prncssjenn

But have a few things and opinions to ask.
1. I have an existing Vodafone sim card (still valid) and plan to use an iPhone 5.
Can Voda cut my card down to a nano? At least I still have a 3Gs. I refuse to change my number or get another number.

(FML, just realized I got charged $2 for not returning my rented laptop to the library. Moving on, using my student account for that. Sorry rant.)

2. Opera House tour. Anyone gone there? How was it like? Thinking about it.

3. What does one do for NYE? I know some celebrations are expensive. Any ideas? (besides going to Circular Quay to watch fireworks. Maybe like a party?) If only if I were able to book a suite at the Four Seasons and party like it's 2013... with friends of course.

I've been to Australia about 7 times. It's going to be different since I am there for NYE. Plus, I'm unsure on my training schedule (as I am an athlete who needs to maintain fitness to kick some butt) This time I want to do more 'touristy' things. Recently I've mostly gone there for training trips and competition...
NO BRIDGECLIMB. Scared of heights.

Spicy B

I'm heading there for NYE as well. Would love to find some awesome not uber expensive partying to do too.

number_6

99% of NYE partying is free in Sydney! It is only if you want to stay, eat or drink at one of the view properties that it starts becoming expensive (and based on supply and demand, very very very expensive at the high end). Almost everyone is doing it for free, and you can get a spectacular view for free (all the best spots are free) -- but come before 6 am or thereabouts, and camp out. Otherwise less iconic locations, such as the North Shore beaches, are great for NYE and much cheaper. You can even do it for free from the airport (Brighton-Le-Sands, for example).

docbert

Vodafone will give you a "replacement" SIM for free on an existing account - no need for new number/etc. Presuming you're arriving by air, just ask at the Vodafone kiosk at the airport.

I did this late last year when I discovered on arrival that my SIM was dead. Took all of about 5 minutes, and in my case half of that was confirming that it was actually the SIM that was dead and not the account.

ozzie

Not everyone wants to get there at 6am though. Sydney has lots of hills so there are lots of places to watch the fireworks. I live in North Bondi. There's a nice quiet nearly with a near perfect view of the habour and costs nothing :-) But if you are not staying nearby, getting in and out of Bondi on NYE can be a nightmare.

sciguy0504

1) I've done the Opera House tour twice. It's good for first-time visitors or if you haven't done it before. I'll do it again when my parents visit for the first time next year. I reckon it's more special to see a show there so maybe visit the website to see if anything interests you and is in your price range?

2) I was there for NYE 2010 and just chilled with the crowds by the cruise terminal in Circular Quay (I got there around 9pm). It was really cool but if I were to do it again (for free), I'd check out a different spot so I could see the bridge better. If I had the money, I'd book a ticket on a boat party. You get away from the crowds and a better view.

3) I hate heights but was fine on Bridge Climb if it's of any help.

I'd also recommend visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Australian Maritime Museum, both free (the museum asks for a donation).

GetSetJetSet

You'd want the Park Hyatt anyway, the 4S in SYD is pretty run down.

number_6

I guess it's been a few years since you stayed at the 4S, it was completely renovated in 2009 which fixed the "run down" problem and it is as nice as the PH in terms of furnishing quality. The problem of huge variance in room quality remains, but that is a design feature of the hotel; you pay more and get a better room

GetSetJetSet

I stayed at the 4S Sydney in February of this year in a suite...I stand by my statement. I would put the PH head and shoulders ahead, and I would choose the Shangri-La over the 4S.

vecta

Absolutely agree.

Park Hyatt pre refurbishment was spectacular - now that the money is spent and the hotel back open again it's truly #1 in Sydney imho.

prncssjenn

Well at least planning for a possible 2013 NYE trip if I get the hotel... *saves up money for hotel* In terms of amendies and 'tolerance for partying', which hotel would be the best? I mean I'm probably bringing a few friends... and they might bring a few to make it 'better'... :P
Well actually I'm in Sydney already, but I've been going back here for 2 years at this time.

number_6

Most of the luxury hotels have zero tolerance for partying from ordinary guests, particularly at NYE. You need to make advance arrangements with them for partying, or book one of the serviced apartments (e.g. Quay West suites, which is now an Accor). At the PH, for example, you would not be allowed to exceed the room capacity overnight (typically 2 or 3 people), even if nobody is sleeping. The 4-star hotels are much more lenient, fwiw. Or try the Star (casino hotel).

tinkybelle

At the park Hyatt looking at bridge
Hardly anyone here on the grass so get here soon if you want a great position
Should be a great show.
If I could post a foto you would be surprised about 15 per cent full at 4.16 pm

tinkybelle

I spoke to park Hyatt they said no set amount just not 20 ppl for party we could get 10 in here no probs.

izzik

Hi.. sorry to revive an old thread but haven't found any information for this specific scenario: Will be in Sydney for NYE, staying at the Holiday Inn Old Sydney.. the hotel has warned us in advance that streets around the hotel will be closing early on NYE (assuming this impacts only vehicles)... we are not going for the stunning "deal" of $375pp dinner, so thinking of getting an early dinner away from our hotel, then coming back in time before getting locked out from the area. The hotel offers fireworks viewing from the rooftop for guests, so we have that aspect covered.

Will it be difficult to eat dinner outside the Rocks area? Are non-viewing restaurants typically requiring reservations on NYE? Doesn't have to be fancy... just tasty.