Skip to main content

Main navigation

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2023 at the Sydney Opera House

The Opera House is one of the most stunning locations to celebrate New Year’s Eve and ring in the New Year. Whether it’s a party under the stars, watching a spectacular performance inside one of our theatres or enjoying the free viewing area on the Forecourt, there are a range of unforgettable events and harbourside celebrations for locals, visitors and families. Event tickets are limited and expected to sell out, so be sure to secure your New Year’s Eve tickets in advance.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve 2023 on the Opera House Forecourt

The Opera House Forecourt is a spectacular vantage point to soak up the world-famous 9pm and midnight fireworks displays. 

Entry to the Forecourt is free from 7am on Sunday 31 December. Please note that the site is expected to reach capacity early. Entry to the site is via East Circular Quay. We recommend you arrive early to avoid disappointment as once the Forecourt reaches capacity, it will be closed to the general public. 

BYO food is permitted, or enjoy a variety of small plates, snacks and desserts from local Sydney food trucks, with vegan and vegetarian options available. A fully licensed, cashless bar will be serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Water stations and toilets will be available.

As there is no shade or seating available, visitors are welcome to bring picnic rugs, low chairs and bean bags – as long as it doesn’t impact the sightlines for fellow visitors.

Please don’t bring any glass or large sun-structures. Small individual umbrellas are permitted. Please read our conditions of entry prior to arriving.

New Year’s Eve events at the Opera House

31 Dec 2023 Experiences

House of Splendour

Unlock an evening of unbounded luxury as you celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Yallamundi Rooms, featuring front-row views of Sydney's famous fireworks.

31 Dec 2023 Opera

New Year’s Eve Opera Gala Concert

There’s nowhere in the world like Sydney on New Year’s Eve, so enjoy a few drinks overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour before you take your seats for this Opera Gala.

Attending the Opera House on New Year’s Eve

Important information for ticketholders

Ticketholders are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time when arriving for an event or performance. Large crowds are expected on the Opera House precinct and around the CBD, and significant road closures will be in place. 

The Opera House site will open to the general public from 7am on Sunday 31 December. Entry to the site is via East Circular Quay. 

Once the Forecourt viewing area reaches capacity, it will be closed to the general public, with managed access via Macquarie Street for ticketholders only. Macquarie Street will be closed to general traffic from 10am on Sunday 31 December and will reopen from 6am on Monday 1 January. 

Accessing the Box Office on New Year’s Eve

  • A temporary box office on Macquarie Street will be open for general ticket enquiries and purchases from 2pm until 8pm on Sunday 31 December.
  • The Box Office inside the Opera House will be open from 4pm until midnight on Sunday 31 December for ticket issues only.

Public transport

Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport wherever possible. Please note that access to train stations, ferry wharves, light rail stops and buses will be affected from mid-afternoon on Sunday 31 December as roads progressively
close throughout the day. After 5pm, there will be no public transport directly to Circular Quay. For up-to-date city-wide transport information for New Year’s Eve, visit Transport NSW’s Sydney New Year’s Eve 2023 page.

Parking

  • Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave the car at home and use public transport
    wherever possible.
  • Macquarie Street will be closed to general traffic from 10am on Sunday 31 December, reopening from 6am on Monday 1 January.
  • During this time, there will be no vehicle access to the Sydney Opera House Wilson car park.
  • Vehicles will not be permitted to leave the car park until 6am on Monday 1 January when Macquarie Street reopens.

Accessing neighbouring sites

  • The Man O’War Steps will be closed from midnight on Saturday 30 December through to 4am on Monday 1 January. 

There is no access to the Royal Botanic Gardens or Tarpeian Way via the Opera House site on Sunday 31 December. For access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, ticketholders are advised to check the event FAQs available on the Royal Botanic Gardens’ website.

Security

The safety and security of our visitors, patrons and staff is our highest priority. The Opera House works closely with the NSW Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment. 

As a condition of entry, bag inspections and electronic screening will be carried out at the entry to the site. Please follow the directions of Opera House staff and security. 

Accessibility

The Opera House will be accessible to all visitors and ticketholders with disability or limited mobility. Accessible toilets and adult changing room facilities will be available. 

For further information, please contact accessibility@sydneyoperahouse.com.

Conditions of entry

All patrons and visitors attending NYE events at the Opera House must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection or x-ray screening as a condition of entry. Ticketholders may be electronically screened by Opera House security staff.

The following items are considered prohibited and will be confiscated if found:

  • Alcohol
  • Illegal substances including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs
  • Incendiary devices (flares, fireworks and smoke bombs)
  • Glass items
  • Knives and any sharp items
  • Lasers
  • Any items that may cause a public nuisance
  • Any items that can be used as a weapon
  • Any items which look like a weapon, this includes replicas and toys
  • Unauthorized advertising material or flyers
  • Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
  • Musical instruments which can cause a public nuisance such as Vuvuzelas, drums or any amplified music
  • Large umbrellas (bigger than 125cm in diameter) 
  • Sunshades and tent structures, which are not permitted on site
  • Any other item that in the opinion of Opera House security could cause harm or public nuisance

Ticketholders and visitors have the option to leave with their prohibited items should they not wish to forfeit them in accordance with the above ‘conditions of entry’. All confiscated and prohibited items will be disposed of, and will not be held. Possession of unlawful items will be reported immediately to NSW Police.

Security staff will monitor patrons for RSA and refuse entry to any intoxicated persons in accordance with the Liquor Act 2007.

Frequently asked questions