Surry Hills and Redfern Residents: Your Guide to Watching Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Surry Hills and Redfern residents have multiple exciting options to enjoy Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, including ticketed and free vantage points across the city.

For those in Surry Hills and Redfern, Mrs Macquaries Point, within the Royal Botanic Garden, is a prime choice. It is located approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometres from both suburbs and offers clear views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This iconic spot is free to access but requires early arrival as it fills up quickly.

Alternatively, those seeking a ticketed option with added convenience and family-friendly activities can head to Dudley Page Reserve in Dover Heights. Located about 7 to 8 kilometres from Surry Hills and Redfern, this vantage point provides panoramic views of the city skyline and harbour. Tickets for Dudley Page Reserve are priced at $65 for adults, $30 for children, and $170 for a family pass (2 adults, 2 children).

A Record-Breaking Fireworks Display by Foti International Fireworks

The 2024 Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks, designed and executed by Foti International Fireworks, promise to be one of the most innovative displays in the event’s history. With a legacy of pyrotechnic excellence dating back to 1793, the Foti family has spent more than 4,500 hours preparing this year’s spectacle.

This year’s display will feature:

Aerial Pyrotechnic Platforms: For the first time in Australia, four aerial platforms will hover between the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, launching approximately 600 effects in the 9:00 p.m. and midnight shows.
Expanded Firing Locations: The Harbour Bridge will have 264 firing positions, an increase from 184 last year, including 80 new positions on the western side. This expansion allows for extended views and a broader visual impact for spectators.
Drop Comet Fireworks: A technological innovation enabling fireworks to cascade from the Harbour Bridge in shapes like sharks, fish, and the word “Sydney” in a waterfall effect.

The sheer scale of the production includes:

9 tonnes of fireworks launched from 16 locations across Sydney Harbour.
Over 13,000 aerial shells and 40,000 ground-based effects, with more than 30,000 effects fired from the Harbour Bridge alone.
23,000 pyrotechnic cues, ensuring the display is perfectly synchronised with custom soundtracks.

Sydney New Year's Eve 2025 fireworks — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The Foti team of 70 pyrotechnicians has installed over 80 kilometres of wiring and 16 computers to coordinate the display, making it one of the most technologically advanced shows in the world.

The 9:00 p.m. family display will feature an 8-minute soundtrack titled Our Greats, created by producer and ARIA Award winner Nooky, highlighting Australian talent. The 12-minute midnight show will be set to a specially composed soundtrack by Luna Pan, blending orchestral, techno house, reggae, and more to reflect Sydney’s vibrant and diverse culture.

The Foti family takes pride in continually innovating and evolving their displays. Their efforts ensure Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks remain among the most anticipated and visually spectacular in the world, attracting millions of spectators locally and internationally.

Planning Your Night

Mrs Macquaries Point opens early, and visitors should arrive by the afternoon to secure a spot. It’s recommended to bring picnic blankets, food, and drinks, but alcohol restrictions may apply, so check local guidelines.

For Dudley Page Reserve, gates open at 5:30 p.m., and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees can bring their own picnic food (no glassware allowed), but alcohol is not permitted. On-site amenities include food stalls, a licensed bar, and family-friendly activities such as face painting and roving entertainers.

Transport and Accessibility

Public transport is strongly recommended for both locations. Surry Hills and Redfern residents can take buses or trains to Circular Quay for Mrs Macquaries Point or to Bondi Junction for Dudley Page Reserve, followed by a connecting bus to the reserve. Road closures around the city and harbour will begin in the early evening, so plan your trip accordingly.

For those staying home, live coverage of Sydney’s fireworks begins at 8:30 p.m. on ABC TV, with online streaming available on the event’s official website and ABC iview. Synchronised soundtracks for the 9:00 p.m. and midnight displays can also be heard on KIIS 1065.

Published 30-Dec-2024