Sydney New Year's Eve | EXPECTATION vs. REALITY

I love Sydney so much I decided to cancel my flight just so I can see the famous Sydney Fireworks show over the harbor. However, I wasn't prepared for how difficult and expensive this would actually be. Stay tuned as I talk about my experience and provide you with different options to make it more enjoyable if you choose to attend in the future! Maybe next year you will get the opportunity to attend this once in a lifetime fireworks show!
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[@Aussieedits-uo9nz]

Anything is possible in Sydney so long as you are willing to pay. It’s an expensive city but a great one. Yes 5 days is not enough. Seeing NYE in Sydney is a once in a lifetime. Great to see you did it and enjoy Oz.

[@bobK-vv2ll]

3 days are enough for sydney.

[@2smoulder]

You nailed it with the over-commercial nature of NYE and the real fact that people have lost their passion for the moment. I come from Scotland where it used to be a 3-day experience of meeting, hugging and kissing folk you would never meet again in celebration of rebirth. I fear that the real meaning may never return unless everyone makes a huge effort to recapture the spirit. Keep trying Poppy!

[@WheresPoppy]

Yeah it was honestly pretty sad, I hope we can bring this back! The fireworks were incredible but it just didn't feel like New Years without everybody saying Happy New Year to each other

[@riverbendtube]

Great message, once again! My best travel experience was a month in Mexico and Guatemala with no camera. I made this as a conscious choice. I’ve got the best mental images locked in my head 25 years later, still. Vivid memories last longer than any photos. Thanks for the reminder 😊

[@30AndAWakeUp]

There's Poppy! How awesome.....no matter what....experiencing New Year's Eve in Sydney is epic!

[@mansoureh]

At least Sydney is warm during new Year, but London is cold and when you stay outside you really don't enjoy

[@WheresPoppy]

It was epic, glad I went!

[@nkelly5560]

@@WheresPoppy kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6LOnGuje86Nibc 😉

[@mansoureh]

The situation is the same in London. I went there once and I told myself it was enough. Since then I watch it at home on TV :) I feel warm and I can see better :P

[@WheresPoppy]

Good idea! haha at least you experienced it once!

[@2AKNOT]

You're a trooper Poppy. You are so right. Too many people are living to post to their Instagram instead of living to have a great life.

[@WheresPoppy]

It's frustrating because it ends up being this "competition" of who's life is "portrayed better" and that's not good for anybody.

[@2AKNOT]

Many of KZbin's travel videos are represented that way. If it makes a difference to you, the main reason that I subscribe to your channel is your open joy at the beauty in the world as you discover it. I pray that you will never change that. :-)

[@Kered-9]

@@WheresPoppy When I travel, I post pictures on FB mostly for myself... I can then look back on them and remember the great times I had traveling.

[@eeeecccc]

Who else loves her spontaneity? More like this please!

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Ed :)

[@aperson2730]

"Spontaneity", nice choice of words 🙂

[@RespectOthers1]

Expected another nice Poppy video. In reality, that's exactly what we got! :D Loved the way you incorporated your firework footage into the song.

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks RespectOthers! Yeah I feel like I got lucky finding this song!

[@aperson2730]

She's really good at that in her vids and also generally has GREAT MUSIC in her vids too! 🎵🎼🎶🎵

[@jenwood6670]

Thank you for the video! It was good to hear about what your cautions were because Sydney is incredibly busy on NYE. We were in Sydney this past week and saw the fireworks from Pirrama Park and it was free! We were behind the Harbour bridge so maybe we missed a few things but we saw all the big ones. We traveled around for six hours on the 31st and every place we went was full or too expensive. So thankful to have stuck it out to find a decent spot!

[@kidsperspectivefamilytrave9184]

Have to agree that NYE in Sydney is a once in a lifetime event! We went a year ago and will have the memories (and videos!) forever. It was amazing and the best fireworks show we have ever seen! Highly recommend this to other travellers.

