New Year in Australia? Why not! It's likely to be nice and warm which is far more civilized than being freezing cold in the northern hemisphere, waiting to welcome in the start of the year!
Given Australia's location and time zone, it is one of the first countries to welcome in the New Year. You can't fail to have noticed the amazing fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on your TV set that are broadcasted worldwide to mark the beginning of the New Year.
All the major cities in Australia put on a show. In Perth, the race course at Gloucester Park is the largest and most recognised display in Perth. The Brisbane River attracts over 50,000 people to witness the fireworks display and the Southbank attracts plenty a high proportion of visitors.
Melbourne and Sydney are however the key venues if you are planning to see in the New Year in Australia. Melbourne puts on a great display with great views from Alexandra Gardens. But it's nothing compared to the show you can expect in Sydney.
Each year the Sydney fireworks take on a theme. It has a symbol every year that is placed at the centre of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and brought to life with lights. Last years theme was creation, asking us all to rethink how we can make a difference to global warning. The 2010 theme is still to be revealed.
It's expected that half a million people will turn out to watch the Sydney fireworks. It's hardly surprising given they cost over $5m Australian Dollars.
So how can you beat the crowds to ensure you have a wonderful New Year's Experience?
Sydney Harbour is the place to go but it is also where all the crowds are. People start getting their place early - from around 3pm. There's lots of things to keep the crowd entertained including aerial flight displays. At 9pm the family fireworks show allow the younger audience to enjoy the fireworks too and to say this is the warm up, they are usually pretty amazing!
A good option is to get yourself on a boat. There is the Harbour of Light Parade which is a parade of rope lighted boats and you can buy tickets to be on these boats. You are guaranteed the best view in the house. The only consideration before you book is that you are usually required to be on the boat all evening - 7-1pm which can be tedious.
The Opera House itself, whilst expensive, is a great way to see in the New Year. Not only do you get treated to a night of opera, there is an after party where you have a perfect view of the bridge and fireworks. Stunning but expensive!
If you are looking for something that is more family orientated then head to Darling Harbour. It's prohibited to bring in alcohol and there is live entertainment from 6pm.
Taronga Zoo also does some good packages and has a perfect view of the bridge and opera house. You can enjoy a tour of the animals before tucking into your own picnic and of course the fireworks
If you are more into the dance and party scene then Bondi Beach is the place for you. There's no view of the Harbour Bridge and fireworks but this is where the party animals are. Every year there is a different event on the beach. This year it will be a dance theme with international DJ's spinning the decks. Carol Cox and Roger Sanchez are just two that are on the list for this year.
Whatever you decide to do for New Year, you are sure to have the most marvelous time here in Australia - it's an experience that you will never forget.
Given Australia's location and time zone, it is one of the first countries to welcome in the New Year. You can't fail to have noticed the amazing fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on your TV set that are broadcasted worldwide to mark the beginning of the New Year.
All the major cities in Australia put on a show. In Perth, the race course at Gloucester Park is the largest and most recognised display in Perth. The Brisbane River attracts over 50,000 people to witness the fireworks display and the Southbank attracts plenty a high proportion of visitors.
Melbourne and Sydney are however the key venues if you are planning to see in the New Year in Australia. Melbourne puts on a great display with great views from Alexandra Gardens. But it's nothing compared to the show you can expect in Sydney.
Each year the Sydney fireworks take on a theme. It has a symbol every year that is placed at the centre of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and brought to life with lights. Last years theme was creation, asking us all to rethink how we can make a difference to global warning. The 2010 theme is still to be revealed.
It's expected that half a million people will turn out to watch the Sydney fireworks. It's hardly surprising given they cost over $5m Australian Dollars.
So how can you beat the crowds to ensure you have a wonderful New Year's Experience?
Sydney Harbour is the place to go but it is also where all the crowds are. People start getting their place early - from around 3pm. There's lots of things to keep the crowd entertained including aerial flight displays. At 9pm the family fireworks show allow the younger audience to enjoy the fireworks too and to say this is the warm up, they are usually pretty amazing!
A good option is to get yourself on a boat. There is the Harbour of Light Parade which is a parade of rope lighted boats and you can buy tickets to be on these boats. You are guaranteed the best view in the house. The only consideration before you book is that you are usually required to be on the boat all evening - 7-1pm which can be tedious.
The Opera House itself, whilst expensive, is a great way to see in the New Year. Not only do you get treated to a night of opera, there is an after party where you have a perfect view of the bridge and fireworks. Stunning but expensive!
If you are looking for something that is more family orientated then head to Darling Harbour. It's prohibited to bring in alcohol and there is live entertainment from 6pm.
Taronga Zoo also does some good packages and has a perfect view of the bridge and opera house. You can enjoy a tour of the animals before tucking into your own picnic and of course the fireworks
If you are more into the dance and party scene then Bondi Beach is the place for you. There's no view of the Harbour Bridge and fireworks but this is where the party animals are. Every year there is a different event on the beach. This year it will be a dance theme with international DJ's spinning the decks. Carol Cox and Roger Sanchez are just two that are on the list for this year.
Whatever you decide to do for New Year, you are sure to have the most marvelous time here in Australia - it's an experience that you will never forget.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in travelling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com gives useful information for planning your trip to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more information on Sydney Australia
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