Last New Years Eve our son-in-law's parents were visiting from England so we were looking for somewhere special to take them in Sydney.

We eventually went to the home of friends who live on the waterfront at Cremorne Point (almost opposite the Opera House) which was wonderful but before we knew we were going there we had narrowed down our choices to the following:

The Waterfront Restaurant at the Rocks (right in the midst of all the activities); the Park Hyatt (they had a package for drinks and canapes in their rooftop/pool area - good except we were also wanting a meal); Fort Dennison (in the middle of the Harbour east of the Opera House - transport was by ferry and dinner was provided); or a harbour cruise (dinner, drinks and entertainment provided). All were ridiculously expensive - up to four times more than what you would pay on a normal night. We probably would have gone on the harbour cruise as we would have been part of the celebrations but not squashed in with thousands of others round the Circular Quay area.

Late October/early November the Sunday papers often advertise special activities for New Years Eve so if I see anything I think might interest you I'll let you know.

Regards Josie Figtree Australia