New Year's Eve Picnic at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Welcome 2024 from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and celebrate with Foundation & Friends.
Mare & Foal Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sunday 31 December 2023
5pm - 12.15am
$170 Foundation & Friends Member
$200 Guest of Member
$40 Children 6-15
Free for ages 5 and under
7 hours
Phone: 02 9231 8182
Office hours: Mon-Thu 9am-3pm
Sydney's New Year's Eve has been established as one of the most astounding events of the year. The breathtaking fireworks display is renowned as one of the best in the world.
Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens has held an annual NYE picnic since 1996 within the iconic Royal Botanic Garden. We invite you to celebrate with us and your friends at the Mare & Foal Lawn - one of the best harbour-side vantage points with a spectacular view over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Our exclusive BYO self-catered event is perfect for groups of all ages, including families with children, and is one of the few New Year's Eve events where BYO alcohol is permitted. The picnic area is fully enclosed in a secure area where you will be able to stretch out and relax while enjoying your favourite snacks and the stunning view.
By welcoming 2024 with Foundation & Friends you are helping us to support your Botanic Gardens in advancing important science, plant conservation, education and world-class horticulture.
What’s Included:
Stunning waterfront views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Space to set-up your own picnic blanket in the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Botanic Garden
‘Bring Your Own’ (BYO) food and drink (please note, not all glass is permitted)
Family friendly atmosphere for people of all ages including children
Secure outdoor area in the Royal Botanic Garden with toilet facilities
Limited snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
Roving entertainers
Tickets:
Event tickets are available at a special discounted price only to members of Foundation & Friends (and their guests) whose subscription is current on 31 December.
Each Foundation & Friends member can book maximum of 10 adult tickets, plus children’s tickets.
If you are not already a member you can join and buy New Year’s Eve tickets at the same time. Select the membership + ticket bundle to access the NYE Tickets as well as other great member benefits, including special event access and discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I join as a Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens (Foundation & Friends) member?
A: If you are not already a member please purchase a membership + ticket bundle, which includes a Foundation & Friends Membership as well as ticket/tickets to the NYE Picnic Event.
Q: If I change my mind or my circumstances change can my tickets be refunded?
A: No. Once the tickets have been issued, there will be no refunds. Tickets are non-transferable.
Q: I am a member and have purchased one set of tickets. How do I purchase extra tickets?
A: For additional tickets, please call Foundation & Friends office at (02) 9231 8182 between Monday – Thursday, 9am – 3pm.
Q: Will tickets be sold at the event?
A: No. There will be no ticket sales at the event. All attendees must present a ticket to gain entry.
Q: How do we enter the Botanic Garden for the event?
A: Entry will open at 5pm via the Woolloomooloo Gate on Mrs Macquaries Road. Exit will be via the same point.
Q: My partner and I have a Household membership, how many tickets can we buy?
A: You can purchase a maximum of 10 adult tickets in total, including 2 member tickets at $170 each, 8 member’s guest tickets at $200 each plus additional children’s tickets.
Q: Can I buy food at the event?
A: No, this is a self-catered event with only limited snacks available for purchase. We recommend that all food and drinks are brought to the event. Please note that sharp knives are not permitted and we recommend bringing plastic utensils and cups. Please also note that the only glass permitted is wine bottles (including sparkling wine). No other glass or glassware is allowed. Therefore, please make sure to bring all beer, soft drink and other items in cans or plastic containers.
Q: Can I bring alcohol into the event?
A: Yes. The amount of alcohol permitted per person must fit into the equivalent of a small handheld esky. We encourage the responsible consumption of alcohol. Please also note that the only glass permitted is wine bottles (including sparkling wine). No other glass is allowed. Therefore, please make sure to bring all beer, soft drink and other items in cans or plastic containers.
Q: What type of event is this?
A: It is an open-air family-friendly picnic on the grass overlooking Sydney Harbour and the bridge.
Q: Can I bring my own chairs to this event?
A: Yes. Please bring picnic rugs and beach chairs with rounded metal frames that will not harm the lawn. Please do not bring chairs that can dig into the ground as they are not permitted.
Q: I have lost my ticket, what do I do?
A: Your ticket has been emailed to you, please check the ticketbooth website for additional assistance.
Q: Is there anything I should bring? Anything that is not allowed?
A: There are no pass outs once in the event, so please bring everything you need when you arrive. As this is a BYO picnic event with very limited snacks available for purchase, we recommend bringing a picnic blanket and your favourite snacks and refreshments. For additional entertainment board games and card games are encouraged. We also recommend bringing a warm top, jacket, or a rug as it can be a bit colder next to the harbour. You are NOT allowed to bring aerosols like insect sprays, sharp knives, camping or shade structures, drones, poppers, or sparklers. Projectile outdoor games such as balls, frisbees, and toss games are not permitted. No glass is allowed other than wine bottles (including sparkling wine). Please do not bring chairs that can dig into the ground as they are not permitted.
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