New Year’s Eve revellers are warned to find a vantage point early amid fears of overcrowding as 1million descend on Sydney for iconic fireworks display
- One million are set to attend Sydney’s New Year’s Eve amidst ticketing warnings
- Several popular viewing spots like Milson’s Point are now charging $10 a head
- Multiple venues are already sold out and police begin CBD patrols on Tuesday
Police are urging revellers to secure spots early to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney due to fears of overcrowding.
Almost one million people will gather in the CBD for the city’s iconic fireworks display on Tuesday.
Several public spaces with views of the bridge that were previously free are now being ticketed to keep numbers at a safe level.
For example, Blues Point Reserve at McMahons Point is now charged $10 per person for entry.
A free view of the fireworks can still be found around Circular Quay and The Rocks as well as inner city suburbs like Balmain and Pyrmont (stock image)
New Years Eve revellers will have to pay $10 a head at several public locations (stock image)
Bradfield Park at Milson’s Point was also free last year but is now ticketed at $10 a head to avoid overcrowding.
Mary Booth Reserve and Quibaree Park are following suit and charging revelers $10 to attend the celebrations.
Several harbourside locations have already completely sold out including Barangaroo reserve and three viewing options at the Botanic Gardens.
Party-goers still looking for a spot to observe the spectacle can find free vantage points in the city at East Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Potts Point.
Inner city suburbs like East Balmain, Birchgrove and Pyrmont also have prime spots that do not require a ticket.
A full list of the city’s vantage points and entry costs can be found here.
With hot weather expected in the coming days, NSW Police are advising people to look after their health on the night.
Lots of police officers will be patrolling the CBD and foreshore areas from Tuesday morning until New Year’s Eve party precincts have emptied on New Year’s Day.
Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said specialist police resources will patrol waterways and transport hubs, with PolAir in the sky.
‘Police will not tolerate dangerous, criminal or anti-social behaviour, so anyone caught putting other people’s lives at risk, or spoiling the fun for others, will be dealt with swiftly,’ Mr Willing said in a statement on Friday.
Sydney Harbour vantage points will be ticketed this year amid overcrowding fears (file image)
Some 5,000 extra public transport services will be running on the night, while major roads will start closing from 10.30am, with most to remain closed until 4am on New Year’s Day.
The Harbour Bridge will be closed in both directions from 11pm until 1.30am, a statement from the Transport Management Centre said on Friday.
Trains will not stop at Circular Quay station from 5pm until midnight and trains from the city will not stop at Milsons Point station from 6pm until midnight.
Ferries will also stop operating in and out of Circular Quay from 5pm and all services will end by 8pm.