All eyes to the skies at Sydney’s night of nights

Every year thousands of visitors and locals alike flock to Sydney to ring in the New Year.

“Sydney is one of the world’s most sought-after New Year’s Eve destinations, with hundreds of thousands of people gathering around the harbour to take in the spectacular fireworks and millions more watching the incredible display broadcast around the globe,” said NSW Tourism Minister Adam Marshall.

If you’re not sure where to head to, here are some of the best hotspots to ring in 2018:

Campbell’s Cove, on Hickson Road north of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, offers front row views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Revellers are advised to arrive early as the area usually reaches capacity at around 4pm. Admission free; open from 9.30am.

To nab a spot on the Opera House forecourt it’s best to arrive as early as possible as this iconic spot reaches capacity early in the day. Food and drinks are available for purchase on site. Free admission; open from 7.30am.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point is one of the most popular viewing spots due to its fantastic views. This vantage point also offers food and drinks for purchase. Admission free; open from 10am.

Bradfield Park, under the northern end of the Harbour Bridge, is popular with families and offers views of the eastern side of the bridge. It affords one of the best views of both the Opera House and bridge. Admission free; open from 8am.

The reserve is one of the best-value ticketed venues on the harbour. The location, superb views of the sunset and the western facade of the Harbour Bridge make it the ultimate spot to enjoy the 9pm and midnight fireworks. The site will feature light entertainment, picnic spaces, food and drink hampers to buy and family-friendly alcohol-free zones, as well as licensed areas. Tickets from $40 for adults and $5 for children; under-twos free. Open from 6pm. Ticketek.com.au

Blues Point Reserve is a fantastic location to catch all the action. Head there early in the day to grab a spot to see the western facade of the Harbour Bridge and the skies above light up. Admission free; open from 8am.

Viewing spots around Cockle Bay are prized locations and this year will be no exception. With a free program of live music and light shows from 7pm, Cockle Bay is set to be one of the most exciting, free family-friendly locations to celebrate the end of 2017. Admission free; open from 11am.

Shark Island will be transformed into an island paradise. Guests will be treated to a live DJ and some of the best views of the harbour. Tickets from $232 adults, $165 children; under-fours free (tickets include ferry transfers to and from Rose Bay). Other islands, including Cockatoo Island, Goat Island and Clark Island, offer a range of events.

For a “ferry good view” of the fireworks, jump aboard a ferry from Manly or Rose Bay wharf for a front row seat of the fireworks. Exclusive tickets are available for the Harbour of Lights Parade, which gives visitors a tour of the harbour and the closest views of the 9pm and midnight fireworks. Guests can pack a picnic to enjoy onboard with tickets starting from $150 for adults, $125 for concessions.

Sitting 47 floors above the city and offering 360-degree views from the deck of a revolving restaurant, O Bar and Dining is one of the most exclusive places in Sydney to see in the New Year. Choose to have an eight-course degustation dinner or rolling chef’s tapas taking in Sydney from all angles in the circular dining room. Tickets from $475 for adults.