Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Sydney NYE - Best Location / Plans?

I'm considering the Opera House gala:

http://www.opera-australia.org.au/opera/oaweb.nsf/Wf-operas?readform

Only seats left are premium reserve, at $350 each.

I'm wondering if people in the know (as flyertalk'ers always are) think this is a nice place to spend the evening. THey claim we get to view both fireworks shows (this is my primary priority - to see them the best way possible)

Alternatives include boat trips - these are all 6hrs and I'd imagine they can get dull between showings.

Fort Dennison is reported to have the best view, but this is black-tie and tickets are $475 each.

Has anyone done this before? Do you know where they will put us for the fireworks viewing? I was told by Opera Australia that the best viewing is indoors by a window, but I'd much prefer to be outside.

Thanks!

The best place to be IMHO is around the quay/rocks area.

It's free and for the most part the crowd is very well behaved. Everyone is there for a good time and it's just one big party.

The cruises aren't bad. Most of them have some form of entertainment to keep everyoen going between firework displays. One thing to remember is that the fireworks often don't just go off from the harbour. They have some at other parts of the city and they are part of the whole show so it's actually best if you can find somewhere you you can see it all. Of course the north side of the bridge has great views of the fireworks, but not quite the same party atmosphere.

Other points around the harbour also have great views of the fireworks.