"New Years Eve Sydney"

New Years Eve Sydney is a great event, with awesome fireworks from the Harbour Bridge.

You can watch the show from many vantage points or cruise around the harbour in style.

Sydney is one of the first cities in the world to step into the new year and the display of fireworks is broadcast by all the big television networks.

So each year it has to be bigger and better.

Creatives, designers and technology whiz join forces to make the Sydney New Year's eve memorable for all.

But what makes it really terrific is the gorgeous backdrop of the harbour. Large crowds gather around the many spots with a view.

In 2009 the creative theme chosen by the City of Sydney was "Awaken the Spirit". And organisers asked all those coming to the Harbour to wear a touch of blue in line with the theme and Sydney's blue waters and skies.

New Years Eve Sydney - 2009

Crowds filled places quickly, armed with picnic rugs or chairs to enjoy a day out. You had to come early to pick a good viewing spot at the front.

The program started at 5 pm with aerial fly-over shows. Vintage planes demonstrated their skills above the harbour.

A Smoking Ceremony followed at 8 pm. Indigenous vessels sailed in the harbour to cleanse it of the negative spirits.

At 9, just right after dusk, the first fireworks went up. The Family Fireworks kick started the celebration, fired from barges and roof tops. If you tuned in to the radio you could listen to synchronised soundtrack from some of the best children's movies.

Enter the carefully selected 55 vessels that paraded the harbour: tall ships, Sydney Ferries, heritage fleet, all decorated, bright and glowing and sailing around.

They were teeming with light on the outside and swarming with dancers and music on the inside.

And then, to top it all – the midnight huge show of fireworks. Sydney Harbour Bridge is the centrepiece. Fireworks from seven barges and skyscraper rooftops accompany the bridge display.

Photo courtesy of Neerav Bhatt

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