Sydney New Years fireworks
I can’t remember the first December 31 where I watched a mid-morning recap of New Years celebrations around the world — but when I saw the fireworks over Sydney Harbour Bridge, I knew I wanted to be there one day. Perhaps I should have known Australia was in my future when over the course of the next few years I caught the same mid-morning recap and couldn’t stop tears springing to my eyes when I saw Sydney.
One of the few things I knew for certain before arriving seven months ago was that I would welcome 2011 at the Harbour. In the last two months, New Years Eve became an even more important event in my mind…all of the visitors from home and had come and gone and I got through some long weeks at work and days of loneliness & homesickness by focusing on NYE. What would happen after 2011 began was beyond me and I didn’t even want to think that far ahead.
After spending a warm Christmas with a friend’s family, it was nearly time for the day I’d been wishing for for YEARS. And it didn’t disappoint. So here is my story about a dream come true, another item accomplished on the bucket list, and a great end to one chapter and beginning of another.
Find your ideal location for viewing fireworks
When my best friend from home came for a 2-week visit in October, we walked across the Harbour Bridge to Milson’s Point and Kirribilli. I realized it would be the perfect spot for NYE as it offers views of both the Opera House and the Bridge and seemed like a more secluded, intimate spot. I visited the City of Sydney website as soon as we got home and checked out the official NYE sites on the water. A few clicks later, I’d found the perfect vantage point — Mary Booth Lookout (MBL). Only 2,000 people are allowed in this tiny area, and it was RIGHT on the water.
Seriously, does it get any better than this?!
We didn’t know if volunteers would monitor the number of people at MBL, so my friend and I caught two trains to arrive by 9:30am with 5 liters of water and (hopefully) enough food to last the day. I was shocked to arrive at Milson’s Point and hardly pass anyone between the station and MBL. Where was everyone? Were we that early or that late?!
We arrived to a green space much smaller than I anticipated with a view partially blocked by tall bushes. Hmm. This was not the spot I had imagined, and I was ready to change our game plan entirely. Thankfully, we noticed a flight of stairs just to the side of the lawn and figured we’d see if we could find some alternate nooks and crannies in which to set up camp. I was in for a surprise when I realized that just down the stairs were INFINITELY better views and only a handful of people! We found the perfect spot under some shady trees and befriended a young German who had already claimed some of the area for his group of friends. We agreed to take the whole spot for our two groups and a happy alliance was born.
Our home for the day
It’s like Survivor — make smart alliances early on
The next 5 hours passed relatively quickly as new friends chatted away and we all enjoyed gorgeous weather and the best view in town.
This is what I got to look at allll day — *happy sigh*
We’re camped somewhere on the bank
During those 5 hours, we got to know all of our neighbors. The Canadians just to our right who moved here one year ago. The South American group who had staked a major claim to our left hours before we arrived and who welcomed guest after guest as the hours ticked away. The Indian gentleman who has sat in the same spot for the last 10 years and sets up camp for his crew 1-2 days before NYE.
Bigger groups set up tents hours in advance
Our South American neighbors volunteered to be the gate keepers of our 5-6 group family. As late-afternoon arrived, new people turned up to our stellar viewing area to try to set up shop in the tiny walking path between groups — which we needed for safety and to get to the toilets upstairs. Um, no. We’d all been there since early in the day and were not about to give up our spots for people who thought they could rock up a the 11th hour and snag the best spot. I’m a fairly giving person, but we all felt ownership of our space after the time we’d put in. So two of our neighbors stepped up and told newcomers politely but firmly that our spot was full. That held people at bay until about 10pm.
Even with hundreds of people in our small community, we all came to recognize each other over the course of the day and had chats at random times. Connecting with our neighbors was one of my unexpected highlights of the day.
Sunset…the wait is nearly over!
Our community’s gatekeeper
The official NYE website stated pretty emphatically that neither glass nor BYO alcohol was permitted at any of the viewing areas, and MBL was one of spots that did not sell food or beverages. I’m not naive enough to think that people weren’t going to bring their own
alcohol, but I didn’t want to risk getting in trouble and not viewing the fireworks from MBL. Besides, I’m not a big drinker…but I hoped someone might want to share a drink or two with us as midnight approached.
Enter our South American neighbors, many of whom were from Chile. One in particular visited our group throughout the day. He said he’d offer us some Pisco, the national drink of Chile (and Peru!), if we could all repeat, “Chileno, dame un poco de Pisco.” I was the only one in the group who knew some Spanish, and everyone else learned the phrase in seconds. Satisfied with everyone’s pronunciation, our Chilean friend poured some Pisco in a paper cup and brought it to the six of us to taste. One small sip is all you need — that stuff is strong! Our friend loved our reactions so much that he established himself as the community gate keeper for the 10-11:30pm shift and shared a few more cups of Pisco amongst us all. He was so incredibly full of personality — don’t think I’ll ever forget him.
10, 9, 8…
The home stretch was a difficult one. More people tried to push their way into our space and succeeded. Our groups clung to one another in an effort not to lose too much ground, but new arrivals tramped over our belongings and stepped on our feet. At 11:30, our Indian friend
invited the Canadians and their young children to his protected set up, and my group took over the space they left. In an instant, the spot the six of us had occupied throughout the day was packed with three times as many people — all late arrivals practically elbowing each other for space.
