Have you recovered from Christmas yet? Good! Sydney’s already moving on to the next thing, and that’s the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks! Every year is always bigger and better than the last, and this one promises to be no exception.

The $4 million display promises never-before-seen pyrotechnic effects and a dramatic “lightning show.” The lightning will be part of a staged storm designed to symbolically cleanse the harbour city. Have we been sinning this year? The biblical inspired storm will light up the sky before the much anticipated Bridge Effect is revealed at midnight. Then there’ll be another 12 minutes of fireworks, featuring horizontal explosives and spinning fireworks. It sure sounds spectacular!

Exactly what the bridge effect will be is a closely guarded secret, but the event’s creative director Rhoda Roberts said it will be an everlasting image, similar to the Eternity slogan and dove of peace we saw in recent years.

“It’s going to be stunning,” she told The Sunday Telegraph. “I wanted a bridge effect that explored us and how unique we are as a country … it is something that anyone around the world can connect with as well.”

The event will use up to 3000 kg of explosive devices and more than 100, 000 pyrotechnic effects. But don’t worry about the environmental impact too much. For the first time the city council will offset the emissions with carbon credits and Green Power purchases.

The fireworks are free to watch, but you’ll want to arrive early if you want to get a good spot to see them. The best vantage points are at Bradley’s Head, Bradfield Park, Clarkes Point, Birchgrove Park, Pyrmont Point Park, Mrs Macquaries Point, Christison Park, and Neilsen Park.

If you’re travelling on the night you’ll need to plan your trip around the many road closures. Look out for closures and special event clearways in Balmain, Bondi, Cremorne, Darling Point, Dover Heights, Gladesville, Greenwich, McMahons Point, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, Mosman, North Sydney, Point Piper, Pyrmont, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, and Waverton. Go to the RTA website for further details of all traffic arrangements.

Image source: Rob & Jules @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The action kicks off at 11:30 am with the free kids concert. Children’s favourites Jay Laga’aia, Spot the Dog, Fireman Sam, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Bananas in Pyjamas, and Fireman Sam will all entertain the little ones. Acclaimed popstar Christine Anu will also present her kids’ show, Chrissy’s Island Family. The kids can also meet the performers after the show. The children’s entertainment will take place on Darling Harbour’s Kids’ Stage until 6 pm.

At noon the stage at Tumbalong Park will welcome some of Australia’s legendary musicians and hottest new talent. The massive concert lasts until 10:30 pm, and features Deni Hines, Dragon, Josh Owen, Ross Wilson and the Urban Legends, and more.

An international food fair will keep tummies full from noon until 9:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for Sydneysiders to celebrate Australia’s multicultural heritage with some yummy treats from around the globe.

But the centerpiece of the Darling Harbour celebrations is the Australia Day Spectacular. This massive event kicks off at 6:30 pm with the arrival of the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC. The celebrations also include an impressive government vessel parade, a celebration of Scouts Australia, tall ships, a performance by country superstar Darren Coggan, and a spectacular pyrotechnics and fireworks display.

You can see all these great events at Darling Harbour this Australia Day. And the best part is that it’s all free! Now that’s something to celebrate!  

Date: Saturday January 26
Time: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
Location: Darling Harbour
Public transport: Take the train to Town Hall station and walk down Druitt Street, take a ferry to Aquarium Wharf, take the monorail to Darling Park or Convention station, or take the light rail to convention station
Parking: Parking is available at Harbourside Carp Park at Kings parking stations at 182 and 383 Sussex Street. However, due to special event road closures, people are advised to leave their cars at home on Australia Day. Drivers should expect delays
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.australiaday.com.au/ 

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

But you don’t need to wait until the big day to party. The Newport Arms Hotel is holding its 12th Annual Australia Day Eve Garden Party and Fireworks Extravaganza this Friday night. Just try saying that three times after a couple of schooners!

Start grooving from 7 pm when the pub blasts some funky beats into the beergarden. At midnight the fireworks over Pittwater will ring in Australia Day.

Aussies like to drink, so you can expect this to be a big night. Make sure you save yourself the hassle and leave the car at home. Special STA buses will travel to and from the venue every half hour to get you where you need to be safely.

Date: Friday January 25
Time: From 7 pm, fireworks at midnight
Location: The Newport Arms Hotel
Address: 2 Kalinya Street, Newport
Public transport: Shuttle buses provided
Parking: Plenty of onsite parking
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.newportarms.com.au/

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

I just love the way these boats have been decorated with lights on Sydney Harbour. Photo courtesy of Paleontour.

A stunning shot of the Sydney sky aglow with fireworks. Photo courtesy of mushroom and rooster.

Even the Sydney Harbour Bridge has fireworks. Photo courtesy of MD111.

Beautiful colourful Sydney fireworks. Photo courtesy of Cowboy Dave.

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

The fireworks – Every New Years Eve Sydney does its best to top last year’s celebrations, so the 2008 display is sure to be something special. Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Hunter’s Hill, McMahon’s Point, and Mosman are some of the best spots to watch the action. Best of all, it’s free!

Omega NYE 2008 – Ring in the New Year Greek style with the massive celebrations at The Eastern at Bondi. The event will feature 19 of Sydney’s best Greek DJs and an international guest to have you dancing until dawn. Tickets are $69 plus booking fee from all Moshtix outlets.

Cargo Bar NYE on the Harbour – The Cargo Bar features an international lineup, including the UK’s Kissy Sell Out and ATFC, Germany’s Moguai, The Heat, and John Glover. Enjoy a front row seat to the fireworks and complimentary drink tickets with the price of admission. Tickets start from $104 plus booking fee from all Moshtix outlets. 

Bukhara Restaurant – For something really different this year, why not ditch the crowds and the fireworks and check out Bukhara Restaurant in Double Bay? For only $60 you can enjoy a delicious Mauritian buffet dinner, including a complimentary glass of champers.

Midnight at the Oasis – Celebrate in style at the ritziest outdoor party in town. Enjoy the views of the fireworks from Mrs Macquarie’s Point while tucking into a gourmet feast. Tickets are $250 plus booking fee from all Moshtix outlets, but the ticket price will benefit the Botanic Gardens Trust.

360 Bar and Dining – If that’s not swanky enough for you, 360 Bar and Dining may be just what you’re looking for. Their NYE celebrations include a six-course meal with an all-inclusive beer, wine, and soft drink package. Enjoy live music and the spectacular views of the fireworks. You’ll pay $550 a head for the privilege.

Zilver – You won’t go hungry at Zilver in Pitt Street this New Years Eve. Their NYE celebrations include a ten-course modern Chinese feast for only $88 with wine, or $48 without. That’s a whole lot of food!

New Year’s Eve Disco Inferno 07 – It’s disco heaven at the Establishment Bar in George Street. There are heaps of prizes to be won and complimentary drinks for partygoers brave enough to wear disco dress. Early bird tickets are $50 or $65 at the door, including pass-outs for the fireworks.

Wonderland City at Ravesi’s – Ravesi’s caters for all partygoers, with three levels of entry. Cashed up punters can get a $200 platinum package, it’s $100 for gold class, and a measly $20 for silver access. Ctrl + Alt + Del, People’s Republic, Frenzie, James Taylor, and Mo Funk will keep provide the music at this happening Bondi venue.

Lowenbrau Keller – Celebrate in true Bavarian style with oompah bands, party games, and pure bier on tap. Entry is $125 per person including a three-course set menu and pretzel.

Post from: The Sydney Traveler