Q: How do I get there?
Due to extensive road closures and high pedestrian traffic in the city, public transport is the easiest way to get to the Domain. There are additional trains, bus and ferry services available and transport hubs are within easy reach of this site.
The closest train stations are:
- Martin Place Train Station: 1000m to the managed access entry gate on Art Gallery Road
- St James Train Station: 900m to the managed access gate entry on Art Gallery Road
For additional transport information visit transportnsw or phone 131 500.
Q: What is the best time to arrive to secure a position in the public viewing area?
Mrs Macquaries Point public viewing area closes when it reaches capacity. This is usually by early afternoon. Queuing starts from 7.00 am on New Year’s Eve (Tuesday 31st December).
When choosing a vantage point, make sure you have a 'plan B', as popular areas fill up quickly. It is best to follow @RBGSydney, #NYEGarden and #SydNYE on Twitter for updates.
Q: Is the public area free to enter?
Entry is via donation. For NYE 2020 these donations will go to the bush fire appeal.
Q: What time are the fireworks?
There are two fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve – at 9.00 pm and midnight. Note that some views of the fireworks from this site are partially restricted by tree canopies.
Q: What can I bring to the public viewing sites?
We recommend bringing a picnic rug, a radio to tune into KIIS 106.5 FM for the NYE soundtrack and cash to purchase food and drinks.
It is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing for all weather conditions (no umbrellas over 50cm). Wear comfortable footwear as there are long distances to walk.
Picnic foods and non-alcoholic beverages in sealed (i.e. unopened) plastic containers are permitted. Food and beverages, including alcohol, are available for purchase on site.
No glass bottles or containers of any kind will be allowed onto the site.
Q: What facilities are available?
The public viewing event site offers food and beverage outlets, water refill stations, an ATM, toilets, waste bins, and first aid.
EFTPOS will be available at most outlets however due to heavy network use on New Year’s Eve there may be delays or no response. We suggest getting cash out before you arrive.
Q: Where can I buy food and drinks?
There are outlets selling food, drinks and alcohol along Mrs Macquaries Road operating until midnight. Vendors will be located on the eastern side of the event site.
Water bubblers and bottle refill taps are available on site.
Q: What type of food is on sale?
Mrs Macquaries Point will offer a wide mix of takeaway cuisines, vegetarian options, ice cream, soft drinks and water, tea and coffee.
Bar services will also be available.
Q: Can I bring in my own alcohol?
No. You cannot bring your own alcohol or opened soft drink containers. There will be licensed bars on site. The responsible consumption of alcohol will be strictly enforced.
If patrons arrive already under the influence of alcohol, they will not be permitted entry.
Q: What time will the bars open at the public viewing sites?
The bars open at midday and close at midnight.
Alcohol sales are subject to Responsible Service of Alcohol and Harm Minimisation Practices which will be strictly enforced.
- Any patrons under the influence of alcohol on arrival will be refused entry
- Only people aged 18 years and over can drink and purchase alcoholic beverages
- Patrons are also strictly prohibited from supplying alcohol to minors onsite (i.e. persons under 18 years of age)
- You may be required to present photographic ID to security and bar staff to purchase alcohol
Q: What will the bars sell?
The public bars will sell a range of full and light strength beer, a small range of mixers, single serve wines, soft drinks, juice and water.
Q: Can I access the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney on NYE?
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney will be open from 7.00 am until 3.00 pm on Tuesday 31 December.
Entry and exit is via Morshead Gate only, located on the corner of Macquarie and Bent Streets.
When the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney closes at 3.00 pm, all members of the public will be required to exit via Morshead Gate only.
There will be no access to any event sites including Mrs Macquaries Point via the Garden at any time.
Patrons attending the public viewing areas and ticketed event sites must enter via the managed event entry points indicated on the NYE customer entry map.
Q: Are there accessible facilities and services onsite for someone with a disability?
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney caters for people with disability to create a safe, inclusive and enjoyable event for all.
People with accessibility needs are invited to enter the ballot to enjoy the fireworks with their friends and family from a managed, accessible viewing area. The area offers spectacular views and a great place to enjoy the event.
Apply for tickets by clicking on the link below and selecting the NYE Picnic Free Viewing Area in the list below and entering your information. Ballot closes on 16 November 2019 at 11.59pm AEDT. 100 spots are available and successful applicants will be informed by email by 30 November 2019.
http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/nye2019/Accessibility-Information/Accessible-Viewing-Area
Please note that to ensure we can accommodate as many guests as possible, we only allow a maximum of 4 people per booking.
Q: Are there accessible toilets available onsite?
Yes. Accessible toilets are available.
Q: Is there shelter onsite?
No. All NYE events within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and The Domain are outdoors with limited shelter.
Visitors to Mrs Macquaries Point should be prepared for all weather conditions. Be sun safe earlier in the day and bring a jumper, poncho or rain coat too. Umbrella use is discouraged and umbrellas over 50cm in length are not permitted.
Q: Do you allow pass outs?
No. There are no pass outs from the event once a guest has entered the site. If you need to leave you will not be permitted re-entry and there are no exceptions.
Conditions of Entry
Security bag checks will be in operation at all access points and restricted items will not be permitted.
- No BYO alcohol permitted. Alcohol can be purchased on site.
- No glass (jars, glasswear, food containers) or sharp or serrated knives.
- No unsealed beverages, including water. Empty, re-fillable water bottles are permitted.
- No poppers, sparklers or aerosols
- No tents, pegs or shade structures
- No plastic sheeting or tarps
- No smoking
- No barbecues
- No bicycles, scooters or skateboards
- No ball games or frisbees
- No bean bags, mattresses, or inflatable furniture
- No drones
- No pets
- No umbrellas over 50cm in length
- Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated
- Entry will be refused to intoxicated persons
Please note:
- No camping overnight for the Domain viewing area
- The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney closes at 3.00 pm on New Year’s Eve
- For event updates on NYE at Mrs Macquaries Point follow us @RBGSydney and #NYEGarden.
- For city-wide information follow #SydNYE for real-time updates and information on when areas are filling up or full
Waste wise events
We are committed to achieving best practice in environmental management. All food and drink packaging sold on our site for NYE is biodegradable or recyclable.
Please help us lessen the impact of NYE celebrations and leave no trace! Please remember to:
- Use the correct bin when disposing of general waste or recycling or take your rubbish home with you
- Reuse your water bottle at the water refill stations provided
- Take everything you bring home again with you
- We encourage reusable containers but no glass please
Location
Mrs Macquaries Road, the Domain