Overview
Each year New Year's Eve is a time to bid farewell to the last 12 months and look forward to the next. And there's possibly never been a year we all collectively want to say goodbye to more than 2020. Just like many of this year's events, New Year's will run like none before. New restrictions have been brought in for Greater Sydney, which mean you are limited to five guests at your house per day, and you must be a resident, be visiting a resident or have a reservation to access to the 'green zone' surrounding the Circular Quay foreshore to watch the fireworks.
As a result, the price of exclusive harbourside reservations has really turned up a notch and many venues booked out weeks ago. But, if you're looking for free-flowing drinks, multi-course meals and unbeatable views of the fireworks, there are still spots available at a select few locations. Sydney Tower's Bar 83 is still offering reservations or you can nab a booking at these three waterfront spots.
For those who can't go out, the midnight fireworks will be live streamed on ABC.
Residents of the northern beaches are currently under stay-at-home orders. For more information about COVID-19 in NSW and current restrictions head to NSW Health.
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One of the most affordable spots on the harbour this NYE is at Bar Ombre. For $350, you can enjoy a five-course meal, three-hour drinks package and views of the fireworks from the rooftop of Salt Meats Cheese Circular Quay.
On the menu at this openair event, you’ll find a selection of shared starters including zucchini flowers, rosemary and garlic focaccia and soft shell crab, as well as an oyster, prawn and tuna seafood platter. You’ll then be offered your choice of either crisp-skinned Tasmanian salmon and wagyu scotch fillet with truffle butter and charred broccoli. In the lead up to midnight, you’ll be treated to mini cannoli and tiramisu, and prosecco, red and white wine along with beer will be free-flowing through the night.
If you want to be among the action and enjoy a hearty Italian meal, but aren’t fussed about the fireworks, you can alternatively book a table downstairs, which includes a three-course meal and glass of Moët for $145.
Bookings are available via the Salt Meats and Cheese website.
Image: Kitti Gould
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Enjoy the fireworks side-by-side with giraffes at the Taronga Zoo’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, live entertainment and a visit to see the animal are all on offer at the zoo’s ticketed, family-friendly event.
Packages range from $200–600 a head with the location and experience making up most of that cost. All price points including access to the zoo, entertainment throughout the night and harbour views during the fireworks, although the $200 Silver Reserve does note “some obstructed views.”
If you upgrade to the $600 Diamond Reserve, you’re guaranteed unobstructed views of the fireworks, plus you’ll receive a complimentary food hamper and your choice of a bottle of wine or four beers to share between two people, plus free parking and a zoo gift bag. BYO food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome, but, sadly, no BYO alcohol.
Tickets are available via Moshtix.
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Experience the fireworks from a one-of-a-kind view at O Bar and Dining. Perched 47 floors above the ground, the sky-high bar takes in an all-encompassing view of Circular Quay, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge as the fireworks light up the Sydney sky.
O Bar and Dining currently have spots at their available for couples or pairs of two people at its eight-course detestation dinner. Two packages are on offer if you’re looking to spend New Year’s Eve here — and they’ll both going to set you back a paycheque or two. For $695, you’ll receive an NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier on arrival followed by a decedent eight-course tasting menu. Taking things up a notch, you can nab yourself the window seat and a paired wine list for $875.
Lastly, if you have 11 other friends willing to drop the big bucks on an exuberant New Year’s, you can book out O Bar and Dining’s private 12-person dining room with all of the above perks plus butler service for $1450 a head.
On the menu for the night is poached Tasmanian lobster, Roku gin-cured kingfish, twice-cooked duck breast with caramelised endive, blackberries and black vinegar and flash-seared Rangers Valley wagyu with black garlic and potato gnocchi.
Bookings are available from O Bar and Dining’s website.
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Couples can indulge in the exclusive harbour views and decedent menu at Bennelong, with reservations for pairs of two people for the restaurants New Year’s Eve dining experience still open. Sip champagne on arrival and at midnight as you leave the last 12 months behind you. Throughout the night, you’ll be served a five-course meal with wine pairings.
Two dining options are available if you choose to spend New Year’s Eve at Bennelong. Reservations at the Main Dining Room are currently available for $1690, while spots at the Cured & Cultured Counter are going for the slightly cheaper $1450 a head.
The exact menu has not been unveiled, but you can expect signature dishes from Exec Chef Peter Gilmore and hopefully that eight-texture chocolate cake.
Bookings are available via Bennelong.