New Year's Eve in Sydney, 2014 Edition
October 30, 2014 3:46 AM Subscribe
So I'm doing my Working Holiday in Australia and I purposely started in Sydney so I could experience the big New Year's celebration here. I did NYC's ball drop in Times Square 3 years ago, and New Year's Eve is the biggest holiday of them all for me. I need the 101 on what NYE in Sydney is like, and what I should do.
I'm trying to gather an idea of what I can expect come December 31st here in Sydney, just two months from tomorrow. Today an Australian told me that I probably should have already decided what I'm doing for New Year's, and I suspect that's true. So off I went Googling. One thing to note is that I do already have accommodation, as I live in the CBD. So no need to worry about that.
Firstly, what is New Year's Eve in Sydney like? I know about the fireworks surrounding the Harbour and all that, but beyond that I don't know much more. When I did the ball drop in Times Square back in 2011, I knew what to expect. I got there at 6am and stayed until midnight. It was fun. So what do in Sydney? Yes, there's parties. Yes, there's fireworks. Yes, it's crazy. But what's the area around the Sydney Harbour like? Is it an all-day thing like in New York's Times Square?
I'm going to be doing this by myself, and I'm not interested in going to some indoor party far away from where the action is. I did the Times Square ball drop because I wanted to do what I grew up watching on TV. New Year's is a seriously big deal to me, it's like a religious holiday for me. And I'm prepared to spend a bit of money.
I see that the Opera Bar has a party going on with a front-row view of all the fireworks, for which I can buy a ticket to at a price of $390 AUD. Drinking alcohol isn't as big of a deal as meeting people and celebrating the New Year by watching the fireworks, but I do love drinking as well. I'm also not opposed to standing somewhere for 12+ hours to get a good view, if that's what people do around the Harbour like they do in Times Square.
Would you say going to the Opera Bar would be the best for me given my criteria? Is that what I should be doing based off what I'm expecting to get out of this New Year's? Doing something at Darling Harbour doesn't really sound interesting to me, and even from doing some Googling I can't really get a sense of what Sydney is really like down in Circular Quay that night. The past 2 New Year's have been letdowns for me, because well, nowhere in the USA really does it like New York. So I'm looking to do it big in Sydney.
Many thanks!
I'm trying to gather an idea of what I can expect come December 31st here in Sydney, just two months from tomorrow. Today an Australian told me that I probably should have already decided what I'm doing for New Year's, and I suspect that's true. So off I went Googling. One thing to note is that I do already have accommodation, as I live in the CBD. So no need to worry about that.
Firstly, what is New Year's Eve in Sydney like? I know about the fireworks surrounding the Harbour and all that, but beyond that I don't know much more. When I did the ball drop in Times Square back in 2011, I knew what to expect. I got there at 6am and stayed until midnight. It was fun. So what do in Sydney? Yes, there's parties. Yes, there's fireworks. Yes, it's crazy. But what's the area around the Sydney Harbour like? Is it an all-day thing like in New York's Times Square?
I'm going to be doing this by myself, and I'm not interested in going to some indoor party far away from where the action is. I did the Times Square ball drop because I wanted to do what I grew up watching on TV. New Year's is a seriously big deal to me, it's like a religious holiday for me. And I'm prepared to spend a bit of money.
I see that the Opera Bar has a party going on with a front-row view of all the fireworks, for which I can buy a ticket to at a price of $390 AUD. Drinking alcohol isn't as big of a deal as meeting people and celebrating the New Year by watching the fireworks, but I do love drinking as well. I'm also not opposed to standing somewhere for 12+ hours to get a good view, if that's what people do around the Harbour like they do in Times Square.
Would you say going to the Opera Bar would be the best for me given my criteria? Is that what I should be doing based off what I'm expecting to get out of this New Year's? Doing something at Darling Harbour doesn't really sound interesting to me, and even from doing some Googling I can't really get a sense of what Sydney is really like down in Circular Quay that night. The past 2 New Year's have been letdowns for me, because well, nowhere in the USA really does it like New York. So I'm looking to do it big in Sydney.
Many thanks!
Sydney likes to brag that it has the best NYE celebration in the world, and it's so big now that people camp out for DAYS in advance to get the best spot and there are two firework shows, one for kids at 9pm and the second at midnight. Sign up now to get the map of where to watch this year. As you are in the CBD, it should be easier if you pick somewhere on the city side. It's an all day thing in that those who are camped out are going to be drinking and merry - summer and all.
