Ringing in the New Year Down Under

	Ringing in the New Year 1

DOWN UNDER

As one of the most Eastern countries on Earth, Australia is the first to jump into the new year, prompting hundreds of thousands to head down under and be among the first to ring it in. The warm weather (it's summer there), friendly locals and their affection for a good time, coupled with some flawlessly organized celebrations, make for one of the most enjoyable New Year's Eve parties in the world.

New Year's in Sydney
Sydney, Australia starts the party off with a bang, a big bang. Boosted by an absolutely stunning fireworks display and colourful boat parade, the city has developed a reputation as the world's best place to be when the clock strikes 12. This epic celebration is among the largest in the world, bringing a million strong downtown and treating them to a pyrotechnic show that can be seen for kilometres.

Fireworks in Sydney Harbour 2

Perhaps the most comfortable option for the night is to book a table at one of Sydney's high rise restaurants. One stunning elevated spot is Altitude, the lavish restaurant atop the Shangri La Hotel. Booked solid on most nights of the year, reservations are a must.

The party at the top of Sydney Tower is one of the most popular places to be on New Year's Eve. Away from the crowds, 250 m (820 ft) above the city streets, the tower's Observation Deck guarantees uninterrupted views of the world famous fireworks. And while that sky high party is dishing out live entertainment, premium wine, bubbly and beer, the revolving Sydney Tower Restaurant and Sky Lounge dishes up a feast to match.

Sydney doesn't go to sleep once the midnight shows wrap up, instead the city's eclectic mix of clubs and pubs keep the party going into the early morning. Many nightclubs lay on special NYE parties, but as one of the most popular New Year's venues, Sydney’s already exclusive clubs get even harder to get into.

Then comes the Sydney New Year beach parties. A classic Australian activity, these boisterous waterfront parties bring locals and visitors together around great bon fires as they take advantage of the region's great weather and gorgeous landscape. It's a national institution and makes for a perfect beginning to the year, all across the land down under.

	Sydney's Harbour of Light Parade 3

As Melbourne's biggest free public party, New Year's Eve is just teeming with special events and a blowout befitting the dawn of a new year. Throughout the night, live bands and dance parties, roving performers and family entertainment can be enjoyed in venues across the city.

As is the custom of the night, an extravagant fireworks array is launched into Melbourne's sky at 9 pm and again at midnight. Captivating an average of more than 500,000 onlookers, these dazzling shows are on par with some of the biggest in the world. Victoria Harbour Promenade at Docklands provides the perfect viewing location for the pyrotechnic program, while a bevy of waterfront restaurants and cafes cater to the crowds. Additionally, everyone at Docklands can enjoy a host of PG and PG-13 rated movies on the Super-Screen between the fireworks shows.

While awaiting the grand finale, there's always plenty more to do. For instance, Southgate and Federation Square have both developed a great reputation for their high energy entertainment. Sure to delight the entire family, these fantastic New Year's carnivals feature circus performances, acrobatics and music and it's all free of charge.

Throughout the city, clubs, pubs and outdoor parties rock until the clock strikes 12 and then on into the new year. Down by the Bass Strait Ferry Terminal, a stylish celebration is held each year at 3 Station Pier. Featuring first class food, drinks and entertainment, this event is in the perfect waterfront location, with views of the whole harbour. The European Bier Cafe hosts one of the city's biggest New Year's Eve Parties with over three levels of live music and good times. Albert Lake becomes an electrifying party zone as lakeside parties rig the park with an abundance of excitement, bars, dance floors and house music.

The People of Australia Party into the New Year 4