[@WheresPoppy]

Yes I agree I recommend it as well, just be prepared for the craziness and expenses!

[@arrgghh1555]

@@WheresPoppy I remember when it was free basically everywhere, where you could turn up at 7pm and still get a decent spot where you could sit down and have a picnic dinner with a few beers/wine or champagne and welcome in the new year watching the fireworks with friends and family without being trampled. Every year it gets more crowded, more expensive, more security, you have to get there earlier, you get less space and you can't take your own alcohol. I don't bother any more, spend the night at home/friends place having a BBQ and watch the fireworks on TV.

[@tc88888888]

Poppy's logic: I take videos = art/work/passion. Other people take videos = not enjoying the moment/wasted time

[@roddywhite4161]

Right

[@raisulreyad6113]

Passed me off too lad, my aunty couldn’t make it one year with the entire family because she was at the hospital so my mum FaceTimed her the entire show. Imagine poppy was judging my mum because she was holding her phone for her ill sister :/

[@ankanhalder8341]

Poppy, you are my most favorite travel vlogger for videos like this. As if I am there...... experiencing it myself. Just wonderful. Love your perspective.

[@RobB-vz2vo]

Nearly every person watches the fireworks through their camera. Why not live in the moment and look past the lenses. I assure you all that it looks better than what you see on your phone. After all no-one looks at the video that they took anyway, not even the person who took it. Everyone there would have wished everyone a Happy New Year in their social media land but not in real life. The NYE atmosphere was a lot different 20 years ago.

[@bethcameron5863]

1st year I was in Sydney I sat at the opera house with a perfect view of the bridge from 10am. Then the next year I sat close to the bridge on the Luna Park side, I got there at about 7pm and got a good view. Getting away after the fireworks is a nightmare as there is so many people and some of the train stations are closed so you have to walk to the next station. I agree with you about the taking photos etc... whilst travelling it’s best to enjoy the experience for yourself.

[@randallmurrain1425]

I really appreciated the honesty about the experience. I imagined that it would've been a little like some other places, but not like what you displayed. As always, you did another great job!

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Randall! Yeah I just want people to get the truth about this. I wish I had known more before I went!

[@samuelwyner6935]

There's a fair chance I'll be in Sydney next year for NYE and will definitely try to see this show if I can. It looks better than any fireworks show I've ever seen! And I 'm also happy to be a loyal supporter! This channel has changed the way I think about travel!

[@ChrisSlack]

I still can’t believe the quality of your production! Great job! I was thinking the same thing. I wouldn’t be taking video of the fireworks. Not like I’d ever watch it again. Glad you made a point of reminding people to enjoy the show instead of shoot video,

[@ekkerslovarkia2726]

Another great video Poppy,just love the way you calls it like you sees it and don't sugar coat anything.I myself live nowhere near Sydney but still got a pretty good view of the fireworks on my 65" OLED TV.Live and free in HD yeah!!

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Eric! Yeah well I wish I was more informed before going honestly haha so I hope this helps other people.

[@JohnOCFII]

Excellent observations about people spending more time trying to capture images to share at a higher priority than experiencing the moment. My wife and I joke we should start posting daily photos of real life. “Here we are on the couch watching TV.” “Here we are folding laundry.” “Here we are shoveling out from the 4th 5+ inch/12cm snowfall in the last 10 days...” :) So neat to see spots in your videos (like the Botanical Gardens) that I’ve visited.

[@aaurjdr]

Great thoughts and detailed introduction, looking forward to New Year's Eve in Sydney

[@halbarber3]

For the past 5 years I have watched the fireworks from around the world on New Years Eve. My favorite display is London, followed by Sydney and then the ball drop in Times Square. Every year I see how many people with standing room only, freezing their butts off in London. I am way to old (and disabled) to even dream about attend stuff like that. From your video, it isn't much better in Sydney, except it isn't freezing.

