Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Australia

New Year’s Eve is a great time to vacation in Australia. You can expect to be in t-shirts and shorts, while most of the northern hemisphere can look forward to freezing temperatures as they stand patiently in the crowds, to welcome in 2010.

The Sydney fireworks are usually broadcast worldwide to mark the beginning of the New Year . This is because Australia is one of the first countries to welcome in the New Year due to its time zone.

All the major cities in Australia put on a New Year’s Eve show. The Brisbane River attracts over 50,000 people to witness the fireworks display. The race course at Gloucester Park has the largest and most recognized display in Perth.

Perth 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 use a different theme. The theme has a symbol that is placed at the center 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 over $5m Australian Dollars.

So how can you ensure 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 are lots of things to keep the crowd entertained, including aerial flight displays. At 9pm the family fireworks show allows the younger audience to enjoy the fireworks too and even though this is the warm up, they are usually very impressive!

Have you thought about being on a boat? The most prestigious is to be part of the Harbour of Light Parade which is a parade of rope lighted boats. You should still be able to get tickets. Or try one of the water taxi companies who also offer special firework shared taxis. One things for certain, you are guaranteed the best view in the house. The only draw back to being on a boat is that you are usually required to be on there all evening from about 7pm to 1am, which can be a long time. That’s why the water taxi option is a good idea as you are only on the boat for about half an hour just for the fireworks.

The Opera House is also a great way to see in the New Year. Not only do you get treated to a night of opera, there is a party afterwords 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 where there is live entertainment from 6pm.

Taronga Zoo also has some good packages and 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.

For the young party animals amongst you, head to Bondi Beach. There’s no view of the Harbour Bridge and fireworks but this is where the action is. 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 from the star studded list that will be performing 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.

Jennifer Schellington has over 5 years of experience traveling in Australia. Back in 2004, she and her husband had good paying jobs in London, but decided to move to Sydney for a year to explore Australia. They really loved Australia and decided to stay and now have a young daughter. Her site offers useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as what to do and where to go.