With a reputation preceding itself as the place to be come December 31, the harbour city’s famed firework fanfare is one to experience in the flesh at least once.
Staking out a spot at one of the harbour’s vantage points is a noble pursuit, sure, but it isn’t exactly a walk in the park figuratively as its literal interpretation would have it.
While the big night is still a couple of weeks away, Sydney New Year’s Eve 2024 accommodation is booking out swiftly, with many hotels and Airbnb hosts requiring their guests stay a minimum of two or three nights over the period.
To save yourself from New Year’s heartache, we’ve curated an edit of luxe Sydney hotels boasting harbour, bridge and opera house views in 2024. Read on for our top picks to book, from Walsh Bay to Mosman.
8 Sydney hotels for New Year’s Eve in 2024
Capella Sydney, Sydney CBD
The first Capella property in Oz, Capella Sydney is situated behind Edwardian Baroque sandstone and offers signature touches of the hotel group. Beyond a marble foyer lies 192 guestrooms, an indoor pool, yoga platform, Auriga spa, the private Living Room space and in-house restaurant Brasserie 1930.
Reasons to stay:
- Stroll to the Rocks
- Free bikes to use
- Buffet or a la carte breakfast
InterContinental Sydney, Sydney CBD
The InterContinental Sydney lies within a 19th-Century building on Macquarie Street in the city’s dress circle. Offering luxe vistas of the harbour and opera house, this 509-room hotel boasts bars, restaurants, a pool, gym and day spa to round out your New Year’s stay.
Reasons to stay:
- Located in a 19th-century building
- Circular Quay location
- Five-minute walk from Botanic Gardens
W Sydney, Darling Harbour
Tucked into the other harbour, W Sydney is the third W hotel unveiled in Australia. Featuring 585 rooms, an outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, restaurants and a Pets Welcome policy, this contemporary build is primed for firework-viewing.
Reasons to stay:
- Futuristic design
- Waterfront location
- Multiple beauty and wellness spaces
Shangri-La, The Rocks
Boasting 564 guest rooms and suites, Chi, The Spa and award-winning dining, Shangri-La Sydney offers old-timey glitz and primo harbour views in the coveted Rocks district.
Reasons to stay:
- Day spa
- Fitness centre and indoor pool
- Altitude Restaurant and Blu Bar on 36
The Langham Sydney, Millers Point
A white marble lobby, chandeliers of yesteryear and mahogany furniture add to the Langham’s luxe profile in Millers Point. Home to Observatory Bar, a tennis court, day spa, pool and hot tub, New Year’s Eve recovery is made all the more luxe in this primely positioned hotel.
Reasons to stay:
- Five-minute walk from Darling Harbour
- 10-minute walk from Circular Quay
- Spa and wellness centres
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Sydney CBD
Airy and understated, the Four Seasons is thoughtfully designed with uninterrupted harbour views – hosting a spa and wellness centre, state-of-the-art gym, pool, and Mode Kitchen that heroes modern Aussie dishes and Milanese-style aperitivo.
Reasons to stay:
- Panoramic harbour and city views
- State-of-the-art fitness centre
- Pet-friendly
Pier One Sydney Harbour Autograph Collection, Walsh Bay
Beside the southern pylon of bridge in Dawes Point lies Pier One in an unrivalled location close to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Featuring clean lines and nautical décor, this wharf hotel is a off-duty sailor’s delight.
Reasons to stay:
- Built on the water with private pontoon
- Nautical theme
- Pier dining with seafood-led menu
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, Mosman
An eco-hideaway within the sprawling lands of Taronga Zoo is a fine choice for those seeking panoramic harbour views removed from hustle and bustle. Wildlife Retreat captures harbour views amongst animal sanctuaries and its award-winning Me-Gal restaurant offers a seasonal menu with locally-sourced, native ingredients.
Reasons to stay:
- Located in Taronga Zoo
- Bushland, animal and harbour views
- Non-for-profit with revenue going towards wildlife conservation programs