[@pearlchat1]

Every year Sydney residents are scrambled to get the hell out of the city before New Year eve.

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

I spent 2 months in Australia and I was at Sydney Harbour Bridge for NYE in 2012 with Kylie!! Was Amazing!! Actually I saw both fireworks they do, at 9pm for families and the official at midnight!!

[@BlackRockLabradors_dale]

Enjoyed the video and your honesty, keep them coming!

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Dale!

[@speedywiz]

last bit of Poppy spotting is fun! I’d like to watch the fireworks on the news, it’s crazy packed there

[@ClintonHolder]

You're killin it Poppy!

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Clinton!

[@johnlee5557]

When I went Sydney, I visit the fish market, walked downtown mall, walked around Chinatown, we took metro there to get around, went to some coffee shop, I find out that the mall closed early then in the state, oh we also took a small boat ride, stay there for a week than we took a plane to Coffs Harbor for a wedding, this was five year ago, residents who live make good money and you don’t have to tips

[@225shiva]

Missed youuuuuuu felt like long time. Awesome video.!!! Can't wait for next. Nice music, view and you look great. Poppy rocksssssssssss 💃

[@pearlyshells2430]

Agree about the cameras..."hey do want to see my vdo of the fireworks"....."no mate already seen it on the YT".

[@Coastal603]

What you said about no one saying “happy new year” or kissing each other, 2 years later on New Year’s Eve 2020-2021 at Luna park, People Were definitely celebrating the new year hugging and kissing, probably because there wasn’t as much people because of the COVID restrictions.

[@benec5816]

glad you liked it its a once in a life time experience so is the Melbourne one travel safe and enjoy yourself see ya

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Bene, yeah I'm glad I got to experience it!

[@Valou_RT]

Thaaaaaaaanks for you share ! You just help me very much :) And I like your smile and your spontaneity !

[@Finediningonly]

Great video! I'm going to Sydney for NYE 2020 and although I'd like to see the fireworks, it was nice to see the reality of what you're actually getting. I definitely prefer shouting HAPPY NEW YEAR at the stroke of 12 and hugging and cheering with friends.

[@frankwong8785]

Cross the Tasman sea, New Zealand is a very beautiful, very cool, very amazing place. Places like Rotorua (north island) and Queenstown (south island), probably the most amazing and most beautiful places of this planet.

[@WheresPoppy]

Going to NZ soon!

[@pinkpeony4653]

I appreciate this video because now I know I don't ever want to spend NYE in Sydney lol I like that you were honest though and didn't try to hype it like it was something that it wasn't. That crowd is my worst nightmare! Glad you enjoyed yourself, love your videos :)

[@jamesdavis9737]

There's HEAPS of spots that aren't crowded though and you're still pretty close. You just have to know where to go.

[@faizyudhistira9333]

@@jamesdavis9737 may i know where the spots is?

[@ALxdCr4ftPlays]

You can watch outside Luna Park on the waterfront terrace for free. We booked Lawn With The View which is AU$370/person (NZ$418/person). Sure... expensive... but well worth it! And you don't have to arrive super early as its a gated family-safe vantage place in a comfortable environment. Booked 11 Nights. From New Zealand.

[@diogoliveira45]

Sooo nice! Thx for release this video 😄

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Diogo!

[@dandombroski6561]

Another excellent video poppy!!

[@WheresPoppy]

Thank you Dan!

[@hakanisungoh9691]

Found your channel from Jordan's videos! You're so jolly and happy. Your videos are amazing. I am currently binge watching all of them. Keep up the good work, Poppy. Love from India!❤️

[@jurgenhuber4867]

Fascinating. All these people paying a 100+ bucks to... hold up their smartphones to film something that's on the news around the globe every New Year's Eve anyway! Swapping experience for documentation. They'll probably show it to their grandchildren in thirty years. Yeah, grandma, how utterly fascinating.

