The 1.5 million people expected in Sydney for NYE fireworks can expect 'new' and 'spectacular' sights.
AS crowds surged into the CBD this evening authorities closed off access to Circular Quay, East Circular Quay and the walkways leading up to the Opera House before 5pm.
The best spots around the harbour foreshore were closed off by 4pm as crowds packed the area around the Opera House and Overseas Passenger terminal to capacity.
But Helen Chen and her sister Jessica along with their cousins Mable And Steven Li and Keven Su managed to grab a perfect vantage point just below the south east pylon of the harbour bridge, near Dawes Park.
"We couldn't believe our luck," Helen said.
"We thought there would be heaps of people, but we just kept walking and found this great spot about 5pm."
The family, all from Bankstown, spent their time waiting for the 9pm fireworks playing a Chinese card game called Big 2.
Mabel Li , Helen Chen Steven Li, Kevin Su and Jessica Chen at The Rocks in Sydney. Source: News Limited
The Dennis family from Perth grabbed a spot outside the Museum of Contemporary Art at about 2.30pm.
Kate and Ed Dennis met in Sydney 25 years ago, almost to the day, and brought their children, Finlay, 13, and Erin, 10, on a holiday to see the fireworks to celebrate.
"I came to the fireworks in 1989 and it was hard to get a spot then, now it's quite a battle," Mrs Dennis said.
French visitor Claire Auzou and her five friends spent the time waiting for the fireworks to kick-off getting into the new year's spirit by spraying colour and glitter into each other's hair.
"What a place to come to end the year. We are so excited," she said.
The city was also flooded with police as more than 3000 officers from Local Area Commands and specialist units including Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, took part in Operation Cadman.
A police spokeswoman said that so far revellers were behaving themselves.
FROM EARLIER: IT'S turning into a carnival atmosphere as thousands pack into the harbour for the Greatest Show on Earth - Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks show.
Thousands more are on their way (so sit down in front!)
The Sydney Opera House site is at capacity and closed to the public.
And if you ever wondered what the contents of someone's head might look like, people piling into the best harbour view points will find out tonight.
English girls Danielle Wormald, Lauren Eves, Lianna Smyth-Davies and Imogen Congvon are counting down to midnight at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: Supplied
People file into Mrs Maquarie’s Chair earlier today. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: Supplied
These four girls were having fun in the sun at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair today. Picture: Simon BullardSource: Supplied
More than 1.5 million people are expected to gather around the city to view the shows, themed Shine, at 9pm (AEDT) and midnight. Spectators will also be treated to a special one-minute cracker show at 10.30pm, based on an absurdist self-portrait by the night's artistic ambassador Reg Mombassa.
"Essentially the idea is that every person perceives the universe in their own heads," the Mambo artist and Mental as Anything rocker said today.
"We are going to empty the contents of one such head onto the Sydney sky so hopefully people will be amused by that.
"The cranium universe display will basically be the stars, the planets and the sun inside someone's head but on the sky."
Tweet and Instagram using the hashtag #NYESYD
The waiting game. Fireworks fans settle in for the afternoon at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: DailyTelegraph
Ready to welcome 2014. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: DailyTelegraph
While remaining tight-lipped about the particulars, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the bridge effect, to be unveiled just after midnight, will be "bigger than ever".
For the first time in a decade more than 1000 fireworks will also be launched off the Opera House's sails.
With a price tag of $6 million, Ms Moore said it turned out to be roughly five dollars per attendee.
"All around we think it is a fabulous thing to be doing and I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year's Eve," she said.
The line-up to get into Mrs Macquarie’s Chair was long and winding this morning. Picture: Raymond Cansick (Twitter: @bingo_ray) Source: Twitter
Sydney Harbour isn't the only place in the city gearing up for a big night. Beach lovers are soaking up the sun on Bondi Beach catching the last rays of 2013.
People have flocked to Bondi Beach today. Picture: John Grainger Source: News Limited
Towels and shade are in demand at Bondi Beach today. Picture: John Grainger Source: News Limited
New Year's Eve fireworks veteran Genny Haines turned up at the Opera House at 7am with a fold-out chair on her arm expecting to nab an uninterrupted view.
But the Sydney resident, who has spent her last 23 New Year's Eves watching Sydney's fireworks, had to settle for a second row position.
Yes it does. People have camped out to get into Mrs Macquarie’s Chair Source: News Limited
It will be a full house. People wait for the Mrs Macquarie’s Chair vantage point to open this morningSource: News Limited
"Usually we get down here at 7am and get a front spot every year," she said.
And it's the atmosphere of the city that keeps her coming back every year.