If you are set on the harbour and don't want to spend days working on a spot, the place to be is next to the Opera Bar at the Lord Mayor's NYE party, at the forecourt of the Opera House. I have friends who work for the City who go every year but I think it's also possible to buy (pricy) tickets and the proceeds go to charity.
For anyone reading who doesn't want to mess with the crowds in the city try Sydney Park in St Peters. The hill gets busy but it's not as manic. Then go to Opera Bar the next day for a drink at sunset. It's a spectacular view from the bar even without the fireworks.
posted by wingless_angel at 4:38 AM on October 30, 2014
If you are set on the harbour and don't want to spend days working on a spot, the place to be is next to the Opera Bar at the Lord Mayor's NYE party, at the forecourt of the Opera House. I have friends who work for the City who go every year but I think it's also possible to buy (pricy) tickets and the proceeds go to charity.
For anyone reading who doesn't want to mess with the crowds in the city try Sydney Park in St Peters. The hill gets busy but it's not as manic. Then go to Opera Bar the next day for a drink at sunset. It's a spectacular view from the bar even without the fireworks.
posted by wingless_angel at 4:38 AM on October 30, 2014
Personally I avoid the city/harbour on NYE. It's extremely busy. People have been drinking all day. Many fights break out. NYE and Mardi Gra attract that element of young lads who are heading to town to look for trouble.
A few yeas ago my wife was headbutted by a person randonly charging through the crowd at Circular Quay, and spend the rest the new year in emergency.
Buying a ticket to the Opera Bar celebration would be a good way to avoid that kind of trouble, but it will be ridiculously busy once you eventually leave. Opera bar is pretty much all outside. Some parts are covered. You will have a front row ticket to the fire works.
I'd reccomend getting a hotel room near by, that you can reach on foot, possibly on Macquaire Street. A hotel room with a harbour view, that you could invite friends to, would also be good option.
Be aware the Sydney CBD has 'lock out laws' that after 0130 hours, if you are not inside a venue, you can't enter. And if you leave said venue, to say smoke, then you can't re-enter. All alcohol sales finish at 0330 hours (I think).
posted by Burgatron at 5:23 AM on October 30, 2014
A few yeas ago my wife was headbutted by a person randonly charging through the crowd at Circular Quay, and spend the rest the new year in emergency.
Buying a ticket to the Opera Bar celebration would be a good way to avoid that kind of trouble, but it will be ridiculously busy once you eventually leave. Opera bar is pretty much all outside. Some parts are covered. You will have a front row ticket to the fire works.
I'd reccomend getting a hotel room near by, that you can reach on foot, possibly on Macquaire Street. A hotel room with a harbour view, that you could invite friends to, would also be good option.
Be aware the Sydney CBD has 'lock out laws' that after 0130 hours, if you are not inside a venue, you can't enter. And if you leave said venue, to say smoke, then you can't re-enter. All alcohol sales finish at 0330 hours (I think).
posted by Burgatron at 5:23 AM on October 30, 2014
Response by poster: Just adding some details here: I am in no way avoiding NYE in Sydney. As I mentioned in my question, New Year's Eve to me is like Thanksgiving + 4th of July + Christmas all in one. And I don't care if it takes 3 hours to get home. I absolutely have to be at the center of things for NYE or else it will be lame for me.
Looking like the Opera Bar really is my best option. I've drank down there a few times already, and it seems like it'd be my sort of thing for NYE.
But if anyone has personal experience or knows what Sydney is like earlier in the day on NYE, feel free to chime in. Thanks again for some of the info so far!
posted by signondiego at 5:30 AM on October 30, 2014 [3 favorites]
Looking like the Opera Bar really is my best option. I've drank down there a few times already, and it seems like it'd be my sort of thing for NYE.
But if anyone has personal experience or knows what Sydney is like earlier in the day on NYE, feel free to chime in. Thanks again for some of the info so far!
posted by signondiego at 5:30 AM on October 30, 2014 [3 favorites]
You're also too late for Cockatoo Island.
For anyone reading who doesn't want to mess with the crowds in the city try Sydney Park in St Peters.
