Sydney Harbour Midnight Views from Cahill Expressway
Fireworks Sydney on New Years Eve: Why I went to Australia in High Season :-) To watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks at the Sydney Harbour Bridge had long been a dream of mine. And, as I soon found out, thousands more had the same dream.
Early in August, flights to Sydney, Australia were filling up fast, and hotel rates were sky high. Not just in the downtown area with Harbour views but for miles around. Posted rates started at $400 per night for a single, with a 3 or 4 night minimum stay, and went to $2000 and up. Per Night! Yikes!
So I stayed out near the airport at The Airport International Inn (at only $160/night, a positive bargain), and took the train to from the city and Circular Quay and the Opera House. Overall, was it worth the cost? You bet!!
Setting up Fireworks on Sydney Harbour Bridge for New Years Eve
New Years Eve morning, I walked around Circular Quay and the Opera House to make sure I knew where I was to go that night to see the fireworks.
Friends had given me a ticket to one of the best fireworks viewing areas -- atop the Cahill Expressway -- and best of all, it was FREE!
All the restaurants and cruise ships near here had long been booked up for the big night, and staff were busy setting up.
From the Opera House forecourt, I could see men setting up fireworks on the Harbour Bridge.
Fireworks Sydney Australia from the Harbour Bridge
Those thousands of people who also want to get close to the Harbour to watch the New Years fireworks from the bridge started staking out their spots very early in the day.
By late afternoon, most Circular Quay access was closed, with police saying the area was at capacity, and to try to find a spot closer to the Bridge.
I made my way to the holding area for Cahill Expressway ticket holders, and sat on the grass to wait for the early (Children's) fireworks show to end.
Sydney Harbour Bridge New Years Eve Viewed from the Cahill Expressway
Here's the view from the Cahill Expressway. The railing marks the north edge of the sidewalk along the road.
We are right above Circular Quay Station.
About 400 of us had our wristband tickets scanned, then we walked out onto the Cahill Expressway at 10 p.m. and settled in to wait for midnight.
Like many downtown streets, the Cahill was closed to vehicles so people could watch the fireworks.
The bright white lights middle left is the cruise ship dock. The Sydney Opera House is out of view to the right.
Buskers in Blue Entertain Crowds on Cahill Expressway Sydney
While we waited, buskers like these boys in blue entertained us.
Many people brought lawn chairs and blankets, and baskets of food.
I sat on the grimy pavement, still warm at this time of night, and tried to nap.
This was my first New Years away from family, and my first New Years in the middle of summer!
I was surprised to see many younger children, including babes in strollers, here for the late show.
New Years Eve in Sydney Vendors Waiting for Midnight Fireworks
About eight food tents were set up to sell food -- fish, chips, coffee, ice cream, shawarma, wraps and such.
No alcohol is allowed and bags are searched before entry.
As it neared midnight, most vendors had sold out, and those who hadn't had slashed their prices.
As well, two long rows of portable toilets were set up on the Expressway.
There was an reassuring police presence and hundreds of volunteers.
The fireworks are billed as a family event, and all police are on duty that night.
Now here's the spot where there should be pictures of the fireworks. And there aren't.
Oh I took a few, and they show the backs of heads, out of focus from the jostle of the crowd, and blurs of light.
When the fireworks show started, the crowd surged towards the front railing (above photo) and tripods about 8 feet high went up like a forest along the edge. Cell phones were held high, shooting video, blocking others' shots.
Man! After such a civil evening, the crowd went wild. I gave up trying to take pictures, thinking that hundreds of videos would likely be posted on YouTube if you needed to see them :-)
Instead, I stood and pivoted as the skies exploded with lights from the Harbour Bridge, from the condo towers behind us, from a boat or barge off the Opera House. It was wonderful!
I confess I had tears running down my face. Sometimes it is better to put away the camera, and be in the moment. Especially since coming to Sydney to see the fireworks on the Harbour Bridge on New Years Eve is a once in a lifetime thing.
Oh OK- Here's a snippet of video I shot. Note the red O on the bridge for Oprah's visit.
New Years Eve Fireworks in Sydney End, Crowds Go Home
Sure enough, after about 20 minutes and all too soon, the show ended abruptly.
There was no announcement, no 'Happy New Year', no 'That's all Folks' from the previously chatty sound system voice, nothing.
And so we headed back east along the expressway retracing our steps.
I looked down to the streets below to this sea of humanity.
We made our way in ones, twos and fours to see the fireworks, but we all left at the same time.
A week later, with New Years and the long weekend passed, rates calmed down so I moved to the Pensione hotel, near Town Hall.
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