories of those we lost will light up for all to see bringing light and hope for the future," he said.
"Light will always win over darkness, and through this tribute we can stand together as a community, remembering those we lost and wrapping our arms around all those who are grieving."
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The Waverley Council has cancelled New Year's Eve events at Bondi after the December 14 attack. Getty
Where are the best vantage points?
There are 48 vantage points across Sydney that offer the best view of the fireworks.
Most, if not all, of the ticketed vantage points, like the Opera House forecourt and Luna Park, are exhausted.
As for the free vantage points, Barangaroo Reserve, Birchgrove Park, Bradfield Park and Mary Booth Reserve, Bradley's Head, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour are some of the popular places to be.
But as always, the areas fill out quickly, so the earlier you arrive and pick a spot, the better.
A full list of the vantage points can be found online here.
The fireworks will also be livestreamed for those who miss out or watch at home.
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The Sydney Harbour Bridge as seen from Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney. Dominic Lorrimer
What's the best way to travel to the city?
Public transport.
Thousands of additional services have been added to accommodate the number of people making their way in and out of the city.
Extra train services will run from mid-afternoon and post-midnight, with metro services continuing to run frequently.
However, the L1 light rail service has been cancelled between Central and Convention stations from 8pm until 2.30am, and ferries will stop running on Sydney Harbour from 5.30pm with limited services after 12am.
There will also be no direct transport to Circular Quay from mid-afternoon.
While it will be packed on public transport, road closures and parking restrictions will make it virtually impossible to drive in and find a park.
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Public transport is the best way in and out of the city on New Year's Eve. Getty
When do road closures start?
Roads will generally start closing as early as 4am tomorrow and last up to 6am on Thursday.
Major roads in North Sydney, Milsons Point and Kirribilli will close from 5pm, while some roads around vantage points at the waterfront will close from 7pm today.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be completely closed in both directions, and the Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor citybound lanes will be closed from 11pm ahead of the midnight fireworks.
Most roads in North Sydney and Milsons Point will reopen by 3am, and in the CBD by 4am.
Citygoers can find real-time updates on traffic conditions and road closures at Live Traffic NSW.
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