Outdoor Events of Up to 3000 People Will Be Allowed in NSW for NYE

Back in March, which feels like eons ago, the Australian Government announced a ban on non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people — leading to the cancellation of thousands of events across Australia. Everything from Vivid to Bluesfest was scrapped as the country's COVID-19 restrictions got progressively stricter. Thankfully, we're now on the other side, and restrictions are easing.

In New South Wales, this means the state's events calendar is slowly filling up once more. One thousand gigs are happening as part of the State Government-run Great Southern Nights; and theatres, concert halls and cinemas have been given the go-ahead to host events of up to 1000 people. In the latest win for the state, the Government has today announced that outdoor events, including concerts, of up to 3000 people will be allowed to happen from Monday, November 23. Just in time for Christmas and NYE.

On the topic of NYE, the NSW Government has also unveiled just how the fireworks will go down, with a new Public Health Order set to be drafted for the occasion. And it involves having to apply for a permit if you want to enter key harbourside areas.

This year, there'll be no 9pm fireworks, but the seven-minute midnight show from the Sydney Harbour Bridge will still be going ahead. You can either watch these live on the ABC, or head to one of the yellow or green 'zones' in the map below — but there are some rules.

Only frontline workers will be allowed to visit spots around the Sydney Opera House, Cahill Expressway, Campbell's Cove and Mrs Macquarie's Point, and Bradfield Park, Blues Point Reserve, Mary Booth Reserve, Quibaree Park, Kurraba Reserve and Cremorne Reserve all in North Sydney will be closed.

To enter any of the green zones after 5pm on Thursday, December 31, you must be a resident of said zone, a guest of a resident, or have a confirmed booking at one of the restaurants, hotels and bars within the area. If you fall into one of those categories, you'll then need to apply for a special NYE Pass via Service NSW from Monday, December 7.

You are allowed to enter the yellow zone to watch the fireworks without a permit, and if you have a boat (or money to hire a boat) you can drive that onto the Harbour, but you will need to register said boat from Monday, December 7.

On the NYE announcements, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "2020 has been a tough year for everyone and we want people to be able to look forward to the festive season in a COVID-safe way."

NSW has had no locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the last 12 days.

For more information about NSW's coronavirus restrictions and NYE plans, head to the NSW Government website. To apply for a NYE Pass, head to Service NSW from Monday, December 7.

Top image: NYE Fireworks 2016 by City of Sydney.