While any time is a good time to be in the beautiful city of Sydney, it is particularly spectacular at New Year.

Oz's capital is understandably proud of its skyline and architectural uniqueness and the locals use any opportunity to capitalise upon this.

Things really blossomed in the Sydney fireworks department when the city won the bid for the 2000 Olympic games. This became a doubly whammy from the point of view of putting on a crowd-pleasing display and the pyrotechnic engineers were gearing up and experimenting for several years in a row, producing a knowledge about exactly how to make the harbour come alight that is now exploited at almost every opportunity.

Pictures of the harbour bridge with criss-crossing, multicoloured sparks shooting and whistling from it are now an iconic symbol of New Year celebrations around the world, despite the fact that midnight in Sydney happens at the same time as very few other places, as it doesn't share its longitudinal location with many.

One of the most delightful things about New Year celebrations on the Sydney Harbour is the sheer number of locations you can choose from which to watch. For example, many opt for celebrating on a boat – a romantic and stylish way to bring in January 1st.

There are a variety of scales of launch from which to observe, too. A considerable number of the city's residents own their own boat – why wouldn't they? – and there is of course an impressive display of corporate launches. However, the city's ferries also join the fray and there are many vessels for hire if you are so inclined.

Because of the harbour's geography, there is a considerable amount of shoreline from which one can observe the celebrations around the bridge and Opera House.

Many of the city's youth gather in the square at the Opera House's 'feet' to welcome in midnight. This can get fabulously crowded however, so go prepared and leave your valuables behind. There is really no comparison though if you are looking for lively celebrations.

For many of the more mature residents, their back gardens are as good a place as any to observe. Plenty of barbecues will be going on, as this is the height of the Australian summer, so if you are lucky enough to be invited to one don't forget to bring your beer cans, or 'tinnies'!

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