Finally. We’ve reached the stage where we can kiss goodbye to the whirlwind of 2020. And while NYE celebrations might look a little different this year, that’s no reason why they won’t be just as outrageously fun, colourful, loud, and pumpin’ with party vibes.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the best events happening around Sydney for New Year’s Eve 2020 that have caught our eye. From disco music to drag queens, bottomless packages to fireworks seats, we’ve got them covered. So no matter your style, Sydney is ready to set you up for an outrageously awesome start to your 2021.
Of course, while we are all for a fun night out, it goes without saying: make sure to play it safe this New Year’s. If you’re feeling flu-like symptoms, stay at home/your accommodation and stream the Sydney fireworks instead; and keep in line with all physical distancing signs and requirements.
Ok, let’s get stuck into it!
What’s On: the events happening in Sydney over NYE 2020
Side Bar’s NYE Glitter Party
If you’re after an all-night party in the center of Sydney’s CBD, you’ve come to the right place. Side Bar plans on kissing goodbye to 2020 with a NYE Glitter Party of epic proportions. Adorn your finest shimmering outfit, pre-glitterfy yourself and party under the stars. Tickets are from $99 + booking fee, and include:
- 3 hours of bottomless tap beer, wine & spirits
- VIP access
- Upgrade to include cocktail buckets for $30pp
- Unlimited pizzas & snacks to share
- DJs from 7pm ‘til 3am
- Fireworks live on the big screen
Stay The Night! Stay longer and play it safe, with a Side Bar sleepover! Wake Up! Sydney is located directly above Side Bar with many options of affordable, quality accommodation over New Year’s Eve.
Saltys’ Free-Flowing Day & Night at Bondi
Salty’s is bringing amazing food, free-flowing drinks and sun-drenched party tracks to Bondi Beach this New Year’s Eve. With four seating times to choose from, you can kick off your celebrations with bottomless brunch/lunch, or pre-midnight fun, while the DJs keep the good vibes flowing. Tickets are from $99 + booking fee, and include:
- SoCal x Bondi share feast
- 3 hours of bottomless tap beer, wine & spirits
- DJs from midday
- Tables of 4, 5, 6, 10 & 15 guests
Stay the night! Don’t want to leave Bondi so soon? We don’t blame you. Wake Up! Bondi’s coastal-inspired, affordable rooms are on offer right next door to Salty’s. With a spacious sun-drenched rooftop overlooking the whole of Bondi Beach, it sets the scene for the holiday you so deserve. Check out the property here.
Watsons Bay Beach Club’s Sunset Session
Welcome in 2021 at the beach side playground of Watsons Bay. The Beach Club package will have you seated under their iconic blue and white umbrellas with skyline views spread out before you. Tickets are from $149pp, and include:
- 3 course dinner
- 3 hours of bottomless beer, wine and bubbles,
- Entertainment
The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines on King Street Wharf
Ring in the New Year at Australia’s first sports bar and brewpub concept that just recently opened, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines. Situated on King Street Wharf, by the water of Darling Harbour, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines has you covered with a mixture of live acoustics and DJ’s playing all night, as well as plenty of brews and food to purchase on the night. Tickets are from $57.96, and include:
- A drink on arrival
- Roaming platters from 8-10pm
- Live music (a mixture of DJs and acoustic)
Untied’s NYE Rooftop Frosé Party
Celebrate the end of 2020 with a Rooftop Frosé Party and party tunes at Untied in Barangaroo! Tickets are $199, and include:
- Bottomless beer, wine and frosé
- Roaming canapes
- DJs from 8pm – 1am
Luna Park’s NYE Harbour Party
Farewell the year with a bang at the always-epic Luna Park! Enjoy unlimited rides, showtime performers and an absolute prime position for the midnight fireworks. Tickets are from $129.
