New Year’s Eve in Sydney

The crowds of over 1.6 million people shout in unison, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1″….And suddenly the sky and sea explode into a velvety universe punched with color. The white sails of the Sydney Opera House reflect the color and seem to move to the rhythm.

Sydney welcomes in the New Year!

If you’ve seen the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney on television you’ve only experienced a fraction of the spectacle.

Vantage Points

The best place to be for sheer spectacle is on a yacht but for camaraderie you might choose one of the dozens of lovely beaches around Sydney Harbor.

Staying in North Sydney is a good choice for families. You can walk to family-friendly spots northwest of Sydney Harbor Bridge such as Clarkes Point, Mann’s Point, Balls Head, Berrys Bay and Lavender Bay.

For the young and single planning to party until sunrise, stay in the city center or the eastern suburbs or head southeast of Sydney Harbor Bridge to beaches and wharves such as Farm Cove, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay and Rose Bay. All of these (accept Rose Bay) are within walking distance of the nightclub area of Kings Cross.

Woolloomooloo is the place to rub shoulders with the stars (Russell Crowe has a home is here). However, most of the views from Woolloomooloo are blocked by the Botanic Gardens. If you can get a spot in the Botanic Gardens, it is probably the best place of all to view the fireworks; however, some of the area is hired out to private functions for the night and off-limits to the public.

The Countdown

Wherever you choose to set up, get there early and bring plenty of supplies. Roads start to be blocked off as early as midday on New Year’s Eve.

You are unlikely to be bored during the wait as groups of revelers mingle together and the city of Sydney puts on shows from late afternoon.

This year’s program starts late afternoon with aerial acrobatics in the skies over the harbor, a fire tug display on the waters and traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremonies to rid the harbor of bad spirits.

During the evening images of the secret fireworks theme are projected onto the Sydney Harbor Bridge as a teaser and the Opera House puts on an artistic light show. At 9PM there is a family fireworks display for young children to enjoy.

And then at 11.59PM there’s the big count down.

At the stroke of midnight, the cheer goes up and the sky explodes, the secret theme is revealed in words and symbols on the bridge and fireworks engulf the skies.

Everything around you is suspended in time for the first 12 minutes of the New Year.

Want to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Down Under?   Check out this itinerary SWAIN has put together to make that happen:

New Year’s Eve in Sydney – Celebrate New Year’s Eve Down Under with this ultimate experience and an unmatched view of the Sydney New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks. This experience is one of the most spectacular shows that takes place in the world’s best open theater – fireworks firing from barges, skyscraper rooftops and across the iconic arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Stay in luxury accommodations and take part in a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and a tour of the city to complete this unforgettable experience.