[@Love4indiaever]

Hello Poppy, good to see you again . Keep up good work .

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Tony!

[@michaelyutadco4104]

Thanks for being real!

[@abc123fhdi]

Fireworks was awesome! Great vlog, wish we had warm weather vs. polar vortex and people literally freezing to death.

[@WheresPoppy]

haha thanks!

[@connieainlay8057]

Thank you Poppy.. it looked really cool...glad you did it..

[@davidj6547]

Awesome video Poppy! Absolutely ❤️ it, your care-free personality parlaying your true experiences is on point. Keep them coming! 🙂

[@TheRealMrCods]

Almost 100,000. Hope you are having fun Poppy.

[@WheresPoppy]

Thank you! Yes I am!

[@josephbarney4523]

Great view in more than one way! Yeah, I'm not in social media as a living but I've been on the internet since 1993 and I've always had an interest in photography since I was a kid but rarely had access to a camera. I read National Geographic and wanted to do that for a living. I agree, it's good to enjoy the moment. My only thing is my brain injury makes me sure I'll go senile before my time so I tend to shoot too much if it's memorable for when I can't remember my own address. Thank God for technology! Lol thank you though I'll definitely take minutes to pause more and enjoy life, being alive and being there.

[@WheresPoppy]

I mean it just depends on what your are photographing or filming. Sometimes it's okay to do this a lot, but not for a show like this where it's much better in person.

[@josephbarney4523]

@@WheresPoppy I agree with you! I do have to take more time to kinda let it seep into my soul so to speak. If you don't pay attention it won't change you inside. It's like scanning through social media rather than bonding with life.

[@britthappens17]

this was so helpful! I'll be in Sydney for NYE this year and now I'm adding Luna park to my visit places

[@gch454]

so funny! I'm half aussie & was visiting Sydney during the same time you were there...weird that I have followed your travel channel since you were in China & we have never met but you were @ the same place I was when we were both visiting from different countries haha. small world?

[@MrTimetravler]

Hey pops I am a little late😅 but I am in a good wifi zone lol🤗 great video! Still bit of expensive but it's on my list to go to👍 great job!! Loving the hitchhiker videos on Instagram

[@den2ofoz]

Welcome to Sydney. Well you are here. Can I be on your video too. But that was last month. Luna Park. Anyway, reason i always stayed at home during Sydney New year. I hate the Sydney crowds. hahaha! Cheers!

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks! Yeah not many Australians were there haha

[@TAVideos786]

*POPPY COULD YOU PLEASE ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS:* ● Do American citizens need Australia's visa to travel there? ● What immigration process an American citizen has to go through upon his/her arrival at Sydney airport? ● For how many days or months Australian visa is issued to American citizens? ● Can train and public buses take a tourist to tourist attractions, such as, Sydney Oprah House? ● How train and bus fare system works in Sydney? ● What are the tourist attractions in Sydney? ● How far is the Sydney Airport from Sydney Downtown, and if I can travel via train from the airport to my airbnb or hostel at anywhere in Sydney? Thank you!

[@Psychphuq]

wikitravel.org/en/Sydney

[@WheresPoppy]

1. Yes 2. General immigration... 3. Three months 4. Yes 5. I'll get to this in another video 6. mmm maybe 20 minutes by train?

[@TAVideos786]

@@WheresPoppy Sorry to ask, but let me be specific about my first question. Do we the American citizens need to get Australia's visa here in America or it is provided upon our arrival at any Australian airport by the immigration officers?

[@TAVideos786]

@@WheresPoppy Oh! Thanks for your reply.

[@ronaldjohnson940]

Another wonderful video keep them coming

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Ronald will do!

[@aperson2730]

Hello Pops, nice video and if I'm not mistaken you filmed the fireworks section with your new camera (very professional looking) plus I love your smile right at the VERY end of the video ( you look happy and relaxed). Best wishes and... HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🙂🙂

[@WheresPoppy]

Yes I did, glad you can see the improvement!

