Where to Ring in the New Year
While the Times Square Ball Drop may lay claim to the most iconic New Year’s countdown, Sydney’s spectacular fireworks display is probably that day’s most famous display of pyrotechnics. As one of the first major New Year’s celebrations globally each year, Sydney’s Midnight Fireworks are often broadcast around the world on December 31 and they are regularly watched by one billion people. One of the best parts about the immense fireworks display, which takes place in Sydney Harbour and is centred around the iconic Harbour Bridge, is that there are plenty of spots all around the city and even its suburbs to watch the show. You can check out the interactive map on the event’s official website (sydneynewyearseve.com) to find all the best vantage points. In addition to the rockets going off at the stroke of midnight there is also a 9PM Family Fireworks Display for those with kids who can’t stay up late enough for the main event.
Where to Party
A bit away from all the action on the Harbour, the most rockin’ New Years Eve party in Sydney happens every year at Bondi Beach. The annual party on the sands is called Shore Thing (shorething.com.au), and it is a sure thing if what you are looking for is a beach party to remember. Every year features an amazing line-up of world-class DJ acts – the 2012 celebration featured Knife Party, Fedde le Grande and EDM superstars the Chemical Brothers.
For a party fit for the whole family, which will also give you an excellent view of those famous fireworks, revellers in Sydney can also head to the city’s famous Luna Park for the annual Harbour Party (harbourparty.com). The amusement park’s party not only features a great line-up of international and local acts playing a wide variety of genres across several stages, entry tickets also include unlimited go’s on all of Luna Park’s famous thrill rides.
Where to Stay
One of coolest new hotels in Australia’s biggest city is QT Sydney (49 Market St., Sydney; 61-2/8262-0000; qtsydney.com.au). A member of the prestigious Design Hotel group, it is equal parts boutique hotel, art gallery and hipster hotspot, an unlikely combination that somehow works beautifully together. Housed in two historic buildings, the 1920s state theatre and the former Cowlings department store, the hotel features eye-catching Art Deco decor, bespoke furniture and ever-changing art installations. The QT Sydney’s 200 rooms also come in a variety of styles but all with luxurious amenities like oversized bathtubs and plush bedding.
With hard to beat views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, the suites of the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney (7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks; +61 2 9256 1234; sydney.park.hyatt.com) are probably the ritziest vantage points from which to take in the city’s fireworks display. Having recently undergone a $70 million dollar transformation that got it placed on Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List, the hotel features posh decor in every corner and incomparable service, which should be expected from the hotel with the highest on average room rate in Australia. Still, if you’re going to splash out for a once-in-a-year occasion, this is a perfect place to do it.
