Our New Year’s Eve may be slightly tamer than the ones we had in our pre-children days, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Fireworks and New Year’s Eve go hand in hand… and yes, it CAN be done with kids!
If staying close to home is on the agenda this NYE, then you have a few great kid-friendly options close by. Or, if you’re looking for something more and are keen to venture out, there are plenty of great vantage points around Sydney for watching the family-friendly 9pm fireworks. Families with young children can enjoy the 8-minute display and travel home before the late-night crowds arrive. Some events start even earlier at 4pm with rides, food and entertainment to allow the little ones to have heaps of fun and still get home to bed at a decent hour.
SUTHERLAND SHIRE
If you are looking to stay local this NYE, there are a few great choices available to you this year.
The Prince Hotel
Westfield Miranda
Westfield Miranda is throwing an entertainment-filled party with the only free NYE fireworks display in the Sutherland Shire. From 4pm, expect live music, sideshow games, carnival food and more. For the kids, there will be plenty of fun including live shows from Paw Patrol, Smurfs and Dora the Explorer and face painting. The fireworks will go off at 9pm, closing the night with an incredible display for the whole family to enjoy from the rooftop. For more infomation, visit their website.
Kurnell
Kurnell makes a great vantage point to see both the Brighton and City fireworks.
Cook at Kurnell, one of our favourite family-friendly venues, is hosting a ticketed event this new years eve 6pm-10pm.
Get front seat tickets to your very own firework show and watch it all unfold across the sparkling seas of Silver Beach. Fill them tummies with a festive feast and bring in the new year with a champagne cheers.
Select an option from one of the two set menus that include a drink, entree, main and dessert. $85 for adults, $20 set menu for kids. Visit their website for more info.
BRIGHTON LE SANDS
Celebrate the eve of the New Year by the picturesque beachfront stretching from Kyeemagh to Ramsgate. A spectacular fireworks display will set the night alight by the bay at Brighton Le Sands. To get the best view, head to Lady Robinsons Beach and watch the amazing fireworks explode in the sky at 9pm. Please note that as a result, there will be significant event road closures and clearways in place in Brighton Le Sands.
EASTERN SUBURBS
Every year Randwick City Council proudly presents the Coogee Sparkles NYE fireworks at the family-friendly time of 9 pm (note there is no midnight fireworks).
Families, local community and visitors gather along the coast at Coogee Beach to watch this fabulous 15-20 minute fireworks display. Many people make a day of it by swimming at the beach during the afternoon and enjoying a picnic dinner while waiting for the sun to set.
The fireworks are set off from Dunningham Reserve (near the Bali Memorial) which is located to the north of Coogee Beach.
Check out the best vantage points.
Photo of fireworks over Coogee beach. Picture: Glenn Duffus
CITY / HARBOUR
Spend New Year at Darling Harbour on 31 December from 7pm to 1.30 am, and be a part of one of the most talked-about celebrations in the world! This FREE event is family friendly with glass and BYO alcohol bans in public spaces, and fireworks every hour from 7pm and fireworks shows on Cockle Bay at 9pm and midnight. There’s capacity for 40,000 people at this venue- so the vibe will be incredible!
Barangaroo Reserve is perhaps the best and most affordable family place to view the fireworks ($41 for adults, $5.65 for kids). Bring your picnic rug and settle in on the Walumil and Stargazer lawns and enjoy light entertainment, family-friendly alcohol-free zones and licenced areas. Food and beverages can be purchased onsite including oysters with Mumm champagne or Chur Burger and even special kids’ meals. Only 10,000 tickets are available so book early to avoid disappointment.
The luxury and location of Four Seasons Hotel Sydney make it an unforgettable spot to spend New Year’s Eve. The whole family will love viewing the world-renowned midnight fireworks from this prime location in The Rocks, with easy access to harbourside locations and all of the fun in Circular Quay. The hotel is offering 3-night stay packages to fulfil all of your New Year’s Eve needs, making it the perfect base for your family celebrations.
Extra Info
NSW National Parks has a list of the best vantage points to see the fireworks in parks – including the Clark Island Garden Party, the Goat Island Party, The Shark Island Party and NYE at Nielsen Park.
The City of Sydney offers a complete list of all the vantage points to view the fireworks, too.
If you plan to have a quiet one with the kids and stay home, click here for the best ways to enjoy the action via live-streaming and TV.
Wishing you a safe, prosperous and Happy New Year!