Yup, Sydney Park is laid back. It has the advantage that you can see pretty much all the fireworks locations, but you are pretty far from the actual fireworks.
posted by zamboni at 5:37 AM on October 30, 2014
For anyone reading who doesn't want to mess with the crowds in the city try Sydney Park in St Peters.
Yup, Sydney Park is laid back. It has the advantage that you can see pretty much all the fireworks locations, but you are pretty far from the actual fireworks.
posted by zamboni at 5:37 AM on October 30, 2014
Most Sydneysiders will not go near the CBD on NYE after about the age of 20. It's hectic. Travellers, however, will flock to it. If you want to know what it's like, ask a backpacker who was there recently. My friends and I could only tell you what darling harbour was like in 1993.
posted by Hillsbillie at 1:41 PM on October 30, 2014
posted by Hillsbillie at 1:41 PM on October 30, 2014
In my opinion, the best way to enjoy NYE in Sydney is sitting on the deck of an apartment with harbour views with a few close friends and some good wine and cheese. I've had the good fortune to be able to do this and it was *lovely*.
We also went out to Taronga zoo to watch the early fireworks, and that was great too, with the harbour and the city skyline as a backdrop.
posted by RedOrGreen at 2:18 PM on October 30, 2014
We also went out to Taronga zoo to watch the early fireworks, and that was great too, with the harbour and the city skyline as a backdrop.
posted by RedOrGreen at 2:18 PM on October 30, 2014
Best answer: Omg don't listen to all the haters, for criminy's sake. As a Sydney sider I can tell you new years eve is in the harbour is wildly popular with young and old, and families and couples and singles etc etc etc. Yes, it's bloody packed, it's called festive- and OP is clearly looking for, and expecting that. Sheesh.
Ahem. Opera bar will give you a fabulous view, op, it will be mad and giddy there, I think you will love it, but ensure you can walk home as transport will be a bloody nightmare after the fireworks.
My other suggestion is to look at boat parties. Watching fireworks while you are on the water is amazing, and there's boats everywhere.
Have fun! See you at a meet up!
posted by smoke at 2:49 PM on October 30, 2014
Ahem. Opera bar will give you a fabulous view, op, it will be mad and giddy there, I think you will love it, but ensure you can walk home as transport will be a bloody nightmare after the fireworks.
My other suggestion is to look at boat parties. Watching fireworks while you are on the water is amazing, and there's boats everywhere.
Have fun! See you at a meet up!
posted by smoke at 2:49 PM on October 30, 2014
Best answer: Opera Bar is a good spot - another option is the Glenmore Hotel rooftop party - with added bonus that you will have one of the most awesome views of the fireworks, but can avoid the crush at Circular Quay. If you want to watch from one of the other Harbourside spots like Mrs Macquarie's Chair, plan on getting there early in the morning on the 31st and staking out your spot and guarding it all day.
Other than that, if you do go to the Quay, plan on getting there in the afternoon, because the crowd will build up to such a level that you even if you have a ticket to the Opera Bar, you might not be able to physically get there if you leave it too late. Also plan on it taking you at least an hour to get out of the city when you want to leave, and that you will have to walk for most of the way. Don't bank on being able to find a taxi or a spot on public transport. Wear closed-in shoes because the crush at the Quay will mean you will get stepped on, multiple times. Take everything in your pockets if you can. Pace your drinking. Have a great time.
posted by girlgenius at 3:12 PM on October 30, 2014 [1 favorite]
Other than that, if you do go to the Quay, plan on getting there in the afternoon, because the crowd will build up to such a level that you even if you have a ticket to the Opera Bar, you might not be able to physically get there if you leave it too late. Also plan on it taking you at least an hour to get out of the city when you want to leave, and that you will have to walk for most of the way. Don't bank on being able to find a taxi or a spot on public transport. Wear closed-in shoes because the crush at the Quay will mean you will get stepped on, multiple times. Take everything in your pockets if you can. Pace your drinking. Have a great time.
posted by girlgenius at 3:12 PM on October 30, 2014 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Agree with not listening to the haters, I have been many times. I went once with my sister in law from Ireland and she gasped "oh its so amazing to be here" and she was right, its an amazing sight. Smoke is so right that there are families, seniors, all sorts out to see the fireworks and it can actually be a super relaxed afternoon/night if you just avoid the most popular spots. If you are up for a bit of jostling, the odd drunk person or two, then the popular spots are also fine if you keep your wits about you (I have done that once and that was enough for me). Since then I've been to some of the parks in Pyrmont, Balmain, Waverton and had a pretty good time at each.
