NYE on Sydney's Northern Beaches

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It's summer in the city and it's New Year's Eve, the perfect combination for a celebration. Here on the northern beaches of Sydney it doesn't take much to make a party; find a stunning venue, sprinkle it with fireworks, add some funky music and delicious food, stir to combine, then away you go. Not only do we get to sit outdoors in our balmy temperate climate under a star-studded sky, we also get to surround ourselves with sparkling water (either the drinking or ocean-kind), squeeze some sand between our toes, mull over some resolutions for the new year - they're always good in theory - then sit back, relax and enjoy.

I know it's meant to be all about the fireworks, but my two favourite NYE things are:-

1. Enjoy the Outdoors - we're so blessed with national parks, beaches, waterways, parks, gardens, fresh air and clear skies that I like nothing more than to go for a swim - the ocean temperature is gorgeous at the moment, then grab a picnic rug and camp-chair, bundle up some home-made food, ring a friend or two and find some green space to sit, breathe, watch the stars come out and the moon come up, then toddle home to bed when the yawns start to come.



2. Stay Home - fire up the barbeque, tell your friends to bring a plate, turn on the big-screen T.V., and watch all the city entertainment from the comfort of your living room. Boring for some maybe, but if you've had a big year, a busy Christmas Day or two with family, give yourself a break and just chill.



If you're not convinced, you just have to get out amongst it then here are three top spots that give you the fireworks hit, but eliminates the hard work of traipsing into the main CBD with the heaving crowds, managing queues and public transport issues, finding food and toilet amenities, while you're trying to have a good time (although if you've never done it, you should at least once in your lifetime, but that's another story). These three beautiful spots are also free if you want to arrive early, bring a picnic rug and your own food. There's a bit more space at each venue for children than the city can offer. Catching public transport and walking is still the recommendation rather than driving.



Manly Cove - Fireworks at 9pm. Most of Manly's streets that line the harbour foreshores will be closed to traffic between 5pm and 10.30pm, making it a safe destination for families. There are many restaurants in the nearby streets if you don't want to tote food but be prepared for high prices and queues.



Dee Why Beach - Fireworks 9pm. The main street, The Strand, will be closed to traffic from 4pm - 11pm. Buses run regularly from Manly so don't even think about driving, you'll never get a park. Picnic on the sand or along the grassy foreshores, or The Strand is lined with restaurants and take-away options. Again, book early and bring more than your coin purse. The fireworks are launched from a barge off Dee Why Beach, making it a sensational sight over the ocean.
Note: Alcohol is prohibited on the beach and the reserve. Just north of Dee Why beach, the Long Reef Headland also offers uninterrupted spectacular views south along the beach.

Rowland Reserve, Bayview - Fireworks 9pm and 12 midnight - This is a lovely, open, grassy space offering easy viewing for all. Alcohol is also prohibited in the Reserve on New Year's Eve. The foreshores that surround Pittwater offer many vantage points along Pittwater Road, and also across the water around The Royal Motor Yacht Club, 46 Prince Alfred Pde, Newport, or at The Newport , Kalinya St., Newport.

For all transport options click here . For any other information click here .

There are so many ways to make the night enjoyable, find the one that works for you. Now how does that song go? ... 'should old acquaintance be forgot and never thought upon...'

#bayview
#child_friendly
#dee_why
#disabled_access
#fireworks
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#fun_things_to_do
#manly
#new_south_wales
#newport
#north_shore
#north_sydney
#northern_beaches
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#nsw
#outdoor
#december
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%wnsydney