NYE Sydney

As I recall the fireworks are centered over the Harbor Bridge, so anyplace on the harbor with a view of the bridge would provide a good viewpoint.
The Royal Botanic Gardens just beyond the Opera House would be a prime location - don't think they close it off and charge a fee that night but do check locally to be sure.

$400 to watch fireworks? It is not that serious.

The Sydney fireworks are the biggest and most popular show of its kind in the world. People travel from all over the world to see it, so $400 for a prime viewing location isn't out of the ordinary. Its so massive that there are multiple launching points for the rockets all along the inlet; so there are like five identical shows going on simultaneously. So its not essential that you be near the harbor bridge.
Best to post this question at Sydney forum at Trip Advisor. The locals can giveyou some hints on locations further away from the bridge that won't cost mucho bucks.

where are you staying? as a number of hotels would have good views of the habour. as mentioned it is not just one spot. the fire works are 'mainly' on the bridge ( best seen from the opera house side) but they are also up and down the harbour,( covering a very large area) so even on the north sydney side ( not the opera house side) you would still see something/a lot.
there are lots of small parks and bays around the habour,( that would give a good view- where the locals would go) so it really is dependant on how much you want to see , and spend. on the habour itself, in a boat, would be hard to beat.
the thing to consider is where you will be when they finish? getting back to your accomodation along with a million other people.
hope this helps.

Definitely not just fireworks! Tickets are $25-$750 at many vantage points. some include dinner, dancing NYE party. Would do the free park options but reading these areas can reach captacity 12pm :o

Looking forward to a grand experience amongst the millions that flock there for New Years, one I’m sure on i’ll Never forget!

Consider looking into a fireworks cruise in Sydney. We did one several years ago and it was FANTASTIC. I will try and dig up the details of who we sailed with when I have time (heading to airport right now) but it included a nice buffet and open bar & dancing for about $500 per person. Indeed it is pricey but certainly a NYE we will NEVER forget.

Thanks corpkid! I’d love to hear the details when you get a chance. I have thought about a boat as well. A it would be a unique experience!

BTW we are staying in the Haymarket area. There were very limited options in a reasonable price point when I started to look so hopefully it’s not a bad location for our stay!