Don’t Look Down: Sydney NYE

Sydney, standby for nine-tonnes of sky-high entertainment.

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That’s the weight of fireworks that makes the city’s New Year’s Eve bash one of world’s most famous.

The pyrotechnics create thousands of explosive moments in a spectacular 12-minutes, including two “waterfalls” cascading from the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore promises it will be the “biggest New Year’s Eve show ever”.

“I know I say that every year but it’s going to be,” she said. “It’s always true. It’s a reflection of who we are. We’re a creative, diverse and inclusive city.”

Harbour show

To kick off the event on December 31, there will be smoke before the fire, with a traditional Smoking Ceremony beginning at 7.30PM.

It will be a  “ritual of purification and unity with smouldering native plants,” the City of Sydney said.

Presented by the Tribal Warrior Association, the ceremony will take place on vessels on the harbour.

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Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore promises this year’s will be the “biggest New Year’s Eve show ever”.

This will be followed by pylon projections (of more native plants!) and lighting effects (which will continue throughout the night), and a Welcome to Country ceremony at 8.45PM.

Family fireworks and boat show

Then at 9PM comes the first sky show of the evening. Traditionally for the younger folk, the Calling Country fireworks, will be a “celebration of sky, land and sea country”. It is presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and is curated by Indigenous Australian group We Are Warriors.

Immediately after that explosive entrée comes the Sydney Harbour Lights. Presented by Australian Commercial Marine Group, boats “adorned with lights” will cruise across the harbour in a captivating display.

Main event

And then, at midnight, the big one. Pyrotechnics will be launched from the coat-hanger, the Opera House, and other landmarks, all synced to a soundtrack by Australian multi-instrumentalist and composer Jono Mar.

The show is produced by Foti International Fireworks, headed by Fortunato Foti.

“Look, obviously the scale of it has grown,” Mr Foti told the Sydney Morning Herald. “Which obviously creates a bigger footprint, which [means] people not having to come into the city to watch the fireworks.”

Fireworks will also be launched from drones this year, though there will not be a specific drone show.

“Drones don’t really take over what fireworks can do,” said Mr Foti.

Visit here for the best vantage points.

As many Sydneysiders well know, there’s more to New Year’s Eve in the Emerald City than the harbour show.

Pyro in Parra

Still, as many Sydneysiders well know, there’s more to New Year’s Eve in the Emerald City than the harbour show.

In Parramatta, Jessica Mauboy headlines the west’s biggest New Year’s Eve bash.

It comes with fireworks at 9PM and a spectacular drone show.

The free event is at Parramatta Park and starts at 5PM, and includes entertainment on three stages.

There will be performances by Furnace and the Fundamentals on the “Paddock Stage”, and former yellow Wiggle Emma, now known as Emma Memma, will bring her special brand of kids’ entertainment to the “Family Stage”. Jessica Mauboy will perform all of her hits on the Crescent Stage.

There will also be carnival rides and roving performers. 

The City of Parramatta promises family-friendly activities, food trucks and more.

“Parramatta is known for throwing a tremendous event and we are aiming to end the year with a bang at our New Year’s Eve party,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said.

“This is the first year Parramatta’s New Year’s Eve celebration will have a drone show.”

The council is expecting at least 80,000 people, so get in early with a picnic rug.

For more information visit here.

Campbelltown carnival

Meanwhile, in Campbelltown, there’ll be a family friendly party at Koshigaya Park from 7pm.

The park is hosting fireworks at 9pm and midnight, and a “massive line-up” of performers, activities and carnival rides.  

There will also be free face-painting, a photobooth, showbags, and food stalls.

Performers include former Spice Girl Melanie C, Matt Corby, The Cat Empire, Peach PRC, Marcia Hines, Casey Donovan, Don West, Jem Cassar-Daley and Ayesga Madon.

Northern lights

North of the bridge, fireworks will rule the skies from 9PM at the Northern Beaches’ Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Manly and Bayview.

Bayview will also host a midnight fireworks.

For details of locations visit here.

More parties

In the shire, Blaxland Oval in Illawong is hosting a 15-minute family fireworks show at 9PM.

And as always, the eastern suburbs rings in the new year on the sand with the Coogee Sparkles show at 9PM.

Party from home

If you prefer a relaxing night in, the ABC provides the best seat in the house for the harbour show. As always, in the lead up to iconic fireworks, ABC TV will broadcast a live concert from the Opera House’s northern boardwalk.

Performers this year will include former Spice Girl Melanie C, Matt Corby, The Cat Empire, Peach PRC, Marcia Hines, Casey Donovan, Don West, Jem Cassar-Daley and Ayesga Madon.

“ABC’s 2025 New Year’s Eve broadcast will be truly memorable and lots of fun,” ABC’s Kath Earle said.

“It’s a joy to collaborate with City of Sydney and share this celebration with audiences across Australia and around the globe.”

Feature image: CanvaPro