Boating

Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the focal points on Sydney New Year's Eve. Thousands of spectators take to the Harbour to view the Pre-Show Entertainment program, 9pm Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks Displays.

There will be a number of Harbour safety restrictions in place on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. It is important that spectators on the Harbour adhere to the maritime restrictions, follow the instructions of official Boating Officers and celebrate safely.

Exclusion Zone

In the interest of public safety, an Exclusion Zone – marked by lit yellow buoys – will extend from Cockatoo Island in the west to Clark Island in the east. The Exclusion Zone will be activated from 8pm on New Year’s Eve until 12.30am on New Year’s Day. No unauthorised traffic will be allowed inside the Exclusion Zone and there will be no access under the Sydney Harbour Bridge during this time.

The Exclusion Zone will remain active for approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the Midnight Fireworks display to facilitate the safety clearance of the fireworks barges. Vessels must keep outside this area until the Exclusion Zone is lifted.

A maximum 6-knot no-wash speed limit will be in force between Cockatoo Island and Steele Point from 3pm 31 December 2009 to 2am 1 January 2010.

If you need to move your vessel due to an emergency, speak with the operator of one of the on-water control vessels: NSW Maritime, Water Police, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol or Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.

With lots of small and large vessels in the dark at night, it is important that skippers adhere to the appropriate navigation lights, for the safety of their craft and passengers.

Boating Map

The 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve Boating on the Harbour Map will be available closer to the event.
In the meantime you can Download last year's Boating on the Harbour Map for general reference.
Boating on the Harbour Map | PDF 494Kb

General Advice to Spectators on the Harbour

Maximum 6-knot no-wash in force between 3pm 31 December 2009 and 2am 1 January 2010.
Move into position early preferably well before sunset as popular spots such as Farm Cove fill quickly.
Do not arrive late and try to push in between anchored vessels and the buoy line. You will be moved!
Exclusion Zone in operation from 8pm 31 December 2009 to 12.30am 1 January 2010.
No traffic under Sydney Harbour Bridge from 8pm 31 December 2009 to 12.30am 1 January 2010.
Remember, be bright – think safety at night! Use appropriate navigation lights.
Anchor clear of the Exclusion Zone buoys. Dragging anchor will not be tolerated. Do not allow your vessel to lie over the boundary line.
Use Farm Cove only if your vessel is less than 15 metres in length.
Allow small craft to position themselves at the Exclusion Zone boundary.
When dropping anchor keep 200m clear of submarine cables or pipelines.
Rafting up will be permitted, but securing to the shore will not.
Keep under the 0.05 alcohol limit if you are the master of the vessel.
Don’t set off flares for fun. It is dangerous and illegal.
The Farm Cove foreshore area and Bennelong Point is alcohol free between 8am on 31 December 2009 and 6am on 1 January 2010. The transfer or loading of alcohol and glass to boats in the precinct of Farm Cove is not permitted.
Use of Man ‘O’ War Jetty (Farm Cove) and wharves in the Circular Quay precinct are subject to approval from NSW Maritime. No access between precinct closure (5pm approx) and 6am on 1 January 2010.
Families wishing to leave the Harbourside East after the 9pm family fireworks should contact the nearest NSW Maritime Boating Officer. Call VHF 17 (02) 9563 8542 on the night or ask a harbour volunteer.

Spectator Vantage Points on the Harbour

Both sides of Sydney Harbour Bridge provide ample opportunity for on-water spectators. Comfortable boating improves as you move away for the Sydney Harbour Bridge/Fort Denison area into the calmer waters near the outer west and eastern fireworks sites (Cockatoo and Clark Islands).

West of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the northern side: Clarkes Point, Ferry Jetty, Manns Point, Balls Head, Berrys Bay, Lavender Bay.
West of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the southern side: Mort Bay, Ballast Point.
East of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the northern side: Neutral Bay, Shell Cove, Mosman Bay, Athol Bay.
East of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the southern side: Farm Cove, Woolloomooloo, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay.

Other tips to plan your night

Planning Tips
Ensuring a fun and enjoyable night requires planning. Keep up-to-date with all the important planning tips here.

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If you are heading out
To plan your night if you are heading out on New Year's Eve check out this section for details on access areas, site restrictions and other important information for the night.

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Where to go & site restrictions
To help you decide on where to go, please read the important information to plan your night and choose the best location to enjoy the Sydney New Year’s Eve experience.

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If you are staying in
You can have a fantastic Sydney New Year’s Eve and a front row seat for the fireworks at home, see all the tips to make it a fantastic night in!

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Public Transport
Public transport, walking or cycling are the best ways to travel on Sydney New Year's Eve, so leave the car at home. Plan ahead to work out the best route to travel by public transport.
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Road Closures
On New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day there are some roads closures in place before, during and after the event. Be aware of the road closures and how they affect your travel.
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Boating
Spectators on Sydney Harbour should be aware of the restrictions in place on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

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FAQ's
A quick reference guide to the most commonly asked questions about Sydney New Year's Eve.

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Visiting Sydney
Sydney New Year's Eve is one of the busiest times of year in Sydney, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

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