But the ultimate was when I won a ticket to a boat cruise for NYE one year - truly amazing. No crowds, and birds eye view of the fireworks. AAA+++ would win again.
posted by Admira at 1:14 AM on October 31, 2014 [1 favorite]
But the ultimate was when I won a ticket to a boat cruise for NYE one year - truly amazing. No crowds, and birds eye view of the fireworks. AAA+++ would win again.
posted by Admira at 1:14 AM on October 31, 2014 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I'm a Sydney-sider who usually avoids NYE due to a crowd-phobic partner, but one year that we (I) really enjoyed we arrived at Kirribilli on the north side of the bridge in the early afternoon with a picnic and set out our blanket and waited out the rest of the day. We had a spectacular vantage point, though by the evening, it got so crowded that we couldn't sit anymore and had to stand.
We tried the Mrs. Macquarie's Chair spot in the Botanic Gardens a couple years ago, but that was impossibly crowded, and they had shut off access to newcomers by late afternoon.
It's also worth noting that there are two sets of fireworks. The first happens when it first gets dark, around 9pm, presumably for the families with young ones. Then there's a second, bigger show at midnight. I'm an American who has lived in many parts of the US, and I've never seen fireworks like the NYE show here. It is truly something to behold.
If you can afford the Opera Bar access, that would be an excellent way to guarantee yourself a good spot. As others have said, you may still need to arrive fairly early, due to the general crowding around Circular Quay. Otherwise, if you choose a free venue, your best bet is to arrive early in the day and be prepared to camp out. Wherever you go, make sure you have some water, tissues, and hand gel. They put out a lot of porta-loos, but there's still insanely long queues for the toilets. Even the toilets at Opera Bar will likely be quite crowded, as they often are on a regular Friday night. It's also very easy to get dehydrated and sunburned, so be prepared.
There's an official NYE site with lots of good information.
posted by amusebuche at 8:43 PM on November 1, 2014
We tried the Mrs. Macquarie's Chair spot in the Botanic Gardens a couple years ago, but that was impossibly crowded, and they had shut off access to newcomers by late afternoon.
It's also worth noting that there are two sets of fireworks. The first happens when it first gets dark, around 9pm, presumably for the families with young ones. Then there's a second, bigger show at midnight. I'm an American who has lived in many parts of the US, and I've never seen fireworks like the NYE show here. It is truly something to behold.
If you can afford the Opera Bar access, that would be an excellent way to guarantee yourself a good spot. As others have said, you may still need to arrive fairly early, due to the general crowding around Circular Quay. Otherwise, if you choose a free venue, your best bet is to arrive early in the day and be prepared to camp out. Wherever you go, make sure you have some water, tissues, and hand gel. They put out a lot of porta-loos, but there's still insanely long queues for the toilets. Even the toilets at Opera Bar will likely be quite crowded, as they often are on a regular Friday night. It's also very easy to get dehydrated and sunburned, so be prepared.
There's an official NYE site with lots of good information.
posted by amusebuche at 8:43 PM on November 1, 2014
Best answer: I've done it once, from the top of skyscraper in Circular Quay. The fireworks are nifty, and if you like large crowds of slightly tipsy, happy people, then you'll have a ball.
How long are you staying in Sydney? Because the Sydney Festival starts on the 8th, and there's a bunch of big events on that you'd probably like.
posted by kjs4 at 9:42 PM on November 2, 2014
How long are you staying in Sydney? Because the Sydney Festival starts on the 8th, and there's a bunch of big events on that you'd probably like.
posted by kjs4 at 9:42 PM on November 2, 2014
Response by poster: I am in Sydney now and will be here at least through the New Year and perhaps longer. I did not know about the Festival, so thanks! And thanks everyone for your responses. Yesterday I actually was up at the Mrs. Macquarie's Chair spot that was mentioned, lovely view but I'm much more interested in paying for a party such as the Opera Bar.
If it's anything like the atmosphere I was in the middle of 3 years ago in NYC, I'll have a blast.
posted by signondiego at 1:00 AM on November 3, 2014
If it's anything like the atmosphere I was in the middle of 3 years ago in NYC, I'll have a blast.
posted by signondiego at 1:00 AM on November 3, 2014
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