SYDNEY: NEW YEARS EVE One of the most iconic events in Australia is the New Year Eve fireworks display over Sydney Harbour. The day/evening/night is a wonderful event that requires planning and better still knowledge of Sydney Harbour. Or someone in the know with access to a great view. This display must be on your 'bucket' list. As with most events the spoilers have now determined the event is no longer a carefree outing, but subject to alcohol searches and many restrictions. That said do whatever it takes to be there. Once observed and enjoyed most visitors make an effort for a repeat visit. Inspiration to use the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a launch pad for fireworks came from the use of fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 1983. Syd Howard, pyro technician, used his inspiration and the chances given to him to put fireworks displays on Sydney Harbour to use the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a launch pad for fireworks. His first opportunity was in 1986 for the 75th Anniversary Review of the Royal Australian Navy. Here he introduced the 'waterfall' effect as well as a pyrotechnic message on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The message read 'NSW salutes Royal Australian navy' and employed thousands of cigarette-style fireworks to create the lettering. It hung over the side of the pedestrian walkway. Sydney New Year's Eve is now an annual multi-tiered event held every New Year's Eve over Sydney Harbour, centering on the Harbour Bridge. Its main features are the two pyrotechnic displays, the 9pm Family Fireworks and the Midnight Fireworks. Each year the event takes on a new theme and is regularly viewed by more than one million people at the harbour and one billion worldwide for the televised Midnight Fireworks. For the 2012 event, 1.5 million and 1.1 billion watched respectively. Viewing the display must take precedent over filming or taking photos. ENJOY