Sydney has two fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve: a 6-minute display at 9pm and a 12-minute display at midnight. Since we weren’t sure if the younger girls would make it until midnight, we decided to see the 9pm show. We took the train from Atarmon near Bill and Katrina’s house to Milsons Point, about a 20 minute ride, and arrived right under the bridge.
We had to pass through a security checkpoint to enter Bradfield Park. Bill’s backpack was searched for alcohol. It’s illegal to bring alcohol to the various venues although they do sell it there.
It’s hard to describe how crowded the park was. It seemed like every square inch was taken up by blankets, people or lawn chairs. Many people arrive hours early to secure the best spot. We carefully made our way through the throngs to a spot close to the front of the upper terrace and actually had a terrific view of the bridge, the water, and the downtown skyline and the Opera House across the harbor.
Even though there were thousands of people in the park, crowds generate a tremendous sense of excitement, and being part of this event is something I will never forget.
The fireworks started promptly at 9pm and, WOW, they were spectacular. The fireworks were launched from barges on the harbor, high-rises in downtown and from the bridge itself. There was something to see wherever you looked. I don’t think I will ever spend New Year’s Eve in such a spectacular setting again. It was simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I didn’t have a tripod with me so the photos below are hand-held and just a tad shaky but they’ll give you an idea of what it was like.
After the fireworks were over, we walked down to the lower terrace, which is basically a promenade along the water. The views were even more spectacular. The blue pattern on the bridge pillar is from a set of giant projectors. It looked like shimmering water.
This is a view of the underside of the bridge and the downtown high-rises across the water. 
After walking around for a bit, we made our way back to the Milsons Point train station. The hordes of people were incredible. This is looking at the people exiting the station (on the left) and entering (on the right). Our train was completely crowded, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like after the midnight fireworks!
We got back to Bill and Katrina’s house at 11pm or so and watched the big fireworks on TV. It was like the 9pm fireworks, except multiplied by 10. Absolutely spectacular! The TV station had cameras in lots of different places, including a helicopter, so the views were out of this world.
Here’s a link to a YouTube video that shows the entire 12-minute display. You should watch it!
Today’s Sydney Morning Herald said that there were 1.5 million spectators out and about, making it the largest New Year’s Eve event anywhere in the world.
This was a New Year’s Eve I will always remember, especially since we got to spend it with such good friends!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY!
Wow, watched the you tube. What a show. Could you imagine something like that off the Golden Gate???
ReplyDeleteEven harder to imagine... coming from the Tower Bridge!
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