Spending NYE in Sydney

[abdgeek]

I posted this in the ABD thread, but decided to also post here so that I could get feedback from Australians.

I'm doing the Australian ABD next year over Christmas. Since the trip ends Dec. 30th, everyone's telling me that I should spend New Year's in Australia. I've been looking at prices and they jump dramatically over those days and most require at least a three night minimum stay. Add to that the increase in airfare starting on Jan. 2nd and I'm not sure if it's worth it.

My ideal situation would be to have a room with Harbour Bridge view so that I could sit in my room and see the fireworks without going down with the 1.5 million other people to the viewing areas. I know this will cost me, but want to know what all my options are. I've also researched doing a NYE fireworks cruise(based on reviews, not always optimal viewing) and the Opera House.

Here are my questions:

1) How crazy is NYE in Sydney?

2) If I do the 9pm fireworks instead of the midnight fireworks, will I regret it? Are the two firework displays different? I read that the earlier one is more for families.

3) If I decide to stay at the airport hotel to avoid having the minimum night restriction, will I be able to get back to the hotel after the fireworks? I read on the Sydney site from last year that from 12:30-3:30am trains leaving Central(I guess they mean Central Station) don't stop at the Domestic & International Airport stations. Does that mean if I get on the train at Circular Quay during those hours that it will stop at those stations? Is it the same train?

4) Do I need to pay for a viewing area if I decide to be on the ground? When do tickets usually go on sale and what is the best viewing area?

Thanks for your help.

 

[ssour]

I'm a Sydney-sider and avoid the city like a plague on fireworks night. Too busy for me, think busy day at Magic Kingdom on steroids as the area is so much larger. The midnight fireworks are the real spectacle, I think you would probably regret not staying for the later ones. The airport stations are privately owned and function a bit differently to the rest of the stations (it also costs more to stop there) but I'm not sure about the operating times on New Years Eve. There are plenty of places to view the fireworks for free, a lot of people make a day of it and camp out from the morning and picnic and party the day away. I've never looked at ticketed viewing areas. I tend to watch from my balcony from a huge distance and have them running on the TV at the same time. You'd definitely want to be able to see the bridge front on from wherever you are. That's probably not all that helpful. If it were me I'd stay, I guess you'd compare it to me going to New York and leaving without going to Times Square for New Years. It's a great event and I have done it before, just prefer to stay away from the crowds now.

 

[zanzibar138]

It does seem a shame to miss that opportunity, but it will cost you if you're not willing to join the crowds to stake out your spot hours in advance. I've never been, but I'm going to go ahead and say it will be nuts If you're going to do it though, you may as well do it properly and stay for the midnight fireworks

It's a shame that hotels have a 3 night minimum. I'm sure that the NYE cruises will be expensive too, but might work out cheaper than a harbour view room for 3 nights Those rooms are expensive at the best of times, and tend to book out very quickly for special events on the harbour. If you're happy to wait it out in the park with everyone else, that would be free, and you could save on accommodation not needing a room with a view.

I would definitely try to stay in the city. There are lots of cheaper places away from the harbour within walking distance. It wouldn't give you a view but it wouldn't matter if you're doing a NYE cruise or something. Even if the trains stop at the airport stations, public transport will be insane when the fireworks finish. I can definitely see it being a long, squashy and uncomfortable journey anywhere.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm being negative. If you can make it work financially/logistically, I think it would be a great thing to do! NYE is great fun in Australia because it's always hot and sunny

 

[Aussie Wendy]

I have had a friend who was down there staying in a slightly less than central suburb. She booked a spot that was on the lawn near the Opera House and Botanical Gardens. She said this was excellent. She is away at the moment so I can't ask her but I think it must have been Lawn with a View. Tix for that go on sale in October but do sell out fast (and she dithered which is why I am wondering if it was that one). I thought she paid around $150 pp then they caught public transport to their inner suburban hotel but I see listed prices last couple of years were around $195 for this event which included a picnic hamper. On the cost of a night the YHA in the Rocks is excellent even for older couples with double rooms and they were keeping it to a reasonable cost but have to get in early for NY Eve booking.

 

[BecBennett]

I haven't been to NYE in Sydney in probably 8 years, but I loved it and used to go every year when I lived there.

We used to head to Observatory Hill, we'd probably get there around 10pm (with an esky, but you can't take alcohol there any more) and then head home after the fireworks.

http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points/observatory-hill/

While there are plenty of revellers on the streets, if you want to go into a pub or club you need to purchase tickets beforehand. I don't remember there being anything to do, but like I said, we just used to head home after this time.

 

[abdgeek]

Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions. Based on your suggestions, I've done a lot more research and have a plan. I've definitely decided to stay for NYE and try to find a ticketed location to watch the fireworks from. I really like Opera Bar or RBG. I also think I've found a hotel that doesn't have a minimum stay requirement, but I'll have to wait until next year to see if their policy remains the same. Unfortunately, while YHA has a private viewing rooftop event that you can buy tickets to, it has a 5 night minimum stay requirement.

 

[zanzibar138]

Glad you've decided to go for it A ticketed viewing area sounds like the best option. Shame about the 5 night minimum at the YHA.

 

[Sugarglider]

I like your idea of a ticketed area - the fireworks are spectacular and worthy of the effort.

before moving to Canberra, I am from Artarmon on the Nth Shore. We used to get on a city bound train at 8pm, get off at Milson's pt station - with so many people and wander down through Kirribilli to watch - almost under the bridge. I spent many years on the bridge - until they attached fireworks to it. that first year sparks rained down on us and we all ran screaming! end of being on the bridge.

anyway - back up to milsons point station and back on the train up the line.

so my point? You could stay on the north shore - there are some guest houses in Kirribilli - hotels up the line (get something near a train station).
the Harbourview Hotel at Nth Sydney station has magnificent harbour views - but the back of the bridge - which will not be as perfect as a ticketed view.

enjoy it is truly good fun.