Sydney is a happening place on New Year's Eve - and it's no wonder, with all the city offers. It's also extremely popular, not just with locals, but tourists as well. So if you do decide that Sydney is where you want to spend your New Year's, be certain to book far in advance - otherwise you might at best find extremely high rates, or at worst, no availability at all.
While the festivities often start early in the day, the big celebration begins around 8pm with the Indigenous Welcome at the Harbour followed by the huge Family Fireworks and Harbour of Light Parade.
The Family Fireworks, while not limited to just families, is a huge, spectacular fireworks display that all members of the family can enjoy - and at an early enough hour that the kids might still be awake (usually around 9pm). The Harbour of Light Parade is a parade of boats throughout the Harbour with illuminated emblems and masts; a huge favorite of the city.
Many of the Dinner Party Cruises depart Circular Quay at this point, taking party-goers who don't want to deal with the crowds for a great vantage point to see the midnight fireworks display out onto the Harbour. It's a very nice way to celebrate the countdown. Others take to the Opera House for special performances, or staking out early a spot around the famous building to view the evening festivities.
Places like the Opera House and Circular Quay, while having some of the best viewing spots, are also security-controlled, and are closed when a certain capacity are reached. Which means: arrive early, and stay there.
Throughout the next couple of ours, the spectacular lighting effects over the Sydney Harbour Bridge are unveiled, finally culminating in the world-famous Sydney Fireworks Display at the stroke of midnight - arguably the most amazing New Year's fireworks display you will ever see, and the reason why Sydney is THE place to be on this one night of the year.Don't want to try to stake out a spot, but want to enjoy the festivities? As I've mentioned, a Harbour Cruise is a great way to see the fireworks. You get a nice cruise (often including dinner), plus a great party and an enviable spot out on the Harbour to watch the display. The Royal Botanic Gardens usually offers a "Midnight at the Oasis" dinner package that includes viewing of the fireworks, or just bring your blanket and your party-spirit to the "Lawn with a View" ticketed event. The Taronga Zoo also offers some amazing New Year's Eve packages, including entertainment, animal exhibits, and prime viewing of both fireworks displays. Darling Harbour, the Harbour Islands, and Bondi Beach likewise have their own special events.
No matter where in Sydney you decide to celebrate the evening, this is one night you will likely never forget. Where else, after all, can a bridge seemingly explode with light and fire and sound to welcome a new year?
