Sydney New Year's Eve: hotels with firework views

Be in the thick of it all at Pier One Sydney Harbour – just a ten-minute walk from Circular Quay station. The only thing you need to worry about on NYE is wining, dining, and waking up next to the water.

You’ll literally be able to let the fireworks rain down on as you dance into the New Year! This is honestly the crème de la crème of New Year’s Eve spots. So go on, make your resolution in style with a ticket to Pier One’s all-inclusive party with flowing drinks, food stalls and live music.

For those who want killer views of Sydney’s magnificent fireworks display but aren’t about that five-star lifestyle, the Holiday Inn Old Sydney in The Rocks district might be your best bet. While it might not be situated in prime position as its luxe rivals, this four-star spot’s rooftop pool offers up spectacular viewing once the clock strikes midnight.

If you just can’t get enough of those Harbour views, secure yourself a Deluxe King Room with Harbour Views so you can wake up and go to sleep admiring Sydney’s architectural marvels. If you finally get bored of the view out the window, you can kick back and enjoy a movie on your flatscreen TV or go for a soak in your en-suite bathtub.

Once the party is over and you want to start exploring, you’ll be perfectly positioned to head down to Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art or head a little farther to see The Royal Botanic Gardens.

The word is out that local journos have been flocking to The Macleay in Potts Point for years to secure their NYE firework snaps. So are you ready to follow the experts? The Macleay comes with million dollar views of the Sydney Opera House – but without the matching price tag.

The accommodation comes at a reasonable price, and if you’re looking for the best seat in the house, go for one of the Harbour view rooms. Now all that’s left to organise is the friends’ invite and some celebratory bubbly!

Who wouldn’t want to wake up in the new year in a plush king-sized bed with a view of the Opera House? The Park Hyatt Sydney is the definition of luxury and a perfect spot for your Sydney NYE getaway.

Since every room has its own private balcony with a view of the harbour it might be hard to pull you out of the comforts of your room, but can we tempt you with a heated rooftop pool? After a splish and a splash during the day, get spruced up for a delectable NYE dining experience on the rooftop (pre-purchase your tickets, though).

Just a short walk from Circular Quay through the cobbled street’s of The Rocks, is MGallery’s Harbour Rocks Hotel.

You could be forgiven for not noticing the hotel on first sight – its heritage facade and large industrial wooden doors do well at hiding the boutique rooms inside.

Step into the hotel lobby, which is actually more of an atrium. Help yourself to complimentary home-made lemonades, while perusing the extensive library of books that line the lobby walls.

For the best view of the fireworks, and Darling Harbour, opt for a Harbour View Suite. Be sure to enjoy a drink downstairs at Eric’s Bar in the hotel lobby, or venture up to the rooftop for drinks with harbour views. The wine list has an impressive mix of Australian and International vinos.

The Shangri-La Sydney is the ultimate NYE party spot for foodies. Both Cafe Mix and Altitude, located on 36 floors above the city, put on showstopping celebrations with a buffet menu and sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the unmissable fireworks. Or clink your champagne glasses at midnight at Blu Bar, also located on the 36th floor

Once you’re all partied out, go back to your spacious and contemporarily-furnished room and slip into bed for a good night’s sleep to welcome in the new year. Once morning comes and before you head off home, try and squeeze in time to go for high tea at the Lobby Lounge.

Darling Harbour is a great place to secure some spectacular firework views, and if you’re looking to experience these from the comfort of a hotel, Hyatt Regency Sydney delivers superbly.

Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows featured in the rooms, guests are ensured unobstructed water views. Our recommendation? The Suite, which comes complete with a wrap-around balcony overlooking Darling Harbour.

Make sure you visit the hotel’s rooftop bar, Zephyr, which will no doubt deliver some spectacular firework views to welcome in the new year.

This moderately-priced gem in The Rocks is just what you and your friends are looking for. A number of rooms at Rendezvous Hotel open up to front-seat views of Sydney Harbour – perfect for a classy night of bubbly and some R&R the day after to ease yourself into the New Year.

Choose from a number of rooms including spacious studios, one-bedroom apartments and, in true Rocks fashion, historic terrace houses. Let your hair down in the outdoor pool, hydrotherapy spa and sauna. And if you promised yourself a new year; a new you, maybe a visit to the on-site gym is more up your alley!

If you plan to party well past midnight, book a suite at Astral Tower, part of the Star Casino. The rooms here are an absolute treat, and spending New Year’s Eve in the area is something you should do once in your life.

Get in early and book a table at one of The Star’s five renowned restaurants, Momofuku Seiobo, BLACK Bar and Grill, Balla, Sokyo and The Century. Most of these restaurants offer set menu packages for New Year’s Eve.