Anticipation is building as over 1.1 million visitors are expected to flock to the city to witness a breathtaking display on the Harbour Bridge. This year’s event will feature nine tonnes of fireworks and an impressive 25,000 individual pyrotechnic shots, promising the largest show to date.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore expressed that the celebrations offer a moment for the state to look forward to a more secure and serene year, especially in light of the tragic events that occurred at Bondi on December 14.

“Sydney New Year’s Eve transcends just fireworks; it represents our identity as a lively, diverse, and inclusive city. Upholding these values is crucial now more than ever,” Mayor Moore remarked.

While various events will proceed throughout the city, Bondi has chosen to cancel the Elrow XXL and Local’s Lawn events out of respect for the 15 victims and the grieving community.

Here’s a guide to this year’s program highlights in Sydney:

The evening’s festivities will commence with the first fireworks display scheduled for 9 PM.

The first set of fireworks will go off at 9pm.

The eight-minute display has been created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and will showcase sky, land and sea country.

The main fireworks event will kick off the new year at 12am and last for 12 minutes.

What’s new in the program?

There will be additional displays to commemorate the victims of the Bondi attack.

“These moments will provide an opportunity for people to show respect, to reflect on the atrocity and to say we will not let this hateful act of terror divide us,” Moore said. 

Shortly before the 9pm fireworks, the Harbour Bridge pylons will shine white with the image of a dove and the word “peace”. 

A similar display will shine on the landmark at 11pm.

At this time, citygoers will pause for a minute of reflection.

They are urged to turn on their phone torch and shine it across the harbour, as a symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community and everyone affected by the tragedy.

There will also be a strong police presence throughout the city and the vantage points. 

Where are the best vantage points?

There are 48 vantage points across Sydney that offer the best view of the fireworks.

Most, if not all, of the ticketed vantage points, like the Opera House forecourt and Luna Park, are exhausted.

As for the free vantage points, Barangaroo Reserve, Birchgrove Park, Bradfield Park and Mary Booth Reserve, Bradley’s Head, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour are some of the popular places to be.

But as always, the areas fill out quickly, so the earlier you arrive and pick a spot, the better. 

The fireworks will also be livestreamed for those who miss out or watch at home.

What’s the best way to travel to the city?

Thousands of additional services have been added to accommodate the number of people making their way in and out of the city.

Extra train services will run from mid-afternoon and post-midnight, with metro services continuing to run frequently. 

However, the L1 light rail service has been cancelled between Central and Convention stations from 8pm until 2.30am, and ferries will stop running on Sydney Harbour from 5.30pm with limited services after 12am.

There will also be no direct transport to Circular Quay from mid-afternoon.

While it will be packed on public transport, road closures and parking restrictions will make it virtually impossible to drive in and find a park.

Where are the road closures? 

Roads will generally start closing as early as 4am on December 31 and last up to 6am on January 1.

Major roads in North Sydney, Milsons Point and Kirribilli will close from 5pm, while some roads around vantage points at the waterfront will close from 7pm on December 30.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be completely closed in both directions, and the Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor citybound lanes will be closed from 11pm ahead of the midnight fireworks.

Most roads in North Sydney and Milsons Point will reopen by 3am, and in the CBD by 4am.

Citygoers can find real-time updates on traffic conditions and road closures at Live Traffic NSW.