Celebration at the End of the Wharf – NYE 26/27

Tit Bits – Guest Information

Welcome to the official guest information hub for Celebration at the End of the Wharf – NYE 26/27. This page brings together essential event details, practical tips, FAQs and helpful tit-bits to ensure you arrive relaxed, informed and ready to celebrate.

Celebration at the End of the Wharf is the current name for Celebration NYE, Sydney’s longest-running gay New Year’s Eve party. For NYE 26/27, Celebration continues in its spectacular harbourside home at The Wharf Restaurant and Bar, located within the iconic Sydney Theatre Company precinct at Walsh Bay.

With its heritage character, harbourfront position and theatrical atmosphere, the venue offers a distinctive New Year’s Eve setting – close to the energy of Sydney Harbour, while giving guests a more comfortable and curated way to welcome the new year.

You may notice some imagery across our website from previous Celebration events, including our former home at the MCA and previous years at The Wharf. While event layouts, inclusions and guest experiences may evolve from year to year, the spirit of the night remains the same – beautifully hosted, thoughtfully curated and proudly LGBTQ+.

Please note: some information on this page is still being updated for NYE 26/27. Many of the practical details remain relevant from last year’s event, but final information for this year – including menus, entertainment timings, access arrangements, ticket inclusions and event-day details – will be confirmed closer to the event. We recommend checking back regularly as New Year’s Eve approaches.

Event menus are available at the bottom of this page – click to jump there now!

Have a question we haven’t answered?
Contact us on 1300 990 390 or email us here.

Last updated: 01-AUG-26 18:00 AEST

Venue Access & Getting There

Celebration at the End of the Wharf – NYE 26/27 takes place at:

The Wharf Restaurant and Bar
Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
View on Google Maps

The Wharf Restaurant and Bar is a true hidden Sydney gem, located within the heritage-listed Sydney Theatre Company precinct at Walsh Bay. Set along the harbour’s edge inside a beautifully restored finger wharf, the venue combines rich timber interiors, soaring ceilings and sweeping waterfront views.

With multiple indoor and covered outdoor areas, the space is designed for movement, connection and atmosphere. Guests will enjoy uninterrupted views east toward the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with a variety of vantage points positioned throughout the venue to take in the night’s spectacle.

This waterfront setting allows you to celebrate away from the dense CBD crowds, while still being right in the heart of Sydney Harbour. From arrival through to the final fireworks, the venue offers a relaxed yet dramatic backdrop for the night.

Want to see a map of the fireworks barges relative to the venue? Click here!​​​​

Event Security

Your safety and peace of mind are extremely important to us.

New Year’s Eve in Sydney operates under one of the most comprehensive safety and security frameworks in the country. The City of Sydney fireworks are supported by coordinated, multi-layered security measures across the CBD and harbour precincts, including a strong police presence, crowd-control infrastructure, and controlled access zones throughout the evening.

In addition to these city-wide measures, Celebration at the End of the Wharf is held within a tightly managed and highly secure precinct.

Access to the Walsh Bay precinct is controlled through multiple official security checkpoints, overseen by police and authorised agencies. These checkpoints are located between Barangaroo Station and Walsh Bay, and all guests are required to present a valid physical ticket to enter the precinct.

No ticket, no access.

Arrival, Security & Entry Information

As you make your way from Barangaroo Metro Station toward the venue, you will pass through a series of security checkpoints along Hickson Road.

There are three security gates in total:

• Gate 1 – Northern side of Hickson Road, between Piers 6/7 and Wharf 4/5
• Gate 2 – Northern side of Hickson Road directly outside Wharf 4/5
• Gate 3 – Final access point on the eastern side of Wharf 4/5

Your ticket must be presented at each gate.

After Gate 3, continue along the eastern apron of the wharf to the mid-wharf entry, where stairs and a lift provide access to the venue.

Upon entry, our front-of-house team will check your ticket, issue your name badge and welcome you inside. Cloaking facilities are available at the main entry.

Once inside the precinct, the event itself is further secured. We have exclusive use of the venue on the night and are the only event operating within the space. The Wharf Restaurant and Bar is positioned at the far end of the wharf, approximately 100 metres from the nearest public road, providing additional separation from general pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

In practical terms, it is not possible to access the event space without passing through multiple layers of security and presenting a valid ticket. Dedicated event security staff will also be present throughout the night to ensure a safe, welcoming and well-managed environment for all guests.

We’ll continue to share arrival and access reminders in the lead-up to the event so you know exactly what to expect on the night.