"Nothing can beat Sydney fireworks,'' she said.
"I have heard this year will be really, really good so I am hopeful.''
As Circular Quay's cafes began to open, spectators unravelled themselves from their cosy blankets and carried out coffee runs.
German tourist Lena Winkels held the fort at her prime position while her boyfriend sought much-needed caffeine.
"This was the last space in the first row so we were very lucky,'' she said.
Campers enjoyed a quiet night near Jeffery Street wharf at North Sydney as they staked their claim to a vantage point under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Picture: Bill Hearne Source: News Limited
German tourist Nadja Boeck was determined yesterday to score arguably the best seat in the house for tonight's New Year's Eve fireworks display over Sydney Harbour, even if it meant turning up more than 36 hours early.
The 22-year-old pitched a tent about 10.30am at Blues Point Reserve, a waterfront location with spectacular views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
"I was at the Opera House and looked across and saw this grassy area and I thought that would be the best place to be," she said.
By midafternoon she had been joined by about a dozen other hardcore revellers, primed to get top spot.
An evidently patient Ms Boeck, who will today be joined by a group of lucky friends depending on her to hold their seats, said she was confident it would be worth the wait.
Nadja Boeck has prime position with her tent at Blues Point Reserve ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks / Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited
THE CITY OF SYDNEY IS SET TO SHINE
SYDNEY easily trumps the world's greatest cities when it comes to putting on the best fireworks display on Earth. For the team that has spent the past 15 months working on tonight's event, the biggest challenge is topping its own efforts each year.
"It's a little bit terrifying, but I'm supremely confident in our ability,'' says event producer Aneurin Coffey.
"It comes down to finding points of difference to make a new experience.''
With 45 pyrotechnicians behind the scenes, the extravaganza promises to live up to its "shine'' theme.
At the centrepiece is a 12-storey Bridge effect, to be revealed in full after midnight. Made from 16km of rope light, the design is roughly the length of a 747 jet, and double the size of previous years' features.
The Bridge will share the limelight with the Opera House, with more than 1000 fireworks to shoot off the iconic sails.
Artist and musician Reg Mombassa is this year's creative ambassador. He has been working with veteran fireworks director Fortunato Foti, in what Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore describes as an inspired pairing. "Combining Reg's unique creativity with the Foti family's pyrotechnic skills will make this New Year's Eve inspiring, daring and colourful,'' she says.
Along with the 9pm and midnight fireworks, there will be a brief display at 10.30pm. This will showcase Mombassa's own fireworks and the winning entry in a firework design competition, created by Queensland teen Tiffany Hughes Drew.
An evening of Harbourside spectacles will launch the festivities.
Look out for Matt Hall's aerial acrobatics shows at 6pm and 8pm. At 7pm, the Ted Noffs fire tug will chug into the harbour, blasting water skyward. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Ceremony will follow, with eucalyptus smoke to symbolically cleanse and prepare for the year ahead. Images will be projected on the Harbour Bridge pylons from 8.30pm, ahead of an indigenous ceremony. In addition, a Harbour of Light Parade will see 51 decorated boats dance across the water.
Seeing the final shell fizzle out will be a particularly special moment for Coffey, who has worked on the event for the past 10 years,
including three years as producer.
"Relief is the biggest thing,'' he says, "I'll also be feeling immensely proud.''
New Year’s Eve 2012 ... this year is set to be even bigger. Source: The Sunday Telegraph
CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE CITY?
Or you just don't want to face the crowd? Here are some other ways to get into the festive spirit.TUNE IN Comedian Merrick Watts will host an interactive show, streamed live from Sydney Harbour. Catch it from 8.30pm until 12.30am on Telstra's YouTube channel, youtube.com/Telstra or on T-Box channel 919. The fireworks will also be broadcast live on ABC1 from 8.30pm-midnight. The program will feature a year in review, live crosses from the Harbour, reports from around the nation and musical performances.
TURN IT UP
Listen to 104.1 2 Day FM for a live simulcast of the 9pm and midnight fireworks soundtracks. Fresh tunes will keep the party going in between.
RAISE YOUR GLASS
Toast the new year with the official cocktail for the occasion, the Mississippi Mule. Fill a glass with ice and add 45ml of Southern Comfort and two lime wedges, squeezed. Shake in a dash of Angostura bitters, top with ginger beer and stir. For a refreshing non-alcoholic concoction, try mixing up an Apple Smash. You'll need six mint leaves, clapped to release their flavour, two lime wedges and 90ml each of cloudy apple juice and ginger beer. Add all ingredients to an ice-filled glass, stir and garnish with a sprig of mint.
FREE TEXT
Prepare up to 50 text messages to be sent out after midnight through a free Telstra app. You can also write a message to be projected on a Harbour Bridge pylon and receive a picture of it back to your phone. The app provides venue capacity updates and transport information. Download it at Google Play or the App Store, searching under Sydney New Year's Eve.
No doubt about it, Sydney puts on the best New Year’s Eve show in the world! Source: The Sunday Telegraph
OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO SEE IN 2014 Amy Harris
IT'S BEEN billed as the greatest show on earth - at least by us anyway - but few can argue the New Year's Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour is something to behold.
Here are some of the best places on the harbour to watch the crackers, especially ours!
Always a winner. This is the view from Observatory Hill Source: DailyTelegraph
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH OBSERVATORY HILL - WATSON RD, THE ROCKS
One of the great NYE vantage points, Observatory Hill holds 8000 people and will reach capacity around midafternoon. Bag searches are mandatory. However, there is no entry fee. Be mindful that this park is difficult to access. The Observatory Hill is on a peak from all sides and the steep terrain is challenging. Toilets are available and food and drinks will be on sale.
TINGIRA MEMORIAL RESERVE - NEW SOUTH HEAD RD, ROSE BAY
There is a strict no BYO policy but toilets are available and the views are some of the best. Obviously, like all harbour front parklands, get there early.
PERCIVAL PARK - COLLINS AVE, ROSE BAY
Toilets available and alcohol prohibited. This small park is at the rear of Rose Bay Shops and provides a nice area overlooking Sydney Harbour.
MURRAY ROSE POOL BLACKBURN GARDENS AND BEACH - NEW SOUTH HEAD RD, DOUBLE BAY
This harbourside tidal enclosure (previously known as Redleaf Pool) is hugely popular every NYE and this year will be no exception. The enclosure provides a swimming area and the kiosk is expected to be open early in the day. Toilets available and alcohol prohibited.
DUFF RESERVE - WOLSELEY RD, POINT PIPER
A major NYE hotspot, this site is expected to reach capacity early in the day and entry will be managed with bag search restrictions. No glass, no BYO alcohol, no pets and no disabled access. It's steep climb of 94 steps to the viewing area so bring a torch and proceed with caution when moving around this site from dusk.
CHRISTISON PARK - OLD SOUTH HEAD RD, VAUCLUSE
Toilets available and BYO allowed, this park is perched on top of the ocean cliffs, providing sweeping views to the ocean and Sydney Harbour. Plenty of room so it's ideal for big groups and families.
MARY BOOTH LOOKOUT - WARUDA AVE, KIRRIBILLI
Another of the big destinations, the lookout can hold 2000 and is expected to reach capacity in the late afternoon. There will be alcohol on sale and strict 'no BYO' rules will be enforced by bag checks. No glass or pets either.
Kurraba Point, Neutral Bay, is always a spectacular spot for crackers Source: DailyTelegraph
KURRABA POINT RESERVE - KURRABA RD, NEUTRAL BAY
This site can hold 1000 revellers and is expected to reach capacity late in the day. Road closures mean driving to the venue is a big no-no. However the views are some of the most stunning. No glass, No BYO alcohol, no pets and no food or beverages on sale.
ILLOURA RESERVE - DARLING ST, BALMAIN EAST
A nice option for those looking to stay in the inner west, the Illoura Reserve holds around 3000 and is not expected to reach capacity. Entry is free and there are no managed access restrictions. No glass, no BYO alcohol and no pets allowed. However, food and beverages will be available to buy.
AND, THEN THERE'S THE ENTERTAINMENT - POP QUEEN JADE TO SING-IN 2014
Samantha Jade will perform at Luna Park on New Year’s Eve. Source: News Limited
SHE scored the coveted TV role of playing Kylie Minogue, won an ARIA Award and now pop star Samantha Jade kicks off 2014 with another coup.
The pint-sized singer will perform, for the first time, in Sydney on New Year's Eve at Luna Park.
"It will be so fun to start the year off there," Jade said.
"They say you should start the year off doing what you want to do for the rest of it and I will be doing exactly that - performing."
Jade, 26, is set to do what she does best on Tuesday night: perform a high-impact show for revellers.
"It is going to be a 45-minute show with lots of high energy," she said.
After taking out the crown on The X Factor last year, Jade has quickly transformed herself from reality TV show contestant to fully fledged artist.
And 2014 is set to be a big one for the pop princess.
Jade's role in Channel 7's highly anticipated miniseries, INXS: Never Tear Us Apart, in which she plays Minogue, will no doubt propel her career.
"It is very nerve-racking but I am super excited," she said.
