Tag 67/68: Sydney - New Year's Eve in Down Under

Australia's largest city is located on the east coast in the state of New South Wales, of which it is also the capital. Sydney is characterized by its exceptionally beautiful location, surrounded by stunning beaches, national parks, and the Blue Mountains, as well as its pleasant subtropical climate. At the same time, the city is Australia's industrial, commercial, and financial center, and the country's most important tourism center. Sydney is also attractive as a university city and for employees from all over the world. Whether it's art and culture, shopping pleasure, or beautiful natural experiences - Sydney combines everything, like hardly any other city.

One of Sydney's most significant highlights shapes the cityscape like no other and already captivates upon entering the harbor: the Sydney Opera House, the most photographed attraction in Australia. The 100 million dollar project was designed by Danish architect Jørn Oberg Utzon and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. The cultural center, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts around 4 million visitors annually. Another equally famous landmark of the city is the Harbour Bridge. "The Coathanger," as the Australians call the bridge, was opened to traffic in 1932 and connects the Central Business District with the North Shore.

We sail around the Manly Rocks and head towards the bay of Sydney. On the left-hand side, we slowly pass the world-famous opera house. A fantastic view from the upper deck up close. Then the deck darkens and we pass through the Harbour Bridge. The ship's antennas are only 2 meters away from the bridge's underside. It feels somehow oppressive when the shadow of the bridge passes over us. A short time later, we dock at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. The view of the bridge and the fireworks will be spectacular here. Everyone is already looking forward to tonight's New Year's Eve. We will be among the first to welcome the year 2023.

After mooring, everyone has to personally identify themselves with a passport, boarding pass, and a filled out landing card before the ship is cleared for shore leave. We stand in line, from the ship over the gangway to the terminal. After about an hour, we are through and arrive at the taxi stand. Completely empty. Two women tell us that they are waiting for the next one, which was just called. We are lucky because a van comes and we can ride along. Our journey ends at the Royal Botanic Garden. The road is closed. We can only continue on foot. At Circular Quay, you can only proceed with tickets, but Gate 1 is still open, and we slip through to take some photos. Many people armed with blankets, drinks, and food are already besieging the square and lawns, waiting for the fireworks at midnight. It's only 3 p.m. We are too old for that and look forward to the comfort of the ship. From here we have a good view of the Harbour Bridge. The anticipation of New Year's Eve is growing.

From our cabin, we have a clear view of the Harbour Bridge. Therefore, we decide to enjoy the family fireworks at 9 p.m. and the big New Year's Eve fireworks from our balcony. The fireworks are spectacular! At the end, there is a huge applause from the many thousands of people who have been camping around the Harbour Bridge all day to admire the fireworks.

Pius and I take the shuttle bus to the center. From there, we walk clockwise to the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, then along the Botanic Garden back. Always on the lookout for a bar with WiFi, we only find one at Darling Harbour, as many places are closed on New Year's Day. After 10 km, two beers, and a bit of internet, we head back to the ship.

We sail out at 10 p.m. Beautiful nighttime skyline when leaving the bay, passing under the Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House. The illuminated Sydney is visible for another hour.