Getting There

Arrival on foot or by public transport is essential. Due to city-wide road closures and security zones on New Year’s Eve, vehicle access near the venue is not possible, including taxis and rideshare.

The closest and most convenient station is Barangaroo Station (Metro).

• Approximately a 10–15 minute level walk along the waterfront
• The easiest and most direct arrival and departure option
• Well signposted and actively managed on New Year’s Eve

Other nearby stations include Wynyard and Martin Place, though allow extra walking time if using these.

From Barangaroo Station, follow signage toward Hickson Road and Walsh Bay, then walk east along the waterfront to Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road. Along this route you will pass through official NYE security checkpoints where your physical ticket will be checked before entering the Walsh Bay precinct.

We strongly recommend arriving at Barangaroo Station by 7:30pm, as pedestrian crowd management and controlled access points may slow movement closer to peak arrival times.

Step-free access is available from street level to the venue. If you require additional accessibility information or support, please contact us in advance at askus@pointsofdifference.com so we can assist.

Transport & Parking

Due to extensive road closures, security zones and crowd controls across the CBD, Barangaroo and Walsh Bay, driving to the venue on New Year’s Eve is not possible.

Vehicle access near The Wharf Restaurant and Bar is progressively restricted from midday on 31 December, with full closures in place across Millers Point, Walsh Bay and surrounding precincts by late afternoon. Taxis, rideshare vehicles and private cars are unable to access the venue or nearby streets.

For this reason, public transport and walking are the only reliable ways to arrive and depart.

Public Transport

Public transport is the most reliable option on the night.

• Barangaroo Station (Metro) is the closest and most convenient arrival point
• Services operate frequently, though station access points may change later in the night
• Circular Quay Station services stop from mid-afternoon, and Light Rail will not operate to the Quay on NYE

We recommend using Barangaroo, Wynyard or Martin Place stations and following the managed pedestrian routes to the venue.

👉 For official transport updates, station access changes and live information, visit the Sydney New Year’s Eve – Transport page.

Taxis & Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare vehicles cannot access the venue or immediate surrounding streets.

• Pickup and drop-off locations are only available well outside the CBD clear zones
• Guests should expect longer walking distances, delays and limited availability
• Surge pricing is common after midnight

Parking

Parking near the venue is not available on New Year’s Eve.

If you choose to drive into the city earlier in the day, be aware that:

• Many parking facilities become inaccessible once road closures are in place
• Exit routes may be heavily restricted or unavailable until early morning

👉 For live road closures and traffic conditions, refer to the Sydney New Year’s Eve – Road Closures page or Live Traffic NSW on the day.

Getting Home

Leaving the event on New Year’s Eve can feel different to arriving – and that’s normal. Crowd movement restrictions, pedestrian-only zones and staged road reopenings mean you may need to walk a little further to access transport.

The good news is that there are reliable options, and the area is well managed throughout the night.

Best option – Metro

For most guests, the easiest way home is to walk back to Barangaroo Station.

• Direct Metro services operate late into the night
• Easy connections to Central, North Sydney and across the Harbour
• Well signposted pedestrian routes and active crowd management

Other nearby stations

Depending on crowd flows at the time, you may also be directed toward:

• Wynyard
• Martin Place
• Town Hall

Entry and exit points at these stations may change throughout the night due to crowd control, so follow signage and instructions from event and transport staff.

Timing tip

If you’re able to, consider departing closer to 2:00am, when the party officially wraps up and crowd congestion has significantly eased. By this time, the largest post-fireworks movements have passed, pedestrian routes are more fluid, and access to transport is generally much smoother.

Guests who stay through to the end of the event often find it the most comfortable and relaxed time to begin their journey home. You can also grab a coffee at the bar before you leave!

Taxis & rideshare

Taxi and rideshare access remains limited late into the night.

• Expect longer walking distances to reach pickup zones
• Availability can be unpredictable immediately after midnight
• Surge pricing is common

If you plan to use these services, allow extra time and be prepared to walk to a designated pickup area outside restricted zones.

👉 For live updates on transport services and pedestrian access, check the official Sydney New Year’s Eve – Transport Information page on the night.

Room & Weather

Current forecasts indicate a warm summer day, with temperatures reaching around x°C (x°F) during the afternoon, easing to approximately x°C (x°F) by party time. Conditions should be comfortable throughout the evening, though as we’re right on the harbour, a light coastal breeze is always possible. We recommend dressing for warm weather while allowing for slightly cooler temperatures later in the night, particularly in outdoor areas.

The good news? You’ll be celebrating in comfort.

