Spending New Year in Sydney draws in crowds from all over the world, and why not, its the summer-time, its one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it knows how to celebrate the New Year with a bang.

Travelling around Australia, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else to see the New Year in. Australia is just about the first country to hit the upcoming year and boy does it do it in style, setting the bar for the rest of the world to follow.

Set against the panorama of the Sydney CBD which is spread out in all its glory, thousands of people head down to get as close as possible to the two most iconic buildings in Australia; the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. At this time of year these landmarks become the springboard for the annual firework display. This was my first time celebrating New Year in a different country, and I wanted to do something special. Sydney likes to celebrate with a bang, and on Christmas Eve gave us a taster of their firework magic.

Darling Harbour is always busy, but on the eve of 2014 it was busy, bustling and brimming with excitement and anticipation. I had booked to go on a boat, and we were very lucky as we took the last tickets priced at $250AD. This we booked around two months prior. Sydney this time of year is filled to the brim, booking accomodation, trips, and even meals requires the need to be made well in advance. The boat I went on was called the Fiesta and it was personally money well spent. If I had to reccomend any way to see the fireworks it would be to do this. Depending on your budget there are loads of boats to choose from.

Alot of people also head to the parks; Luna Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens being among the most popular. Luna Park you do have to pay for, but they have theme park rides there with an unlimited access. Whilst cruising along on the boat, we were able to see along the grass banks the hard core campers who claimed their spots the night before. Events like this really do bring out a competitive spirit in people. Even getting onto the boat, it felt like we were kids in a candy store, racing on to get the best seat. There were three showings of fireworks; one display at 9pm for young children and families, another at 10:30pm and the main showdown at 12am. The theme this year was ‘Shine’.

At middnight where the clock counts down I had a cup of champagne in one hand and my camera in the other. Every camera is now poised to capture endless snaps of the eye catching display, played out right at the heart of Sydney. As the kaleidoscope of colour painted the sky it was such a surreal and entrancing sight. The fireworks shot of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House for around fifteen to twenty minuets non-stop. At one point a stunning scene was captured when fireworks came off both landmarks and a waterfall of lights cascading down the bridge.

Sydney’s New Year celebrations are also watched by billions around the world who are treated to a feast for the eyes on the tv screens. It’s no wonder people hotfoot it over to catch a real life glimpse for themselves. I have to say that night was one of my favourite memories of Sydney. If you are ever here for New Year’s Eve, don’t go to a club where you could be anywhere in the world, head down to the harbour, you won’t be disappointed!