What time is the event?
Gates open at 6.00 pm, with last entry at 8.30 pm.
It will finish at 1.30 am with last drinks being called at 1.00 am.
All ticket holders will be sent detailed arrival and transportation information prior to the event.
What entertainment is at the event?
Harbour Hoopla is a fun, vintage circus-themed event offering guests a range of interactive entertainment.
Entertainment includes old-fashioned fun fair games, circus performers, a DJ and dance floor as well as quirky dress-ups in the themed Photobooth.
Guests will also enjoy the synchronised fireworks music broadcast.
What times are the fireworks and what view will I have?
There are two fireworks displays on New Year's Eve. The first is at 9.00 pm and the second at midnight. Both displays are accompanied with synchronised music which will be broadcast at the event.
Please note as you will be in the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain, some views of the fireworks from this event will be partially obscured by the tree canopies.
What are the seating arrangements?
This is a picnic-style event so please bring your own picnic blanket along. Chairs are not permitted, however you can bring a low-lying beach chair and flat-fold mats.
There is an accessible viewing area with limited seating available on request. Ticket holders will be provided with an option to book mobility assistance if required.
Can I bring children to Harbour Hoopla?
Yes, Harbour Hoopla is an all-ages event.
Everyone entering the event must have a ticket, regardless of age. There are no concession prices for children.
Special consideration may be given to infants under three (3) years old, please email nye.enquiries@bgcp.nsw.gov.au to lodge a request.
You are welcome to bring strollers, but we ask you collapse them once inside the event to ensure all guests can enjoy the views.
Is Harbour Hoopla a wheelchair accessible event?
No.
This event is not wheelchair accessible as most of the site comprises sloped grass terrain.
For detailed access information for people with a disability, please refer to the fact sheet.
Ticket holders will be provided with an option to book mobility assistance if required.
What should I wear?
Guests are advised to wear comfortable footwear as the event site is grass terrain. We also recommend bringing warmer clothing as it can become cool at night.
When do ticket sales close?
Ticket sales will close at 2.00 pm on 30 December, unless sold out prior.
Will the New Year's Eve events go ahead if the weather is bad?
This is an outdoor event which will proceed in all weather.
Fireworks are presented by the City of Sydney. In the event fireworks are cancelled, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust will not be held responsible or provide compensation.
What food can I expect in my picnic box?
The picnic box contains a selection of dishes that represent an entree, main course, dessert and late supper.
Picnic boxes will be collected on arrival at the event site.
I have special dietary requirements, what should I do?
The published menu and corresponding ticket type accommodates most of the common dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, lactose free and halal. Please ensure you purchase the dietary ticket to reflect your requirements.
The caterers will assist with other dietary requirements where possible, but requests must be made upon booking tickets via the link provided and the "Other Special Dietary" ticket type must be selected.
Can I bring additional food to the event site?
No.
Additional snacks are available to purchase on-site if required.
What beverages are available?
Each guest receives a bottle of water on arrival, and there are multiple refilling stations available on-site.
Beverages are not included in the ticket price and can be purchased at the cash bar.
Only ticket holders over the age of 18 will be permitted to purchase alcoholic beverages. Photo identification may be requested.
Can I bring alcohol or other drinks into Harbour Hoopla?
No.
Harbour Hoopla is a licensed event and a range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Beverages brought into the event site will be confiscated at the bag check. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust reserves the right to confiscate any restricted items and/or refuse entry to any person not complying with the conditions of entry.
Where is Harbour Hoopla located?
Harbour Hoopla is held at the Tarpeian Way precinct, an elevated lawn area overlooking Circular Quay, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House inside the Royal Botanic Garden.
Entry and exit is via Macquarie Street, which is closed to traffic on New Year's Eve.