New Year's Eve
This was a much anticipated event for us, to see the midnight fireworks over the harbour and they didn't disappoint. However, we had a long day waiting for them as we were advised to get to a vantage point early and so arrived at Cremorne Point at 1pm - most of the best vantage points were already taken (or 'reserved' by nearby residents).

We did find a spot with a good view and spent the afternoon watching the crowds, wandering around, reading and playing games. As the day wore on we found ourselves getting surrounded by the lengthening queues for the nearby toilets and, since people would be moving around and in front of us for the fireworks, we decided to move and find a better point to wait and watch.

There was an initial display at 9pm (the 'children's fireworks') which whetted the appetite for later and eventually midnight came around with an amazing display of fireworks which at various stages came off the Bridge or were being launched from about 4 or 5 boats along the harbour in a coordinated display. There was also a section where fireworks were coming from the tops of the tower blocks in the city across the harbour from us. A few more photos can be seen here.

It was a great atmosphere all day - very good natured and a big social event. The sight of hundreds of boats on the harbour was also very impressive as it was hard to tell where the lights from the land finished and the boats began. Most people started to leave as soon as the fireworks ended at 12.15 but traffic wasn't too bad and we made it back home in good time. Having done it once we now have a better idea of what to expect and how to do it next time!

The weather had also predicted rain but it stayed warm and dry, as was New Year's Day which was spent quietly at home, although overnight there were very heavy downpours in advance of the first day of the final test here in Sydney (so England may still have the chance of a draw!).