My body ached from head to toe, but as soon as a few fireworks went off to signal 11:45, adrenaline arrived and energy pulsed through the crowd. Our South American friends began singing in Spanish. We all stared at the Harbour Bridge wondering when the countdown would
begin — and suddenly it was there! 10, 9, 8…
Fireworks!! They were a little hard to see through all of the smoke as you’ll see 🙂
A little less smokey
Thousands of people counted down together and cheered as the fireworks started shooting from the firework barges, Circular Quay, and the Bridge itself. I found myself beaming as I realized my special New Years had come. A very small window of time that I’d wanted for years was happening before me. HELLO HEATHER, you just had the best weather possible and the nicest neighbors and now you get to welcome 2011 in SYDNEY. I am one blessed lil lady. Oh yeah, and
there was a NYE kiss somewhere in there too.
Things I’m glad I did this time
1) Brought a roll of toilet paper with me. ‘Cause that cheap, scratchy stuff in the 4 porta-potties at MBL was out by 11am.
2) Brought minimal food for the day. Everyone else brought heaps of snacks. While I looked on with envy, I’m also glad I didn’t eat heaps of junk out of boredom. Heaven knows I ate plenty for Christmas and for a couple days on either side.
3) Compared a few sites, chose wisely, and arrived early. We got there just in time to snag a perfect spot without having to camp out before dawn like some of the big groups.
Next time I’ll:
1) Put on sunscreen the second I get there. I *always* wear sunscreen. But something about the ubershade provided by the trees and the excitement of the day distracted me. By the time I put some on a few hours later, it was too late. I wouldn’t know it until I got on the train to come home, but I was incredibly sunburned on my upper arms and chest. A couple of days later and countless applications of aloe later, I’m still feeling it.
2) Bring a chair or cushion. I figured I’d be on grass so I just brought a towel. While our spot was great, we were sitting on bark, chips of wood, and random bits that had fallen from the tree. Ouch. About 50% of people brought chairs to set up. Why didn’t I think of that?
Beginning of a new chapter
I didn’t know New Years would mark the beginning of another chapter in my Australia experience, but it just so happens that the beginning of 2011 coincides with my next move in Oz. The first chapter — traveling for 3.5 months around the country. The second chapter — living and
working in Sydney’s Inner West suburbs from the first of September to the present. Now, I realize I only have a few months left and I want to make the most of the rest of my time here. So I gave my notice at work and plan to enjoy Sydney for a few more weeks before hitting the road again. Travel plans are only in the brainstorming phase at this point, but I’m sure I’ll be ready to share what’s next in a matter of a week or two.
Happy New Year — hope 2011 is treating you right so far! I can’t wait to see what the months ahead have in store.
Twitter Updates
Heather,
This is such a wonderful post. I’m so happy for you and proud of you. And of course, super jealous of your Aussie experiences.
Love,
Derek
Thank you <3 Looking forward to seeing you when I return.
As much as I dislike Sydney (I’m a Melburnian haha) the one thing I do before I die will be to make it to Sydney during NYE to watch the fireworks. And like you guys, I will get there super early to ensure an awesome viewing point is secured! Great to know this little section you guys were in offers an amazing view – you were so close!!!
If I could do it again tomorrow I’d pick that same spot but get there earlier and bring chairs! It really was *the* perfect spot.
I’ll be in Melbourne in a month or two — hopefully we can meet up!
Would love too! Keep me updated 🙂
Wow – what an experience and I am so glad that a dream came true for you.
Australia is an awesome country and we have liberties like this. Why would you want to live anywhere else.
Happy new year, Ruddy. If you can get to Perth, I would recommend it. The Swan River is something to behold.
Jack
Perth’s definitely on my list — some time in March! Haven’t sorted out the details in the least, but I’ll be there by April 🙂
Would REALLY love to get to Brisbane again but not sure I can afford it. *sniffle*
Best to you and yours buddy!
State of Origin 1 – I will say no more.
Get here!
Great pics and video clips! We brought FOUR rolls of TP–somehow, I just knew it would run out quick in the loo and the potties. There was none by like 2 p.m.! Happy you enjoyed from across the water–it was quite a site.
It’s kind of cool when dreams come true 🙂 I still can’t quite believe I lived it.
Glad you guys had a great time from your site!
I too have seen the celebration of New Years in Sydney on TV one to may times and I one day too want to experience for myself. Good for you for living out of your dreams and bucket list items. Just from reading this I can feel your excitement, I too was getting excited especially after watching those videos. I love how you were able to make friends with people from so many different countries in such a short period of time and in such a small place during camping out. Looks like you did just about everything right… except for the chair… what were you thinking not bringing one…jk!
As for your next adventure and your new year congrats on quitting your job and on experiencing more of Sydney. I say def travel and try to make it to Perth, I have heard that it is so DIFFERENT but so worth going. Take the train out there… they have passes. I came across this site a while back and booked marked it http://www.railaustralia.com.au/index.php it has some cool passes. Maybe one of them would be worth it to go explore for a month or two!!!
