After a great time on Bondi we got to Sydney central and became very excited when we saw the Harbour Bridge and Opera House for the first time. We had great views on the ferry that we got over to another beach, Manly which was really nice but the ferry back was a bit choppy so not as fun, it was also the sandiest we had ever been as it was windy on the beach! Having a break from relaxing on beaches (hard life) we decided to make the most of our days in Sydney and explore so looked around Darling Harbour, Paddys market, the chinese peace gardens and all of the shops, which we resisted spending in.

Everyone was on the countdown to NYE so as we got to know the city we started to pick out spots to watch the fireworks from, we decided on the Botanical gardens which overlooked the Opera House and the Bridge. After shopping for our picnic to take we decided, from what we had heard, to get there as early as possible whcih meant a 5.50am alarm. Luckily we did though as we arrived at 7am and the queue was already long, mainly from all the people who had camped overnight, so we joined the back and started our countdown, 17 hours to go!! After Megan survived a stampeed when they opened the gates, we finally got in the gardens and the mad rush to get the best spot, we found a good spot on the pavement so set up camp. Our view was slightley blocked by a tree branch but we had room, some other people literally couldn't move when we walked around they were so squashed in. We had a great day with everyone, the boys even made a chocolate cake and got party hats and sparklers, and despite the heat we survived until the evening.

The baby fireworks were good at 9pm and planes kept flying through the bridge doing all sorts of displays and tricks, actually scary how close they got to the boats that filled the harbour waiting. Then the big event was due, so after more boats lit up and sailed under the bridge we stood up and watched the fireworks, which came off the skyscrapers around us aswell as the bridge so we could see lots and the sky lit up. Only downside from our location we couldn't hear the countdown so missed that but did our own mini one and welcomed in the New Year at one of the most famous locations in the world... Pretty amazing.

New Years day we spent at the Opera House to having more photos and reflecting on our evening, we also wished everyone back home a Happy New Year and saw Londons fireworks which looked pretty good to. Then we prepared to treat ourselves to a meal out at Darling Harbour, shame it was a sad occasion though as our group was splitting up to go our seperate ways. We requested a harbour front table and the views were great so we took some lovely pictures of us all dressed up, the food was amazing Me and Megan couldn't resist to burger but it was so nice and very filling. With full bellys we said our goodbyes and prepared to work our way up the East coast together with Bron who was staying with us too.

We can say that we had the best start to 2013 so are expecting more to come form the rest of our travels.

Lots Of Love Amy and Megan, HAPPY NEW YEAR xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx