Sydney Harbor, Australia
Where would you like to be as you count down the final seconds to 2016?
Saying goodbye to the old and ringing in the new is sure to create mixed feelings of nostalgia and anticipation. It’s what makes New Year’s Eve such a memorable time. This year, why not make it extra special and even more unforgettable with a destination celebration? With the help of Varinnia Colemere of Nervig Travel in downtown Panama City, we’ve hit the highlights of a few destinations near and far that have their own special ways of ringing in the New Year. [/box]
Could you get any farther away and find anything more exciting to do than visiting Sydney on New Year’s Eve? Crowds line the Sydney Harbour shore for a memorable night of pure entertainment.
Festivities start in the afternoon with a jaw-dropping aerial performance by flying ace Matt Hall, a third generation pilot and former Australian Air Force fighter combat instructor. As the sun sets in Sydney, fire department tugboats put on a stunning water show. A highlight of the night is a dance performance in honor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture and heritage. During this performance, eucalyptus smoke traditionally is released over the water to cleanse Sydney Harbour of evil spirits.
The night also includes an early fireworks show followed by a parade of about 60 boats outlined in rope lights that cruise through the harbor. Then, at the stroke of midnight, fireworks light up the sky in spectacular fashion as they are released from four barges across the harbour and from the top of the Sydney Opera House.
Planning a trip to Sydney means crossing the international dateline. The fastest route is offered by Delta from Panama City to Atlanta, then to Los Angeles, then Sydney. With a travel time of 24 hours one way, you will arrive in Sydney two days after departure. Once in Sydney, a stay at the Four Seasons will give you a view of Sydney Harbour. Another great option for accommodations is the Intercontinental Sydney, next to the Sydney Opera House, which also offers great views of Sydney Harbour. Another good hotel choice is The Langham in a quieter neighborhood, the Rocks. This hotel just went through a $30 million dollar renovation.
Before or after New Year’s Eve, be sure to visit more local sites such as the historic Sydney Observatory located just steps from the hotels. It offers stargazing parties and special events based on the astronomical calendar. A trip to Sydney would not be complete without climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, if you dare.
A walk down Kent Street will lead you to some of Sydney’s best restaurants. Stop in for fresh fish and Australian wines.
Circular Quay, Sydney’s waterfront, is just a short walk from the hotels. From here you can take a ferry to the Taronga Zoo or Manly Beach, or go on a sightseeing tour. There are a plethora of restaurants and shops here, as well as a footpath that leads straight to the famous Sydney Opera House. Take a tour of the Opera House. Check the website, www.sydneyoperahouse.com, to see what is playing during your visit and make a reservation, or take a tour.
Take a cab to the Queen Victoria Building. Known as the QVB, the architecture and detail of this building will amaze and inspire you. It’s a block long, with a myriad of shopping possibilities and even more opportunity to learn about Sydney’s history.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney could be your exciting entry or unique finale of exploring the fabulous Australian continent. Sydney