InterContinental Sydney
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 2025 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 2025. Read on for our top picks to book, from Walsh Bay to Mosman.
You might also like 14 luxury Sydney hotels for an unforgettable five-star city stay in 2025
GT‘s top 3 stays in sydney for new year’s eve
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Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Sydney CBD
Views: full-harbour experience
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
Address: 199 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Shangri-La, The Rocks
Views: full-frontal Opera House & Harbour Bridge
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
Address: 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
InterContinental Sydney, Sydney CBD
Views: full-harbour experience
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
Address: 16 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000
Capella Sydney, Sydney CBD
Views: full-frontal Opera House & Harbour Bridge
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
Address: 24 Loftus St, Sydney NSW 2000
Pier One Sydney Harbour Autograph Collection, Walsh Bay
Views: bridge-facing, dramatic closeness
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
Address: 11 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000
Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, Mosman
Views: North-shore panoramic views from across the harbour
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
Address: 2a Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
W Sydney, Darling Harbour
Views: Darling Harbour fireworks & rooftop experience
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
Address: 31 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
The Langham Sydney, Millers Point
Views: The Rocks & Millers Point but limited lines of sight depending on room
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
Address: 89-113 Kent St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Notable mentions:
- Park Hyatt Sydney – Opposite the Sydney Opera House, perfect frontal views
- Ovolo Woolloomooloo – boutique location with marina and harbour views
- Pullman Quay Grand – Circular Quay apartments with balconies overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Quay
- Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour – great Darling Harbour views
