New Year Eve in Sydney

So to the NYE fireworks. With over 1.5 million people expected to congregate around the harbour, we caught an early train 'to try and beat the crowds'. Even so, people had already claimed their bit of space.

We had the knowledge that a champagne and cocktail reception was waiting for us at an exclusive venue overlooking the harbour bridge and Opera house and with time to kill before we had to arrive it was time to take in the sights.

One of the 'firework boats'

By 8 pm we made it back to the venue, tickets were shown to the security on the gate and then the
Champagne was thrust into our hands on arrival and from that moment on our glasses were constantly topped up. It's no wonder that by the time we all left we were a tad tipsy!

The men decided on the beer!

At 9 pm the first of the fireworks were let off. These were for the children to watch so parents could get them off to bed. Only lasting around 10 minutes, spectacular though they were, this was just the prelude of what was to come later.

As soon as the last firework had been launched all the vessels in the harbour switched on their lights.

 Finally the countdown to midnight. All I could say was wow!

And Ian's pics, stills taken from a movie.

Deciding to stay for a while longer to allow the crowds to die down a bit, it was well after 1 am before we headed for the station. Our ploy worked as we all managed to get a seat on the train and by 3 am we had arrived home. A most memorable night one not to be forgotten! Now the next adventure awaits...New Zealand here we come.