Happy New Year!

We went to Dudley Park near Bondi Beach to welcome in 2013 and watch one of the world’s greatest firework displays. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, this annual extravaganza costs about AS$6.5 million to stage. Considering the worldwide publicity it generates for the city, is must be worth every cent!

Dudley Park was just one of many vantage points set up all around Sydney to enable revellers to have fun and celebrate New Year’s Eve safely. Although we had to pay a nominal entrance fee and our bags were searched (a strict ‘bring no alcohol’ rule applies at events like this), drinks were on sale at the temporary bars set up in the park. We (and hundreds of others) enjoyed a memorable evening in a lively friendly atmosphere with great disco music, outdoor dancing, bouncy castles, play areas and stands selling hot and cold food.

It was a beautiful summer evening as the sun slipped down over the horizon for the last time in 2012, turning the sky a golden red. As midnight approached, it seemed that everyone in the park was counting down the last seconds of 2012 and all eyes were on the harbour and bridge as the sensational fireworks started on the first second of 2013 precisely!

The main fireworks had been preceded by a children’s display at 9pm, after which many youngsters and their parents went home. This enabled those of us seeing the evening through to the end to spread out more comfortably. Such a great idea to organise a special performance for the youngsters and another example of how Australia values its young citizens. Kids’ facilities such as well maintained open spaces, play parks and opportunities to learn swimming and beach safety are all excellent here in Sydney

Happy New Year 2013 everyone!