Thinking about spending New Year in Australia then you are in for a real surprise! Here in Australia, you can expect to be in t-shirts and shorts, whilst most of the northern hemisphere can look forward to freezing temperatures as they stand patiently in the crowds, to welcome in 2010.
Australia is one of the first countries to welcome in the New Year due to its time zone. In fact New Zealand is before Australia but it is usually the Australian Sydney fireworks that are broadcasted worldwide to mark the beginning of the New Year.
All the major cities in Australia put on a show. The Brisbane River attracts over 50,000 people to witness the fireworks display and the Southbank attracts plenty a high proportion of visitors. In Perth, the race course at Gloucester Park is the largest and most recognised display in Perth..
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 and anywhere along the Yarra River. But it's nothing compared to the show you can expect in Sydney.
Every year the fireworks in Sydney are different with a different theme. The theme has a symbol that is placed at the centre of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Last year it was all about "creation" asking us all to rethink how we can make a difference to global warning. The 2010 theme is still a secret.
It's expected that half a million people will turn out to watch the Sydney fireworks that cost well 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 expect this to be VERY busy. You need to get there early to avoid disappointment. People start getting their place from around 3pm but every year it seems to get earlier and earlier. Hanging around the Harbour needn't be boring. 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 very impressive!
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, 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. Amazing 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 enjoying your own picnic and of course the views.
If fireworks don't light up your life and you are young then go to the best party in town - Bondi Beach. Here you will find dance acts every year. 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 of the famous names 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.
Australia is one of the first countries to welcome in the New Year due to its time zone. In fact New Zealand is before Australia but it is usually the Australian Sydney fireworks that are broadcasted worldwide to mark the beginning of the New Year.
All the major cities in Australia put on a show. The Brisbane River attracts over 50,000 people to witness the fireworks display and the Southbank attracts plenty a high proportion of visitors. In Perth, the race course at Gloucester Park is the largest and most recognised display in Perth..
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 and anywhere along the Yarra River. But it's nothing compared to the show you can expect in Sydney.
Every year the fireworks in Sydney are different with a different theme. The theme has a symbol that is placed at the centre of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Last year it was all about "creation" asking us all to rethink how we can make a difference to global warning. The 2010 theme is still a secret.
It's expected that half a million people will turn out to watch the Sydney fireworks that cost well 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 expect this to be VERY busy. You need to get there early to avoid disappointment. People start getting their place from around 3pm but every year it seems to get earlier and earlier. Hanging around the Harbour needn't be boring. 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 very impressive!
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, 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. Amazing 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 enjoying your own picnic and of course the views.
If fireworks don't light up your life and you are young then go to the best party in town - Bondi Beach. Here you will find dance acts every year. 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 of the famous names 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 traveling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more details on Sydney Australia
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