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NOBODY does fireworks quite like Sydney. Locals have been known to tire of the ubiquitous sparks which flare up year round for festivals, fiestas and film premieres.
It’s simple enough for holidaymakers to pitch a picnic down at Circular Quay but you’ll need to be there in the early morning for a chance at a good gawk.
Instead, here are a few insider tips to take in Sydney’s spectacular fireworks show.
Phone a friend
“Sam and Chris are looking after Karen’s apartment in Potts Point which has harbor views and they’ll host so I’ve said we’ll do dinner at Fratelli Paradiso with Kim then we’ll all pop to their place about 11, don’t think the party will start much earlier.” A familiar conversation among Sydneysiders.
If you know anyone in the city, then work your contacts as you will be surprised how many people have cracking views. And it’s definitely the cheapest way to see the New Year in with a bang.
Pick your spot
Avoid the tourist traps around The Rocks and Botanical Gardens unless you have a penchant for portable toilets and warm Prosecco.
Instead, venture out to one of the many vantage points with petite parks where you can have fireworks without the frenetic-ism. Our picks are Balmain, Kirribilli and Darling Point.
Make sure you get there early as some suburbs are in lock down after about 5pm to prevent throngs of late-arriving revelers.
Get a room
The views from Shangri-La Sydney are quite something. Pic: Shangri-La
The five-star establishments that huddle around the harbor begin to book up early in the year. But log on the day before the festivities and you might luck out on a cancellation.
The best views are from the Shangri-La, The Intercontinental, or for something slightly left of center, try the Beach Club at Watsons Bay Hotel.
All aboard
Similarly with the harbor cruise tours, last minute deals are the go. If you’re not a night owl or you have kids in tow, consider the Manly cruise which gives you an astounding Athol Bay view of the 9pm display.
Alternatively, pick up a (relative) bargain a few days before which will include dinner and drinks. Even better, make friends with one of the many yacht owners in Rose Bay or Wooloomooloo.
Best seats in the house
For the best way to enjoy Sydney’s fiery festivities, go the whole hog and book the full Opera House experience.
You can do dinner, La Boheme, and the famous midnight party. It’s a princely sum, but how can you place a price on a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
Put on your glad rags and you’ll be brushing shoulders with the locals who will tell you this is the perfect way to celebrate in glitzy Sydney style.
The post Kick off 2017 with a bang: How to cop the best views of Sydney’s NYE fireworks appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com