Celebration at the End of the Wharf – NYE 26/27 is hosted within a predominantly indoor venue, with access to covered outdoor terraces and dedicated fireworks viewing areas. Whether the night is balmy or breezy, you’ll be able to move freely between spaces while staying protected from the elements.

A cloaking service will be available on arrival, allowing you to store light jackets or accessories and enjoy the evening hands-free. We recommend bringing a light layer for later in the night, particularly if you plan to spend time on the waterfront balconies.

General Information

Dress Code – White, Silver & Sparkle

This is your moment to shine.

Our signature dress code invites all guests to wear at least 80% white and/or silver (excluding shoes). Think polished, playful and party-ready – with room for sparkle, statement pieces and a touch of theatrical flair.

• Style guide: Cocktail or lounge attire encouraged
• Footwear: Any colour is fine – just make sure it’s comfortable and celebration-ready
• Entry: Guests not adhering to the dress code may be refused entry, so please dress up, not down

With our new home within the Sydney Theatre Company precinct, a little drama, elegance and creative expression is always welcome.

Need inspiration? Visit our Dress to Impress gallery for styling tips and previous guest looks.

Smoking & Vaping

The Wharf Restaurant and Bar is a non-smoking venue.

In line with NSW regulations, smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the venue or within the main party spaces. Guests wishing to smoke will be required to exit the party space and follow directions from venue staff and security to the designated smoking area.

Please note that movement in and out of the party space will be managed on the night, and all guests must follow staff instructions when accessing the smoking area.

Best Dressed Competition

Style it, slay it, sparkle all night.

Our much-loved Best Dressed Competition returns for NYE 26/27, celebrating creativity, confidence and unapologetic self-expression – with fabulous prizes to match.

How it works:

• Six finalists will be selected throughout the evening based on style, originality and overall presence
• Finalists will receive a “You’re a Finalist!” card and be invited to gather near the stairs to the Wharf Club, located close to the entry of the main room, by 10:15pm
• The winner and two runners-up will be chosen by acclamation from the crowd
• In the event of a deadlock, Adam has the final say

The Major Prize is generously donated by Daly Male.

No registration required – just bring your best look and let the night do the rest.

Photography & Privacy

Capturing the magic — respectfully.

Professional photographers will be circulating throughout the night, capturing the glamour, joy and energy that Celebration is known for. Many of our favourite moments come from spontaneous guest interactions and the shared spirit of the evening.

That said, your comfort always comes first:

• If you prefer not to be photographed, simply let one of our photographers or event staff know on the night
• We’ll always do our best to respect your space and preferences
• A selection of images from the event may be shared on social media or used in future promotions

If you have any concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to speak with a member of our team during the event.

Bar Service & Last Drinks

Cheers to the year that was, and the one to come.

Your ticket includes access to our six-hour food and beverage package, with a delicious selection of premium Australian sparkling, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options.

Here’s what to expect:

• Bar service runs from 8:00pm to 1:45am
• Professional wait staff will circulate the venue with generous top-ups, in line with RSA requirements
• A dedicated bar will be available for the purchase of cocktails, spirits and French Champagne
• Card payments only – no cash will be accepted

Whether you’re raising a glass at sunset, toasting the countdown, or enjoying a final nightcap after midnight, you’ll be well looked after right through to the end of the celebration.

Seating & Accessibility

Designed for comfort, connection and movement.

Celebration at the End of the Wharf is a cocktail-style event, with a generous floor plan designed to keep the energy flowing and give guests the freedom to move, mingle, dance and relax throughout the night.

While there is no allocated seating for general admission guests, you’ll find:

• Lounge areas and high-top tables positioned throughout the venue
• Multiple indoor and covered outdoor spaces to gather, pause and take in the views
• A layout that encourages social connection without feeling crowded

The venue is fully accessible and thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of needs:

• Step-free access is available throughout the venue
• Lifts service all event levels, including the main party space and Supper Club areas
• Accessible toilets are available on site

If you require specific access support or have mobility considerations, please feel free to contact us in advance at askus@pointsofdifference.com, and we’ll do our best to assist.

Fireworks Schedule

Fireworks & Harbour Spectacle

A front-row seat to Sydney’s iconic spectacle.

Celebration at the End of the Wharf offers an exceptional harbourfront vantage point, placing you right in the heart of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve spectacle with expansive, unobstructed views across the water.

From the venue, guests will enjoy direct sightlines to multiple fireworks and visual elements across the harbour, creating a truly immersive experience throughout the evening.