Happy New Year, 2011 holds so much for us its going to be amazing!!!
Thanks sweetie — thinking I might be getting a car with a couple of people to travel south and then west…but travel by train is something I would love to do at some point!
2011 is gonna be a stand out year for both of us…I can feel it 🙂
Oh def a car would be so much better. How freaking cool… ROAD TRIP!!!!
Another nice post Heather…sounds like a “wow” kind of evening. Almost made me feel like I was there in some respects. So glad you had an awesome time and fulfilled this longtime desire you’ve desired.
You can guess it….I cried!!! So happy for your dream come true. I could feel the excitement in your writing……….Love ya <3
OK, I’m glad it wasn’t just me! Heather, your excitement must be contagious! 🙂 Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I’m getting ready to embark upon my own adventure to Oz very soon! Thanks for sharing your tips – I’ll have to keep those in mind for when I ring in 2012!
That spot really looks good. Sounds like you had an awesome time! The fireworks were pretty good this year so it was a great time to make the most of the view.
Awesome post! I was definitely missing Sydney at NYE when I knew it was summer and there was going to be a beautiful firework show in the harbour! Lorenzo and I vowed in the freezing Florence streets that next year we’d be in the southern hemisphere and if we know ourselves well enough it will probably be in Sydney! 🙂
Wish I could be here — so many great travelers are coming here throughout the next year and I’ll be gone!
Hoping to be in London in maybe June…could I convince you to head that way for a few days?!
Oh dear, straight pisco is never a good choice! Mixed with Coke or in a pisco sour it’s great, but alone I can only handle it when I’m already reasonably drunk. Other than that though, the whole experience sounds great – glad to hear you finally got your Sydney NYE!
Haha, we were given straight pisco so we took it — had to try! Our friend was from Santiago — if I ever come that way, we’ll get a drink 🙂
I have goosebumps from this post!!!!!!! I MUST celebrate NYE in Sydney, I MUST. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds like an amazing time! Happy New Year!
Sydney must have been great on new years, i hope you had a great time
Wow, we are on the same page about NYE for sure, I feel the exact same way about watching Sydney’s NYE one day. Amazing post about and amazing experience, thrilled for you that you did it! I love NYE so much, I got a little misty-eyed at the bar I was at in Cleveland, ha!
I have to say that this is by far the most amazing display of fireworks that I’ve ever seen. Much better than what I saw in DC this year. Thanks for sharing lass! Miss you bunches!
Woo!
Great post mate, I could certainly have done with some of that sun for my new years celebrations.
You really are racking up the activities in Australia. I’m sure you’ve seen more of it than I have now 🙂
I remember when we met up the first time you telling us how excited you were for the New Years celebration and it’s so exciting to read how great it turned out. Happy New Years, I cant wait to hear what you’ve got cooking up!
Wow, what an amazing way to ring in the new year! It sounds like you had a great, memorable experience. Here’s to a great 2011!
What a great post and amazing NYE. I’ll be bringing in 2012 in the same way, might even have to be at MBL now!
Chileno, dame un pisco, HAHA, I LOVE IT!!!
I absolutely adore that you were connected with a Chilean during your NYE celebrations. That’s so awesome and SO totally random! I’m not kidding at all when I say, “I feel closer to you,” now that you’ve drank pisco. Also, please tell me you were not drinking it straight?
Haha, but we were! They were probably mixing it with something but he just brought over a cup with 3/4 of a cup or so of pisco in it and passed around our group of 6. Straight = tiny sip only!!
Maybe I’ll add “Drink a pisco sour in Chile” to my bucket list… 🙂
This sounds amazing! I think I`ve added something new to my bucket list Heather!
Hey Heather! It’s Jessica from HedgehogsWithoutBorders. You left a lovely comment for us about a week ago, but I’m only just now catching up with everyone after the holidays. 🙂
I’m so glad you found our travel blog…because that means I’ve now found your blog too! Yay! I’m looking forward to reading along with your adventures in the upcoming year.
Anyway, a very Happy Belated New Year to you! It sounds like you had a wonderful experience bringing in 2011 surrounded by new friends. How perfect!
Thanks Jessica!! I’ll be out and about shopping (window or with my credit card…) in the next couple of weeks. Will be shipping most of the clothes I brought with me (very little but more than you probably!) and the clothes I’ve purchased in Australia home in the next few weeks too 🙂
Happy 2011!
What a superb post about a great experience! I spent NYE in Sydney a few years ago and totally relate to your experience, from arriving early, to making great friends and then fighting to hold onto your space later on. Sydney has got it spot on when it comes to organising the NYE celebrations, and the good weather doesn’t hurt! Hope your sun burn is better now 🙂
Happy New Year!
Sooo good to know you had a wonderful time. Enjoy the next stage of your journey….and if you ever find yourself in Cooktown again we’ll give you a royal welcome and show you all those places you didn’t have time for last time 🙂
I dearly love NYE. It sets up a point in time where you can look ahead and make an excuse for making real changes in your life. Live it up lady!
Incredible post, and great blog. I love the photos of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Keep it up!