Get Groovin’ at Taylor’s Rooftop
Ring-a-ding-ding, get your NYE in full swing. Taylor’s Rooftop is kicking the night off from 6pm with live DJs, delicious food & free flowing drinks taking centre stage. With three packages available (Lunch, Sunset and Midnight), tickets from $99 include:
- Deluxe Grazing Menu
- Free flowing beverage package
- Entertainment
Taronga Zoo’s Fireworks Viewing Event
Why not save with affordable accommodation, and splurge on a NYE event this year? Taronga Zoo is one of the few vantage points for the Sydney fireworks that the general public can access this year. Along with spectacular views of the Harbour, enjoy an experience of the wild kind at one of Sydney’s most memorable foreshore events. Tickets are from $200, and include:
- Views of Sydney Harbour and the Bridge for the midnight fireworks
- Complimentary park and ride service to and from Spit Junction
- Limited secure parking on-site for an additional fee
- A chance to experience some of Taronga’s wildlife until dark on your NYE trail
- Live entertainment
Imperial Hotel’s Drag, DJs and Drinks Night
They know how to celebrate at the Imperial Hotel, and they aren’t going to let this year stop them! Choose your adventure to welcome the new year with a range of party packages including:
- Glitz and Glam Production Show ($85): Includes a cocktail on arrival; three course meal; admission for the ‘Glitz and Glam’ drag queen theatre show.
- Luxury Lounge ($200): Includes the oh-so-comfortable Carlotta’s lounge from 5.00pm to midnight; bottomless drinks package; selection of premium canapes; drag hosts/pop-up entertainment; DJs; and the magical moment of the midnight countdown.
- General Admission ($15): Includes a cocktail on arrival; admission to the venue in your allocated seating times.
The Botanist’s Jazz Night
For a change of scenery, The Botanist is Throwing a jazz-inspired New Year’s Eve Party!
We’re talking big tunes, delicious food, flowing drinks and great company. Have fun finally having an event in 2020 to wear your best clothes and finest dresses, as you swing in 2021 in the heart of Kirribilli. Tickets are $159, and include:
- A sit-down dinner;
- 3-hour drink package;
- A glass of champagne at midnight.
- Jazz tunes from a live big band
The Winery’s Disco Drag Dinner
Boogie right into the new year with The Winery’s Disco Drag Dinner. Hosted by their beloved Drag Queens, you’ll want to wear your dancin’ shoes because DJs will be on the decks playing iconic disco favourites all night long. Tickets are $179, and include:
- 3 course menu;
- 3 hour beverage package
- Entertainment and DJs
SoCal’s Bottomless Party
Bring in 2021 from the SoCal rooftop on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Tickets are $100, and include:
- A Tommy’s Margarita or Paloma on arrival
- SoCali seasonal feast
- 2 hour bottomless drinks package (including rosé and rosé sangria)
- Glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne at midnight
- Live music
Are the Sydney NYE fireworks still happening? Will we be able to see them?
Although the 9pm fireworks will not be happening, Sydney’s famous midnight New Year’s Eve fireworks will still go ahead this 2020. Viewing is limited to those with tickets to events, residents, and frontline workers (aka, the heroes of 2020!). Unlike previous years, most of the traditional free viewing areas and reserves will be closed to the public. You can keep updated and find more information on the Sydney NYE fireworks here.
Will we be able to dance and party on New Year’s in Sydney? Are there restrictions?
At the time of writing (Wednesday 2 December), the NSW Government has announced a major easing of restrictions for hospitality venues, to take effect from Monday 7 December. Amongst the rules that are no longer? Dance floors will be able to accommodate 50 people! Hoorah! Hospitality venues will also be able to accommodate 1 person per 2sqm.
With this announcement, we will seek to add more Sydney New Year’s events to this page as they come up.
Where to stay in Sydney over New Year’s?
Looking for affordable accommodation, so you can splash extra cash on events? We like your thinking. Fortunately, Wake Up! Sydney Central is based in the centre of Sydney’s CBD in the heart of the NYE action. With shared rooms from $25/night, female-only rooms from $46/night, and an onsite bar, cafe, restaurant – consider this your budget-friendly accommodation sorted.