There's no doubt about it, New Years Eve (NYE) is the one party that everyone attends - whether its in the comfort of your own lounge waiting for Clive James to strike up Auld Lang Syne, or dancing to your favourite beats in a trendy night club waiting along with hundreds of other revellers for the countdown to begin, wondering who to kiss at the stroke of midnight.
For many, the festive season provides the perfect opportunity to get away from it all...and where better to see in the New Year than Sydney, the first major city in the world that will celebrate the beginning of 2007.
There are hundreds of ways to spend NYE here in Sydney, but one thing is for sure, come midnight make sure you are situated somewhere with a view of the Coat Hanger, Sydney's iconic harbour bridge and a focal point for any NYE party throughout the city.
Last year's event attracted more than one million people around the foreshores of the harbour and 3,000 boats on the water. This year promises to be even bigger as the Coat Hanger turns 75 years old in March next year. This landmark occassion has provided the theme for the 2006 festivities -'A Diamond Night in Emerald City', the diamond being the precious stone applying to 75th anniversaries.
Every year, Sydney has two firework displays, the 9pm Family Fireworks show and the Midnight fireworks. These firework displays involve in excess of 3,000kg of explosive devices; approximately 11,000 shells; 10,000 shooting comets; and a total of 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects. To mark the extra special occassion, this year will see brand new pyrotechnic special effects, a bigger and better Family Fireworks show and an increased number of barge firing points on the water.
If you're tempted to head Down Under to kick start the New Year then you won't be disappointed - Sydney has a party for everyone, whatever your budget. Below are some of the more popular ways to spend New Years Eve here:
Money's no object
Aside from hiring your own private charter boat (which is an extremely viable option given the number of operators but book soon to avoid disappointment), if you want to party in style then head to Cafe Sydney (www.cafesydney.com.au).
Café Sydney is my Breakfast at Tiffanys – it's a place designed to make you feel fabulous in every way. From the simple but stunning décor, to a view you can't tear your eyes away from to the friendly staff…this would definitely be my choice or an evening of high class entertainment.
The downside, of course, is that you have to pay AU0 per person for a 6 course meal, an arrival cocktail and a glass of Clicquot at midnight. All other drinks are extra so the night could be an expensive one.
However, with the perfect view of the Harbour Bridge and a Strictly Ballroom style event planned for this years NYE, if you can afford it, the expense would definitely be worthwhile – the food is fantastic, the atmosphere abuzz and the view is to die to for.
It had better be worth it
If you've saved hard to get here and you want an experience you'll never forget at a price that won't cause your stiletto to get caught in your jaw, then check out some of the numerous party boats and spend the evening sailing around the harbour.
Whilst many have been booked up since early in the year, there are still plenty to choose from. Generally the cruises depart around 7.30pm and return around 1.00am. On average you should expect to pay a set price upwards of AU0 for the evening, inclusive of:
- 6 hours cruising Sydney Harbour
- a generous buffet dinner
- drinks (sparkling wine, red/white wine, beer and soft drinks)
- resident DJ and dance floor
- and, of course, a prime spot for the 9pm and 12pm fireworks
I got here on a cargo boat and have no spare cash
So you spent all your money on the airfare and now that you're here you haven't got a cent to your name...don't panic, New Years Eve can still be every inch the experience that you'd hoped for.
Many of the local beaches and harbour-side parks have free BBQ facilities so head to the local supermarket and pick up a couple of steaks and prawns to 'throw on the barbie', a bag of salad, some crisps and dips...easy!
As supermarkets don't stock alcohol here, visit the nearest Bottle Shop (normally next to the supermarket) for your beverage of choice. If money is really tight then you can't go wrong with a 2- or 4-litre box of wine for around AU.
The great thing about Sydney is that everything is focused around the harbour. Because of that, no matter where you position yourself, chances are that you'll have a great view of the Harbour Bridge fireworks displays - for free! There are many vantage points to view the displays from (www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nye/VantagePoints/Default.html), but some of the best sites include:
- Cremorne Point
- North Head National Park
- Bradley's Head
- Christison Park, Vaucluse
- Embarkation Park
Accommodation
Most places get booked up as early as July so it may be a bit late to get into some of the more popular places. Your best bet is to search on www.wotif.com , an Australian company with over 6000 listed hotels worldwide from hotel groups such as Hilton, Radisson, Marriott and InterContinental. Best of all, the website allows you to search for accommodation to suit your budget, including hotels, self-catering apartments, hostels and even caravan parks and campsites.
Don't Miss
However you decide to spend your New Years Eve in Sydney, don't miss the firework displays at 9pm and 12pm - they are world renowned for a reason!
If you're travelling with children and don't want to battle the crowds around the harbour then celebrate at Sydney's Taronga Zoo (http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=TARONNYE06). The ticketed event means a more controlled environment and gives you an after-hours trip around the zoo, live entertainment, BYO food and drink is permitted and best of all, you get amazing views of the Harbour Bridge and the fireworks.
What to Avoid
Whilst the thought of sitting on the steps of the Sydney Opera House to watch the fireworks may seem like the perfect way to spend NYE, in reality its cramped with over 6,000 people; expensive as BYO alcohol is not permitted; and extremely uncomfortable as it generally fills by 4pm so you have at least 8 hours of sitting on a concrete step, scared to move anywhere else in case someone takes your spot! Much better to find an alternative vantage point where you have a bit more space, some spongy grass to sit on and can take your own drink.
Tips and Hints
- Book accommodation as soon as possible, many places are already fully booked
- Plan your night in advance and allow plenty of time to get there
- Check the public transport times and local road closures
- Remember that it's the height of summer here so dress accordingly, wear sun screen and drink lots of water. Last year, it was over 42 degrees on New Years Eve!
Useful Links
Harbour Cruises:
www.harbourqueen.com.au
www.sydney-harbour-cruises.com/New_Years_eve.htm
www.casualcruises.com.au
www.sydneynewyearseve.com.au
General Information:
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nye
www.131500.info/realtime/default.asp