[@aperson2730]

@@WheresPoppy Although it's hard to improve on PERFECTION but yes I did 🙂🙂

[@kenyup5424]

Happy new year poppy!another great video

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Ken! Happy New Year to you too!

[@thedoneeye]

I usually spend my New Year's Eve hiding under my kitchen table, curled up in the fetal position, trembling with fear, eyes darting all over the place like a chihuahua on crack.... Doesn't cost me a thing 😉

[@satishsapkal2861]

happy new year poppy...

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Happy New Year Satish!

[@CK8smallville]

I went to Luna Park for NYE a couple of years ago but didn’t have to queue for a spot (thats probably why I had such a bad view!!). A few from my group were lucky and got on the ferris wheel just before and saw the whole thing from above!!

[@marcvanturnhout2032]

Hi poppy, Great video. Glad you took this video so we don't have to go there and pay that kind of money😁👍. I just hate these crowded places. See you next week. What a cliffhanger...........

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Marc! Well it's going to be a crazy vlog so... haha

[@loveloveyy1027]

You give me motivation in my life

[@WheresPoppy]

Wow awesome!

[@frankwong8785]

I think you are here to stay, still too many places in Australia to explore.

[@WheresPoppy]

True haha

[@QsTechService1]

Fireworks looked awesome .. How long were they ..? Don't know about Been crowded like that Not having no space 😬 It's like that Somewhat at the beach here in Racine Wi .. Prepare Hours People tried to move in on the 4 July ....Crazy how the younger generation is with Capturing moments with their devices Good video on KZbin is .. Put down your smartphone Poem 100% right with capture in the moment 👍

[@WheresPoppy]

They were supposed to be like 15 minutes but only lasted like 8 minutes or something like that. It was a lot shorter than we'd expected is all I remember. Thank you!

[@alejandrotoledo3081]

Me gustan tus vídeos, y tienes razón en que no disfrutan del espectáculo por estar grabando. A través de tus vídeos viajamos y casi podemos sentir tu pasión por viajar.

[@anna_m59]

Almost there Poppy and you have 100k!!!

[@WheresPoppy]

I know! :)

[@zacharyforster9286]

Oh yeah yeah

[@starlingwatch3921]

Hi Poppy, I loved your composition of the bridge fireworks and the big ferris wheel. So interesting to watch. I've only heard from friends who visited Australia how expensive everything is. Perhaps a good reason for anyone watching this video to become one of your Patreons... Hint hint. Frank

[@jasonlane8126]

One thing I like about the fireworks in Sydney, is that there are actually many great places to watch from, and you don't always need to pay. I could have recommended one or two great, free vantage points where it's less crowded, more chilled and family-oriented :-) Perhaps these spots are less known to non Sydney-siders.

[@raisulreyad6113]

Agreed, non Sydney Siders wants close up and don’t know how not to spend money, which is normal. I hated how she judged the locals for not wishing everyone for New Years. My mom was FaceTiming my aunt in hospital once when I was a kid. My grandma recorded the video because she uploads everything on Facebook and her family overseas. Stupid girl just ruining the image of our city

[@cj23_kt]

Hey care to drop where this vantage point where its less crowded?

[@hmt5oo]

Greeting. Poppy,thank you for bring the untold story to us about Sydney magical fireworks.as New Yorker,during new year fire work event, estimate only 30%of New Yorkers attend the event, and the rest 70% tourists...

[@Frankcgabriel]

You were in milsons point!! Nice vantage point.

[@sirgalahad1470]

How many days did you end of spending in Sydney Poppy ?

[@claryberry7880]

Great video:) What sites do you use to find cheap flights?

[@georgiadoherty8532]

What you think:ahh so warm and relaxing. Vs what we know:drought can't go outside and red sun and skie

[@rogf2486]

What were you doing in the suburb of Rockdale of all places?

