Standing on a boat in the centre of Sydney harbour the expectation starts to build, new friends stand shoulder to shoulder, lovers hugging and holding hands and children bursting with the anticipation of it all.
10,8,9 I squeeze the hand of my new travel buddy next to me, 7,6,5, this ... Read review
Advantages: Great fireworks! Disadvantages: Have to get a spot early!
...boat in the centre of Sydney harbour the expectation starts to build, new friends stand shoulder to shoulder, lovers hugging and holding hands and children bursting with the anticipation of it all.
10,8,9 I squeeze the hand of my new travel buddy next to me, 7,6,5, this is it my dream coming true, 4,3,2, here it comes 1 ' Happy New Year' !! The sound of fireworks fills my ears and the sky is crammed with the bright ... ...party in London watching the Sydney fireworks on TV and a year on there I was standing in the middle of it all, maybe some New Years revolutions can happen.
It has been my dream for a few years now to experience Sydney New Years Eve, I decided to change my life and take a round the world trip all based around being in Australia for Christmas and new-year.
Standing on a boat in the centre of Sydney harbour the expectation starts to build, new friends stand shoulder to shoulder, lovers hugging and holding hands and children bursting with the anticipation of it all.
10,8,9 I squeeze the hand of my new travel buddy next to me, 7,6,5, this is it my dream coming true, 4,3,2, here it comes 1 ' Happy New Year' !! The sound of fireworks fills my ears and the sky is crammed with the bright colours of fireworks exploding left, right and centre. Screams of delight and smiling faces surround me as I am filled with emotion.
This time last year I was at a house party in London watching the Sydney fireworks on TV and a year on there I was standing in the middle of it all, maybe some New Years revolutions can happen.
It has been my dream for a few years now to experience Sydney New Years Eve, I decided to change my life and take a round the world trip all based around being in Australia for Christmas and new-year.
I saved hard for 8 months and finally decided to take the plunge, I left in November for LA then New Zealand and I finally arrived in Australia on the 18th December 2008. After having a surprisingly good Christmas day on Bondi Beach the pressure of the New Years celebrations started to build.
Everyone in the hostel was talking about where to go to get a great view and the general consensus was to get a spot as early as possible and wait all day for the fireworks. This was my plan until one of my new friends suggested a Harbour Cruise.
I assumed that it would be far too expensive but was pleasantly surprised when we found a company with tickets left at just $180 AUD = £80. The cruise started at 7pm - 12.30pm, a free food box was included and a goodie bag.
For a once in a life time opportunity I was prepared to splash out! And I am so glad I did.
I have to admit I did feel a little smug the night before New Years Eve when everyone in the hostel where running around getting prepared for the event making picnic lunches etc… some boys I met where even trying to steam open water bottles so that they could re fill them with vodka and get through the alcohol ban. Yes that's right down at the opera house you have to go through and have bags searched, there is ban on glass and alcohol. No unopened bottles are allowed to go through.
New Years Eve was a brilliantly hot day and I did feel those who where up early to secure a spot, only to melt under the rays all day.
I on the other hand spent a relaxing day sunbathing with friends and then getting ready for the evening events.
Our cruise started at 7.30pm so we made sure we got down early to soak up the atmosphere, I have never seen so many people. Sydney was really packed with people from all over the world just to see the fireworks.
For our cruise we sailed around the harbour waving at the crowds and other boats, we got some great views of the Opera House and the Bridge and enjoyed listening to the band onboard. At 9 pm we had a great view of the children's fireworks, everyone was very impressed with the display and it was a good teaser for what was about to come.
While waiting we decided to entertain ourselves with the contents of our goodie bag we got noisemakers and shakers along wit Sydney Ferry Hats and glow sticks. I also took loads of photos to show people back home my best New Year ever.
I am now back to midnight where I started this review, I was not left disappointed at all, New Years Eve at Sydney is just as exciting a it looks on the TV! Truly cherished experience and one I will never ever forget!
Top Tips:
1) Get a map of the best view points for New Year
2) Book accommodation early - I mean at least 6 months in advance if you can
3) Head down early to secure your spot
4) Be prepared with food, water and sunscreen.
5) Also take jumper as will get colder in the evening
Advantages: Great city opera house Disadvantages: expensive
- The Blue Mountains are truly stunning and a must see while in Sydney. Depending on how long you have you can do a day trip or perhaps spend a weekend camping in the mountains.
I was on a tight schedule and opted for an organised coach trip costing about $75. The trip included transport their and back and also a guide. Make sure you take your walking shoes as the Blue Mountains offer a great deal of tracks to explore, the highlight was seeing the Three Sisters and having a ride on the steepest train in the world.
If you are on a working Visa then Sydney is the best place to make some money offering highly paid office work. I am going back to Australia this January on a work visa and will be heading to Sydney first to earn some money.
Of course Sydney has great appeal for NewYearsEve with its mind blowing fore works display. It is ...
Advantages: Breath taking, Awe inspiring and most of all Fun Disadvantages: No, none - I loved it
bridge I will never forget. That first day I took a full guided cruise and heard all about the history of the area, of circular key and the area where the first settlers arrived. The cost was $24 aud but It is a must do I would say.
That night, back at the Alfred Park I cooked up some pasta and got chatting in the kitchen to a guy who had a rental car. We decided that we would pop out to the bottle shop (off licence) and while we were out he showed me Bondi and Coogie beech's by dusk. Bondi is a bit trendy with wine bars and nice restaurants but as I was in scruffy shorts and sandals we kept on going.
Day 2
New room mate arrived, a fellow lone traveller, female 29 (a year older than me) she was meeting up with a couple of other backpackers she had met for newyearseve. That day we did some girly bonding in the Pubs of central Sydney ...