What you’ll see from the venue:

9:00pm – Calling Country Fireworks
The evening’s first major fireworks display celebrates sky, land and sea, presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Supper Club guests will be escorted to their exclusive viewing area for this display, while general guests can enjoy the fireworks from designated viewing points throughout the venue.

Midnight – The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Finale
Welcome the New Year with one of the world’s most celebrated fireworks displays, featuring:

• Two fireworks barges positioned directly in front of the venue
• Two additional barges to the west toward Balmain, extending the scale of the display across the harbour
• Fireworks launched directly from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from both the eastern and western faces
• The Cahill Expressway platform, used as part of the grand finale
• Projection mapping and lighting effects on the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons, visible throughout the night

To complete the experience, the official City of Sydney fireworks soundtrack will be played through the venue, fully synchronised with the display to create a powerful son et lumière moment as the harbour lights up around you.

No crowds. No pushing. No jockeying for position.
Just a glass in hand, great company, and a premium waterside view as the New Year arrives.

Entertainment

A Night of Music, Performance & Celebration

At Celebration at the End of the Wharf – NYE 25/26, the fireworks may be the headline act, but they’re only part of the story. From the moment doors open, expect a carefully curated soundtrack, moments of camp cabaret, and just the right amount of theatrical flair to carry the night through to 2am.

The Soundtrack to Your Celebration

Returning for his ninth New Year’s Eve with Celebration, Australia’s beloved DJ Mark Alsop MA15+ brings over four decades of dancefloor mastery to the night. From early evening grooves through to peak-hour euphoria, Mark has an unmatched instinct for reading a room and shaping the energy as the celebration builds.

Joining him once again is DJ Nate, marking his third New Year’s Eve with Celebration. Together, Mark and Nate will deliver a dynamic back-to-back, tête-à-tête DJ experience, trading tracks, shifting styles and feeding off each other’s energy as the night unfolds.

This isn’t a handover set – it’s a conversation. Expect classic moments, contemporary beats, unexpected twists and a seamless musical journey that carries you from cocktail hour through the countdown and well beyond midnight.

Their chemistry behind the decks has become a signature part of Celebration, and this year’s pairing promises one of the strongest soundtracks yet.

Your Host for the Evening

The incomparable Frock Hudson returns as Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding the night with trademark wit, warmth and a few fabulous surprises along the way. Expect sharp banter, live vocals, costume reveals and just enough mischief to keep things unpredictable.

With the heritage setting of a working theatre as your backdrop, this is a night where queer joy meets theatrical flair, soundtracked by seasoned pros who know exactly how to deliver a New Year’s Eve to remember.

Additional Information

Tickets, Entry & Arrival Flow

No ticket – no entry.

Please treat your ticket like cash. Tickets cannot be replaced once issued, lost or damaged tickets cannot be reprinted, and entry is not possible without a valid physical ticket in hand.

On New Year’s Eve, guests will pass through three official security checkpoints on the approach to the Walsh Bay precinct. Your ticket will be checked as part of this process.

Once inside the precinct, arrival at the venue follows a clear and managed flow:

• Guests will enter the finger wharf and be directed down the eastern side of the venue
• About halfway along the wharf, you will be guided to the mid-wharf entry point, known as Lift 2
• From Lift 2, guests can access the entry level via stairs or lift
• At the entry point:
  • Tickets will be checked
  • Name badges can be collected
  • DNA Magazine Supper Club guests will receive their wristbands for Supper Club access

Please follow all signage and directions from venue staff and security on the night to ensure smooth entry for everyone.

Name Badges

We print name badges for all guests to make check-in seamless and help everyone mingle easily throughout the night.

If you have not yet provided the names for all guests on your booking, please do so as soon as possible. If a name was unknown at the time of booking and entered as “TBA”, now is the time to update it so badges can be prepared in advance.

Dietary Requirements

If you have dietary requirements, please ensure these are advised by 23 December.

We will do our best to accommodate all notified dietary needs, however late requests may not be possible to fulfil due to final menu preparation and supplier deadlines.

Guests are encouraged to review the event menu details below and ensure any relevant dietary information has been communicated in advance.

Final Event Updates

New Year’s Eve in Sydney is a major city-wide event, and some operational details may evolve closer to the date.

Any important updates relating to arrival, access, weather or event operations will be shared directly with guests via email, posted on our Facebook page, and added to the official Facebook Event for Celebration at the End of the Wharf – NYE 25/26. Significant updates will also be reflected on this page, so we recommend keeping a weather eye on all channels in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve.