NY in Sydney
May 14th, 2006, 02:26 PM
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NY in Sydney
Hi,
We are planning a holiday in Australia for December 2007. We are planning to hire a campervan and stay in holiday parks, we would also like to see the Sydney NY fireworks if possible. We do not intend to stay in a hotel in Sydney (too expensive) and ideally we would like to be able to view (from a distance of course) the fireworks from a holiday park. Are we asking for too much? We did some research and the closest holiday park seems to be 25 km from Sydney!
Thanks for your help!
We are planning a holiday in Australia for December 2007. We are planning to hire a campervan and stay in holiday parks, we would also like to see the Sydney NY fireworks if possible. We do not intend to stay in a hotel in Sydney (too expensive) and ideally we would like to be able to view (from a distance of course) the fireworks from a holiday park. Are we asking for too much? We did some research and the closest holiday park seems to be 25 km from Sydney!
Thanks for your help!
May 14th, 2006, 06:16 PM
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I can't think of a close holiday park to Sydney; Lane Cove would be about the closest, and then Narrabeen -- both pleasant-enough areas, but not for fireworks viewing. You could, I suppose, stay out at the Dural Caravan Park (about 25 km from the city), and then drive down to the lookout at Pennant Hills Road (only about 4 or 5 km from Dural) and watch from there; however, in my opinion, the fireworks would look positively underwhelming from such a distance. And you will totally miss out on the excitement and cameradie that is part of the experience, and which you can only get if you travel down close.
Why not stay at Lane Cove and then use the excellent New Year's Eve transport system to get you into the city in twenty minutes? If you don't like that idea, there are other viewing areas not too far from Lane Cove, on the northern side of the harbour -- Cremorne Point, for instance.
Why not stay at Lane Cove and then use the excellent New Year's Eve transport system to get you into the city in twenty minutes? If you don't like that idea, there are other viewing areas not too far from Lane Cove, on the northern side of the harbour -- Cremorne Point, for instance.
May 16th, 2006, 04:24 AM
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Hi Miette,
Lane Cove is for sure the closest holiday park to the city centre. Just trying to think what bus route runs past it, and how many changes you might have to make to get to a good viewing point. And, more importantly how you would get home afterwards! True there is good and plentiful public transport on NYE but Lane Cove Holiday Park is a bit off the beaten track. You might find yourselves spending as much on a taxi as it would have cost you to stay in a hostel bed for the night!!
So - if it were me, and seeing it is so early in the year - I would maybe think about booking a night in a good hostel (not hotel). Many have twin rooms, some even with ensuite - but then if you are campervanning it, I guess a clean bathroom down the hall won't be an issue for you.
That way you won't have the hassle of getting back to the park in the early hours of New Year's Day.
If you want to be in the city then you could try Sydney Central YHA - or Wake Up. Check out the YHA website or www.hostelworld.com.
There are also possibilities on the North Shore.
This whole idea may be a non-starter as they could have minimum stay requirements at that time of year. But then if you are travelling budget sometimes you can splurge a little, and it is nice to be in the thick of things in Sydney.
If you need any more info just ask away.
Cheers.
Lane Cove is for sure the closest holiday park to the city centre. Just trying to think what bus route runs past it, and how many changes you might have to make to get to a good viewing point. And, more importantly how you would get home afterwards! True there is good and plentiful public transport on NYE but Lane Cove Holiday Park is a bit off the beaten track. You might find yourselves spending as much on a taxi as it would have cost you to stay in a hostel bed for the night!!
So - if it were me, and seeing it is so early in the year - I would maybe think about booking a night in a good hostel (not hotel). Many have twin rooms, some even with ensuite - but then if you are campervanning it, I guess a clean bathroom down the hall won't be an issue for you.
That way you won't have the hassle of getting back to the park in the early hours of New Year's Day.
If you want to be in the city then you could try Sydney Central YHA - or Wake Up. Check out the YHA website or www.hostelworld.com.
There are also possibilities on the North Shore.
This whole idea may be a non-starter as they could have minimum stay requirements at that time of year. But then if you are travelling budget sometimes you can splurge a little, and it is nice to be in the thick of things in Sydney.
If you need any more info just ask away.
Cheers.
May 16th, 2006, 05:52 AM
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Fuzzylogic raised an exceelent point about the buses out towards Lane Cove Cravan Park, so I decided to do a bit of checking. Lane Cove Caravan park is on Plassey Rd, North Ryde, and Plassey runs into Delhi Rd. Two major bus routes (route 288 and 292) go from Wynyard Station to Plassey Road; they set down and pick up on the corner of Plassey and Delhi. You would have to walk about 200 metres along Plassey to get to the caravan park entrance. Now, this is a level and quite pleasant walk.... but it's directly opposite a cemetery, which may perhaps be just a little off-putting after midnight! Something to consider, I guess!
By the way, the bus trip to/from Wynyard takes 30 minutes.
By the way, the bus trip to/from Wynyard takes 30 minutes.
May 16th, 2006, 01:16 PM
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Thank you for all this info. What about the viewing areas? If we decided not to go into Sydney but view the fireworks from a distance, where would you recommend? Are there any nice places, like in parks or something like that - rather than at the side of a road for instance? and would we have to get there really early?
May 16th, 2006, 03:07 PM
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Hi
Public transport is definetly the way to go on NYE in Sydney.
However Alan was just a little awry when he said the 288 and 292 stop at Plassey road, because they don't, they travel along Epping road and pick/drop at the corner of Pittwater road and Epping road which IS only a short walk from Plassey road (sorry Alan).
The busses which pick/drop at Plassey and Delhi road is the 545 which runs between Chatswood and Paramatta railway stations.
If you are planning on staying at the beautiful Lane Cove park for NYE I'd catch the 545 to Chatswood (ten minute bus trip) and then a train into the city.
You'd have to travel four to six stations to get a good view of the fire works.
If you go four staions and get off at Waverton you can walk down Balls head road and get a very good view of the fireworks and it's a spot which is usually not too crowded. It's a bit of a family area so there's not to much party atmosphere.
If you go six staions and get off at Milsons Point (the station just north of the Harbour Bridge) and walk down to the foreshore you'll have an even better view of the fireworks but you'll also have lots of people with you.
If you go into Wynyard station (just south of the Harbour Bridge) and walk to circular quay you'll have an equally good view but you'll have a crowd of people like you've maybe never seen before in your entire life.
I hope you enjoy your holiday in Aus
Nevets
Public transport is definetly the way to go on NYE in Sydney.
However Alan was just a little awry when he said the 288 and 292 stop at Plassey road, because they don't, they travel along Epping road and pick/drop at the corner of Pittwater road and Epping road which IS only a short walk from Plassey road (sorry Alan).
The busses which pick/drop at Plassey and Delhi road is the 545 which runs between Chatswood and Paramatta railway stations.
If you are planning on staying at the beautiful Lane Cove park for NYE I'd catch the 545 to Chatswood (ten minute bus trip) and then a train into the city.
You'd have to travel four to six stations to get a good view of the fire works.
If you go four staions and get off at Waverton you can walk down Balls head road and get a very good view of the fireworks and it's a spot which is usually not too crowded. It's a bit of a family area so there's not to much party atmosphere.
If you go six staions and get off at Milsons Point (the station just north of the Harbour Bridge) and walk down to the foreshore you'll have an even better view of the fireworks but you'll also have lots of people with you.
If you go into Wynyard station (just south of the Harbour Bridge) and walk to circular quay you'll have an equally good view but you'll have a crowd of people like you've maybe never seen before in your entire life.
I hope you enjoy your holiday in Aus
Nevets
May 16th, 2006, 06:00 PM
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If you are coming that far for the fireworks, definitely go for Milsons Point.
Lots of people but everytime I was there, more than sufficient space, unless you feel the need to sit at the edge of the water.
And the crowd less rowdy than south of the Bridge at the Rocks.
Note there are 2 fireworks displays - one at 9 pm and the big one at midnight. Never settle for the 9 pm fireworks. Either stay for both or turn up later for the big one.
About Lane Cove River Park. That time of the year, the water might appear inviting. Take warning signs seriously - treacherous weeds that can trap swimmers. I was part of a group that lost someone there many years ago.
I'd also imagine that part of the river would be algae infested because of the drought. But a lovely park nonetheless.
Lots of people but everytime I was there, more than sufficient space, unless you feel the need to sit at the edge of the water.
And the crowd less rowdy than south of the Bridge at the Rocks.
Note there are 2 fireworks displays - one at 9 pm and the big one at midnight. Never settle for the 9 pm fireworks. Either stay for both or turn up later for the big one.
About Lane Cove River Park. That time of the year, the water might appear inviting. Take warning signs seriously - treacherous weeds that can trap swimmers. I was part of a group that lost someone there many years ago.
I'd also imagine that part of the river would be algae infested because of the drought. But a lovely park nonetheless.
May 16th, 2006, 09:13 PM
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Nevets, thanks for that correction; I got my information from the www.131500.com.au website, but of course, they only show strip maps, so I had to interpret those. And I didn't mention the Chatswood-Parramatta bus because when I looked it up, it stubbornly refused to even mention Delhi Road! Yet I thought that the one time I travelled on it, it went along the whole length... still, I surmised that they may possibly have changed routes. Clearly, you're the expert here, so I am grateful that you've cleared things up.
If that bus is running into the wee small hours of New Year's Eve, then one MietteMeg could put your advice and the post above this together and come up with a great viewing solution: bus from delhi Rd to Chatswood (15 mins), train from Chatswood to Milson's Point (10 minutes), and walk to the harbour front for one of the best views anywhere. The only advice I could give about this great option is:
(1) Make sure you head for Milson's Point in the early afternoon, as it will fill up by mid-afternoon (take a blanket to "stake out" your territory).
(2) Do check the timetable for New Year's Eve to make sure the Parramatta-Chatswood bus has had its running frequency extended to cover the New Year crowds -- because it doesn't actually head in or from the city but goes between two regional centres, the Transit people might just think there'll be no special demand for it, and close it down early.
If that bus is running into the wee small hours of New Year's Eve, then one MietteMeg could put your advice and the post above this together and come up with a great viewing solution: bus from delhi Rd to Chatswood (15 mins), train from Chatswood to Milson's Point (10 minutes), and walk to the harbour front for one of the best views anywhere. The only advice I could give about this great option is:
(1) Make sure you head for Milson's Point in the early afternoon, as it will fill up by mid-afternoon (take a blanket to "stake out" your territory).
(2) Do check the timetable for New Year's Eve to make sure the Parramatta-Chatswood bus has had its running frequency extended to cover the New Year crowds -- because it doesn't actually head in or from the city but goes between two regional centres, the Transit people might just think there'll be no special demand for it, and close it down early.
May 16th, 2006, 10:43 PM
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this is worth a look - http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/n...s/Default.html
it's the 2006 version but they don't change that much.
might be worth thinking about going somewhere other than milsons point.
I'd second the idea of staying somewhere near where you watch. I've had too many new years in sydney where it's been and absolute debacle to try and get transport. and don't even consider taxi option - that really is impossible. I've stayed at the yha at central and it's definitely a good option for accomm, and I've heard the new railway square YHA is also good.
it's the 2006 version but they don't change that much.
might be worth thinking about going somewhere other than milsons point.
I'd second the idea of staying somewhere near where you watch. I've had too many new years in sydney where it's been and absolute debacle to try and get transport. and don't even consider taxi option - that really is impossible. I've stayed at the yha at central and it's definitely a good option for accomm, and I've heard the new railway square YHA is also good.
May 16th, 2006, 11:45 PM
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Hi
I recommend the Lakeside Caravan Park North Narrabeen. It has great facilities and is right on the beach and has a lake and salt water rock pool. I have been staying there for many years at Christmas and you can catch a single public bus to the city on NYE and there are heaps of extra services!
Alternatively we often go to Bradley's Head near Taronga Zoo and picnic there and you have a magnificent view of the harbour and bridge.
You'll love Australia....I could be biased!
Have a great trip.
I recommend the Lakeside Caravan Park North Narrabeen. It has great facilities and is right on the beach and has a lake and salt water rock pool. I have been staying there for many years at Christmas and you can catch a single public bus to the city on NYE and there are heaps of extra services!
Alternatively we often go to Bradley's Head near Taronga Zoo and picnic there and you have a magnificent view of the harbour and bridge.
You'll love Australia....I could be biased!
Have a great trip.
May 16th, 2006, 11:58 PM
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Hi again!
The Narrabeen Caravan Park has a great website
www.sydneylakeside.com.au
I forgot to mention that you can also get the bus to Manly from the park and then catch the ferry to the city...a great trip!
Lancove is OK but not as interesting!
The Narrabeen Caravan Park has a great website
www.sydneylakeside.com.au
I forgot to mention that you can also get the bus to Manly from the park and then catch the ferry to the city...a great trip!
Lancove is OK but not as interesting!
May 17th, 2006, 01:08 PM
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Thanks Rosie, I had a look at the website and it looks really good. When you say 'Alternatively we often go to Bradley's Head near Taronga Zoo and picnic there and you have a magnificent view of the harbour and bridge.' Do you mean that you go there on New Year's eve? If you do, then what would you recommend? Sydney or Bradley's Head? I forgot to say that we have a son (he will be 12 then), so a picnic near the sea waiting for the fireworks may be better than the crowd in Sydney? I assume we would be able to park our campervan at Bradley's Head?
The ferry trip to the city sounds good too, probably to go and visit Sydney one day - we wouldn't have to worry about parking then!
The ferry trip to the city sounds good too, probably to go and visit Sydney one day - we wouldn't have to worry about parking then!
May 17th, 2006, 02:45 PM
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Hi Meg
We go New Years Eve and leave early to get a park and a good viewing position. It's street parking but a lovely area for walks in the bush so we go mid afternoon. It's a headland with bush and walking tracks and the boats are below you in the bay with the city opposite. You could even do a visit to the zoo first.
There are fireworks at 9pm and midnight (the best ones at midnight)and it's a real family place. There are a few other vantage points on the north side of the harbour you could investigate...Ive never done the city but I prefer the quieter option!
I will definately be at the caravan park then..it's a friends and family annual event and we love meeting travellers from overseas.. perhaps we'll connect!
happy planning
Rosie
We go New Years Eve and leave early to get a park and a good viewing position. It's street parking but a lovely area for walks in the bush so we go mid afternoon. It's a headland with bush and walking tracks and the boats are below you in the bay with the city opposite. You could even do a visit to the zoo first.
There are fireworks at 9pm and midnight (the best ones at midnight)and it's a real family place. There are a few other vantage points on the north side of the harbour you could investigate...Ive never done the city but I prefer the quieter option!
I will definately be at the caravan park then..it's a friends and family annual event and we love meeting travellers from overseas.. perhaps we'll connect!
happy planning
Rosie
