Harbourlights - Questions and Answers

Q: Where is Harbourlights located?
A: Harbourlights is held at Fleet Steps North. >> Click here to Click here to view map.

Guests will experience uninterrupted views of Farm Cove, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge - the best location in Sydney to see the fireworks! Enjoy the stars in the open air, surrounded by magnificent trees. The site is normally open to visitors and is available for hire for a range of public and private events. Click here to find out about >> Weddings & Venues.

Q: What is included in the ticket price?
A: Your ticket to Harbourlights includes exclusive access to uninterrupted harbourside views of the fireworks, at 9.00 pm and at midnight, a gourmet picnic hamper, souvenir water bottle and a souvenir beach chair to take home. Our licensed Eco bar with beverages for purchase is located on the event site.

Q: What is included in the evening meal and how is this served?
A: Please refer to the picnic hamper menu.

The cost of one hamper is included per ticket holder at Harbourlights. Patrons will collect their hamper at the event site.

Q: Is there any entertainment at the event?
A: Harbourlights is a picnic style event offering patrons a relaxed atmosphere with DJ playing background music. There is no dance floor.

One of the Trust’s other ticketed New Year's Eve Event Midnight at the Oasis offers a DJ and dance floor on the event site.

Q: What time are the fireworks?
A: There are two fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve: 9.00 pm and at midnight. Fireworks presentations are synchronised to music which is broadcasted at the event. The fireworks are provided by City of Sydney. In the event that the fireworks are cancelled, the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust will not be held responsible or provide compensation.

Q:  Where can I purchase tickets and when do ticket sales close?
A: There are no Door Sales on the night. Tickets can be purchased through Foshtix - www.foxtix.com.au or by phone 1300 111 369 (1300 111 FOX). Ticket sales will close 5 pm Friday 28 December UNLESS sold out prior. NYE events at the Garden always sell out, so purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Entry Information

Q: How do I access the event?
A: Harbourlights is located at Fleet Steps North. The ONLY entry is via Art Gallery Road (100 m north of the Art Gallery of NSW) where there will be a security check point. >> Click here for a location map. Guests will then walk about 400 m to the event site.

Q: What time should I arrive?
A: Entry to the event is via the entry check point from 7.30 pm. There is no need to arrive earlier than gates opening, as only valid ticket holders will be allowed entry to the site. Please note all guests must arrive at the security check point no later than 8.30 pm. There will be no further admissions after this time. Please allow additional travel time on New Year’s Eve.

Q: What time will the event finish?
The event finishes at 1.00 am. Exit is via Art Gallery Road (same as entry).

Q: What if I am attending with a group of people?
A: It is best to enter the event together as a group if you have made a group booking.

Q: Are pass outs allowed once I have entered the event?
A: No - there are no pass outs from the event once a guest has entered the site. There are no exceptions.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: No. This event is an over 18’s event. You must be over 18 years of age to purchase a ticket. Proof of age ID will be required at entry.

Q: Can I bring alcohol?
A: No - this event is a licensed event, a range of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for cash sale at our Eco Bar on site. Please note a condition of entry to the site will be to participate in a bag check conducted by event security.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear (remembering the event site is grass covered - high heels are not recommended!). Guests are also advised to bring warmer clothing as it can become quite cool at night.

Q: What will not be permitted into the event?
A: No BYO drinks (including alcohol and water), sparklers, illegal substances, weapons, glass and aerosol cans. Large golf umbrellas will not be permitted. Smaller umbrellas no more than 50cm are permissible. Restricted items may be confiscated and entry refused to any persons not complying with conditions of entry. Please note all ticket holders will be subject to a bag check at the entry check point.

Q:  I have a special dietary requirement. What should I do?
A: The menu does endeavour to cater for all dietary requirements offering a standard or vegetarian meal selection upon booking. Please check with Venue Management at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney regarding other dietary requirements at events@rbysyd.nsw.gov.au.

Facilities at the Event

Q: Are there ATM or Credit Card facilities at the event?
A: There are no ATM or credit card facilities at the event. If you need to visit an ATM, you MUST do this prior to entering the event site.

We recommend you bring cash onsite to Harbourlights.

Q: Can I drive and park at the event?
A: There is no parking or vehicle access at the event site. Art Gallery Road will be closed to all vehicle traffic all day. Ticket holders are advised to use public transport; the closest train station is St James Station or Martin Place. Additional bus and ferry services are available, visit www.131500.com.au or phone 131 500. Parking may be available at the Domain Carpark.

Q: Is this an accessible event?
A: Yes - the event is wheelchair accessible. Limited disabled parking available for eligible permit holders is available on Art Gallery Road. BOOKED OUT

Q: Are there toilets on site?
A: Yes there are toilets including an accessible toilet for ticket holders’ exclusive use.

We wish all our guests a safe and Happy New Year!