North Sydney Council to charge $50 for New Year’s Eve fireworks at Blues Point
Key Points:
- Blues Point will no longer be free to access for revellers on New Year’s Eve, with North Sydney Council voting to introduce a $50 fee.
- The council aims to raise $305,000 profit by selling 8,000 tickets to the popular vantage point.
- Other popular spots within North Sydney Council, Bradfield Park and Lavender Bay, will remain free.
One of Sydney’s most iconic public vantage points for watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks will no longer be free, with North Sydney Council voting to introduce a $50 admission fee to access Blues Point.
The decision, made on Monday night, marks a major shift for the public foreshore location, which for decades has offered Sydneysiders and tourists a free, front-row seat to the harbour’s world-famous fireworks display.
North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said the vote was made “with a heavy heart” but pointed to high New Year’s Eve event costs and the council’s worsening budget position as key factors. The motion passed 5–3.
The council plans to sell 8,000 tickets to Blues Point, potentially generating $400,000 in revenue. According to figures published by the ABC, the council expects to net $305,000 after subtracting an estimated $95,000 in costs.
While one proposal would have seen all three of North Sydney’s key vantage points - Blues Point, Bradfield Park, and Lavender Bay - become ticketed zones, the council opted to keep Bradfield Park and Lavender Bay free.
If you’d like to watch the NYE fireworks from the water, NRMA members enjoy discounts at Fantesea cruises. Click here to see what options are available.
North Sydney Council is grappling with significant cost blowouts, particularly for infrastructure projects. The redevelopment of its Olympic pool, for example, has surged from a $60 million estimate to $122 million.
In addition to ticketing the fireworks, the council is exploring revenue options including charging rates to elite local schools and potentially selling public assets. According to the City of Sydney, nine out of 50 vantage points around the harbour were ticketed during last year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Blues Point is now set to join that list.
For a list of other key vantage points that remain free, click here.
