Best restaurants to watch fireworks in Sydney for NYE

[paddles]

Hi -

We're planning on going on the Australia Down Under ABD this Dec, and would like to spend NYE in Sydney after the trip.

We're a family of 4 (2 kids, ages 8 and 10). I'd like to find a nice restaurant with an amazing view of the harbour bridge for NYE. I realize it will be pricey...but I'm having a hard time finding a good recommendation of where to book.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

thanks!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hi Paddles. Thanks for stopping by the Aussie boards and I hope you have a great time in Sydney.

Have you considered staying at a hotel with a view of the bridge? I understand that the Quay West in Sydney might have good views.

This way, you might be able to pack a picnic for the 9 pm family fireworks and head outside and if your kids get tired, you can head back to the room to catch the midnight fireworks.


Perhaps one of the Sydneysiders will stop by with a restaurant suggestion.

 

[gogo65]

The obvious restaurants would be centrepoint tower or the summit, both revolving restaurants in high rise. Then there is level 41 and a few orhers
Did a quick search online you are looking at at least $500/head.
my suggestion would be go the zoo, it is expensive but you can stay in north Sydney get a shuttle to the zoo and have a picnic, again not cheap! I think around $300/head.
Otherwise just go with the crowds and find a spot along the harbour

 

[Toy Story]

A lot of the hotels in the city have a minimum stay over the New Year period - and the price sky rockets for New Years Eve.

The zoo would be great - you are looking back over the harbour.

 

[battymum]

The best view in my opinion would be from the road deck of the Cahill expressway. They close it off and sell tickets to the area , sorry no idea how much, no restaurant but they have concession stands. It's alcohol and glass free area.

I think any restaurant with a decent view would be hundreds of $$$ and may even be open bar type parties and not suitable for children.

 

[shushh]

Another option which might be more fun for othe kids is camp at Cockatoo Island, or go on a harbour cruise. Unfortunately neither are cheap!

This website might help http://www.squidoo.com/new-years-eve-in-sydney
There are some updated events for this coming NYE, and also events from past years to give you some sort of idea of options. Also lists free vantage points.

Harbourside restaurants are expensive at the best of times but prices become ridiculous on NYE. However, if you are happy to pay, then the others have mentioned few. I love the food at Quay but not sure if it is suitable for kids? I can't remember if you actually get a view of the harbour bridge in Bennelong (restaurant in the Opera House) but I'm sure the Opera House holds events for New Years Eve in their rooms close to the water which has fabulous views of the bridge.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Taronga Zoo has an incredible view! There are several different levels of tickets you can purchase. Only problem is that you're outside. It's beautiful if it's a good night but if it's raining....

 

[Sugarglider]

I agree to take a step back away from the harbour bridge area gives you a more expansive view of the fireworks.

Altitude Restaurant on the top of the Shangra La will have some fancy schmancy thing going.

But I am tempted to stick with the others and say look at the Zoo or the Quarantine Station out at Manly (hotel and restaurant).

Perhaps a cruise if you can cope with being stuck on a boat.

The North Sydney Harbourview Hotel has a special NYE package: http://viewhotels.com.au/nshh/accommodation-packages/#NYE

would be wonderful if you can organise something - a truly spectacular experience

 

[battymum]

I don't think you would see anything from the quarantine station, even Taronga while a great view is a little far back.

Funny thing we were at taronga zoo last night for the twilight concert, as we were leaving DH and I wandered over to an area where you could see the city and bridge and unexpectedly some fireworks were being let off over near the opera house area, it was a pretty big show but just didnt have the impact at that distance. Mist people had a quick look and said "oh fireworks and then kept walking" , it would be a different story if it were NYE
i was fuming as I had my camera and a gorillapod, but didnt have time to set up, I took a few snaps but they are very blurry as I just couldn't hold the camera still enough, I will post to show the scale.

 

[SnowWhite09]

This probably goes without saying, but whatever you decide on, you need to book early as possible. We were in Sydney on New Year's Eve last year and even the free areas on the Harbour foreshore were filling up fast at 10am in the morning.