> New Years dinner boat cruise in Sydney Harbour: when you think of iconic New Year parties around the world, Sydney definitely comes to mind. A friend of ours turned 60 and decided to celebrate it on New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour, culminating of course with the spectacular fireworks from Sydney Harbour Bridge. When she invited us last summer, of course we were not going to say no. Birthday party + Sydney + New Years + cruise + fireworks = unforgettable experience! Plus it was a blue moon! It's one of those events you simply have to tick off your list. The Captain Cook Cruises departed Darling harbor at 1730 and for the next 8.5 hours we cruised up and down the Sydney Harbour, hung out with 180 people, drank way too much champagne, had a great meal, listened to some touching speeches, danced … and when the clock struck midnight, saw an unbelievable fireworks display to ring in the new decade. What makes Sydney's fireworks so extraordinary is that they take a total approach to creating a fantastic show. The fireworks are not only coming from the Harbour Bridge, but also from the rooftops of the downtown high-rises and from barges placed along the waterways and all the large dinner boat cruises are decked out in lights to partake in the festivity. It's a grand show involving everyone! So if you're going to do New Years in Sydney … do it the right way and see it from the best vantage point, the water. Now, did you know there are 2 firework shows on Dec 31? 9pm for the kiddies and then the real ones at midnight.
> Cottage Point Inn Restaurant: January 1st rolled around and it was time to enter the new decade in a grand way. Life is about creating and sharing experiences, and this was one of those unforgettable ones. From Darling Harbour we took a water taxi to Double Bay where all 10 of us boarded a Sydney Seaplanes flight to take us to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park north of Sydney. The 20 minute flight takes you up the north coast, passing The Gap (entryway into Sydney Harbour), Manly, Newport, Palm Beach and into the beautiful national park … when suddenly the plane starts to descend and lands in a beautiful cove in Cottage Point. We dock right next to the restaurant … the Cottage Point Inn Restaurant. Overlooking the small cove, we had one of the most amazing meals ever (modern Australian cuisine)! 10 friends, new and old, champagne, food from out of this world … ringing in the new year, sharing our wishes and dreams for the coming year. It was an unforgettable experience. On the way back the pilot was feeling adventurous and gave us a memorable view of the Sydney skyline, Opera House and Harbour Bridge from right above. Icing on top of the cake. And if you're still not convinced … all I will say is … dessert: Caramelized Banana Souffle with Vanilla Anglaise, Yoghurt and Cardamon Ice Cream!
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