With the Sydney Metro open from Tallawong to Sydenham for the first time for the new year’s celebrations, thousands of extra high-frequency train, bus and light rail services will be laid across the whole transport network to bring hundreds of thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors into the city and home again as the new year ticks over.
Sydney’s transport network will run continuously for almost 48 hours in what is its biggest operation of the year to make sure revellers have multiple safe and secure travel options, said Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins.
“The extra services will spring into action from early afternoon on New Year’s Eve, and with widespread road closures and parking restrictions in place from early in the day, public transport will absolutely be the key to a stress-free celebration,” Mr Collins said.
“But it’s essential to plan ahead, work out your options and be aware that the city is different on New Year’s Eve, with very large crowds, road closures and entry cut-off times at some vantage points to watch the fireworks.”
Most of the ever-popular vantage points around the harbour will not be ticketed this year and will open at various points during the day - meaning people can secure spots on a ‘first in, best dressed’ basis and spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid missing out.
Check the Sydney NYE website before heading out and during travel for the latest updates on vantage points. Once vantage points are full they will be closed, consider celebrating locally instead.
Mr Collins said customers should be aware of road and station closures that could necessitate a change of plans for their journey, especially those heading towards the Circular Quay precinct.
“There will be limited transport options to Circular Quay from mid-afternoon. From 2pm buses and light rail services will not run to Circular Quay. Buses will end trips at Martin Place while light rail services will end trips at Town Hall.
“From 3pm trains will not stop at Circular Quay. The last ferries arrive into Circular Quay around 5.30pm. Event goers heading to the harbour will need to catch transport to nearby Wynyard, Martin Place or Town Hall and continue on foot,” said Mr Collins.
“Also Barangaroo Metro Station will be closed from 5pm and reopen at 11.45pm to allow for the safe movement of people around the inner harbour precinct.”
On the harbour, some ferry wharves will begin closing from as early as 10am, with all ferries to stop running by around 5.30pm. Limited services will run after the midnight fireworks.
Visitors should prepare to walk further than usual between transport hubs and vantage points and be aware of pedestrian fencing and changed access to major transport interchanges in the city and north sydney. After the 9pm and midnight fireworks, getting back to transport hubs to continue your trip home will be different to the way you arrived. These changes are to safely manage crowd flow and get everyone home as quickly as possible after the fireworks.
“Every year we help hundreds of thousands of people come into and move around the city for the fireworks, and I promise you that planning your journey and aiming to get to your destination nice and early will be the best investment of your time,” Mr Collins added.
“If you must drive or are catching rideshare and taxis, be aware of road closure locations and timings, plan ahead and expect heavy traffic.
“Part of that is the major roads that will close from as early as 6am on New Year’s Eve, plus widespread parking restrictions in effect - so it’s definitely best to leave the car at home.”
NSW Police Central Metropolitan Region and Operation New Year’s Eve 2024 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said officers would be patrolling for anti-social and dangerous behaviour.
“We want people to have a good time, to drink responsibly, know their limits and use public transport to avoid driving,” Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.
“New Year’s Eve is Sydney’s premier public event and as always we are expecting high numbers of spectators to come to the city to view the fireworks.
“A high-visibility police operation will be in place, with officers both in uniform and plain clothes, out in force patrolling the CBD and foreshore areas.”