[@sheree2108]

I find the fireworks a little over rated but then I've lived here my whole life. I've never seen the midnight fireworks except for on tv, only the 9pm ones. I just find it too rowdy and there's way too many drunks. But I'm glad you enjoyed yourself! :)

[@lisalll1763]

This is kind of sad- we lived and watched the fireworks in 2000 in sydney and you could just go and camp out near the harbour/opera house for free on the day, yes waiting about 6 hours but it was all free and people could make a day of it. People weren't fighting either...

[@karlkuehn8908]

I'd pay an extra hundo to be in a spot where no one was allowed to pull out their cell phones.

[@WheresPoppy]

Yeah that's probs a good idea!

[@st.6959]

I hope you and @travellight have plans to see Salar de Uyuni one day *crying emoji* it SO beautiful

[@Frankcgabriel]

Yes you need alot of time. You should go outside of sydney. Its much better. The best fireworks in the world imo 😊

[@WheresPoppy]

You'll see next week :)

[@chinahuman2000]

Come to Perth to watch Australia Day firework, it is free and easy to get the best spot.

[@jacquelinevillarreal657]

Amazing vlog!!!🤩🤩🤩

[@bobK-vv2ll]

Ist not true there are also more vantage point s for low budget

[@56Spookdog]

Not shocked at all it’s the same typical selfish actions at any event in many parts of the world. Btw the Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks show on The Mall in Washington D.C. is wonderful show. I really enjoyed it and was one on the bucket list for me.

[@guywong]

Should have gone to Hong Kong to watch their fireworks. Much nicer and is free.

[@WheresPoppy]

how about the crowds though?

[@nia6849]

Girl, Sydney people are very greedy....been there, done that.....they need to cheer up. >>>>>>>>>>>> 7:22

[@kongkong1364]

no wonder i've never gone to see the fireworks...

[@DannyBpax]

great video

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Danny!

[@DannyBpax]

Where's Poppy keep it up :) You can do it! 100k Subs soon...:)

[@kbliss24]

This video seemed more clear or vibrant are you using a new camera? I really enjoyed it keep up the good work.

[@WheresPoppy]

Yes I am :)...thanks Kenneth!

[@pixl8me]

WOW!!!

[@MarksWanderlust]

What bad! But especially that they do not even wish each other a happy new year. and what an absurd prices for a place for a nice view. a big media circus. And to take money from the people again. love what you do Poppy! I would like to see it but maybe on a boat with friends and family.

[@WheresPoppy]

Thanks Mark! Yeah I think I would do the same thing if I ever went again

[@PathfinderGregg]

Well said. If you focus on getting on film then you don't really experience it.

[@WheresPoppy]

Exactly!

[@parrottfeatherseyes7033]

I wanna stay inside my big house all day like its my big personal tomb ladeedaa. 💀🔫👻

[@aazheng3826]

be careful, there is a heat strike in aussie, stay safe.

[@the5gen]

Good spot there, Sydney absolute chockers in NYE. #straya

[@paigamabrhiia5335]

Wow

[@alanOHALAN]

Rain and crowd, meh. I wonder if you could get on kayak there. Fireworks look all the same. Here in NYC they do it on the east river.

[@WheresPoppy]

They definitely would charge you haha

[@nukelee99]

Poppy, may I invite you to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia?

[@JGO888]

Cool🎉

[@anEyePhil]

Ive lived in Sydney since 1966. Never seen the stupid fireworks. We watch it on TV with daiquiris inside. Shame its all so commercialised these days. There are much more interesting places to see in the Sydney area. Glad you enjoyed it, but we hear ya and agree. Next time join an indigenous tour of the area and learn about their unique history and culture. Try La Perouse first.

[@ElementEvilTeam]

I paid $0 to watch the fireworks on my friends apartment in Melbourne.

[@ronaldjohnson940]

I want to join patron

[@WheresPoppy]

Link in description :)