New Years Eve is one of Sydney's highlights.
Sydney is one of the first capital cities in the world to greet in the New Year and characteristically does it in a big way. Being in the southern hemisphere it will be SUMMER so be prepared that it may well be a warm day (35c or 90F or even over the 100 with bushfire warnings ) so you will need to be ready to bring lots of water to rehydrate, epsecially if you plan to celebrate in a big way. Make sure you also apply the sun cream regularly throughout the day.
There are two fireworks displays, family show at 9pm which is lower key and allows those with families to exit the city before the real party animals take over and then the big one at midnight (of course). the key featrue of the midnight fireworks is usually the harbour bridge so any viewing choice should factor this into account.
Vantage points vary depending on where you currently live (or are staying) as getting around the city at times can be challenging as the city really begins to buzz around midday. The most popular land based vantage points are Mrs Macquaries Chair and the Opera House forecourt for landbased viewers but there are also a number of cruises geared at different demographics. One of the highlights would be particpating in the parade of lights on the harbour itself. No matter where you choose, to see the bridge is an absolute must as it is ususally the focal point of the closure of the midnight show.
One of the certainties with such a big event is you can expect there to be huge crowd numbers, restaurants and hotels to be booked well in advance and prices to be at least double what they are normally. Even saying this it is important to book your accom early. Most accom places will begin with waitlists in June 18 months before and by June 6 months before you will search hard to find a CBD hotel (unless of course a pub will suffice). Some last minute accom will become available in the month to 2 weeks before and this will be snapped up quickly.
Local Sydneysiders often choose a picnic evening meal and some will visit the David Jones Market St. store to get a picnic hamper as it saves on transporting food in the heat and if pre ordered you can pick it up late in the day while the family keeps your spot. Check before leaving that re entry is possible. Other DIY venues include Woolworths Express at Town Hall. The fishmarkets at Pyrmont are also a popular choice for that all important catering.
Restaurants will typically charge around 200 plus per head and usually also need to be secured well in advance. Those on east Circular Quay have prime views.
One of the most important features is planning ahead. Not all picnic venues allow BYO alcohol and most have a ban on glass. Make sure you check out the City of Sydney website http://cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nye/ for details on where to go and what limitations apply. It also provides some links to other ticketed venues. Also check out the Opera House website, along with the various restaurants....Aria, Wolfies, Waterfront to name just a few and of course try a search for Sydney NYE harbour cruises.
Getting around on NYE is best achieved by the public transport network www.131500.com as extra services will be put in place. Taxis are hard to come by...road closures www.rta.nsw.gov.au and lots of party goers make them high demand.
NYE in Sydney is an event of a lifetime..try it at least once!
