Sydney lights up for New Year's Eve celebrations. Source: Supplied
SYDNEY tour operators and hotels are cashing in - along with the state government - as revellers are forking out thousands of dollars to see the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Up to $7000 per head is being splashed on cruises, up to $1700 on hotel rooms, $1100 each on dinner, $450 for a party ticket, $275 each for a picnic and even $130 a night to stay in a 10-bed dorm at backpacker hostels as Sydney capitalises on its night of nights.
Even a family simply wanting to watch from one of the harbour's alcohol-free national parks can end up paying $125.
Promoters say punters are willing to spend big to ensure a good time and avoid the crush, but others warn the city must keep the celebration affordable.
Hotel suites have soared to up to twice their usual price. At the Park Hyatt you can pay $1700 for a suite, while a room at Blue leaps to $1100.
Executive rooms at the Shangri La, normally $390, cost $775 on New Year's Eve and a room at the Hilton has jumped from $399 to $899.
Revellers have paid between $3995 to $6995 each for a four-day cruise aboard the True North that kicks off with fireworks in the Harbour.
Captain Cook Cruises' five-hour Sky Deck cruise, with seafood buffet and open bar from $950 per person, has sold 91 of 100 tickets, its Club Deck cruises from $850 has sold 104 of 150 and Show Deck cruise from $750 has sold 84 of 150.
"New Year's Eve is a night where people are prepared to pull out all stops to guarantee a good time," a Captain Cook Cruises spokeswoman said.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is staging a premium new event on Clark Island, charging $440 per adult for a gourmet picnic hamper and a ferry trip, with live entertainment and unlimited alcohol.
"We decided to create some new events that were for those who wanted something really special," NPWS director Carl Solomon said.
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Also under the control of NPWS, tickets at the alcohol-free Bradleys Head are $125 per family and Neilsen Park is $20 per person.
"We have been asked to increase security at Bradleys Head and have it fenced off to control the numbers to have it safer for families," an NPWS spokesman said.
"We have also introduced lighting to make it safer, and some new elements, such as performers."Ticketed events at the Royal Botanic Gardens, administered by a trust answerable to the state government, have completely sold out - with a three-course meal costing $375, a picnic blanket, gourmet hamper and access to a paid bar $275 each, and a $195 ticket for a gourmet hamper at Bennelong Lawn.
"Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks are viewed by an estimated one billion people world-wide. Sydneysiders have the opportunity to see it live. Our three ticketed events went on sale on October 2 and, not surprisingly, sold out very quickly," a Botanic Gardens spokeswoman said.
However, those who are willing to get to the gardens early to secure a spot, bring their own picnic and avoid a pricey ticket still can.
"Mrs Macquarie's chair will again be open to the public at no charge and up to 20,000 people are expected to come along with picnic blankets and families," the spokeswoman said. She urged people to consider the environment as up to 22,000 tonnes of rubbish is left behind each year at the gardens and Domain.
One of the priciest dinners advertised is an eight-course degustation menu at Guillaume at Bennelong in the Opera House for $1100, while a cheaper option is on the western boardwalk at Sydney Opera House with food by Matt Moran from $495.
Traditionally cheap backpackers hostels are hiking their fees from $35 per night to $130 on December 31 just for a bed in a shared dorm. The YHA at the Rocks, which has a roof-top deck with a 180-degree view, is among the cheapest option for travellers, with rooms remaining at $44 per night - and a roof-top party with meal, DJ and five drinks just $150. The party for 180 people sold out within 24 hours in March.
"That is just to cover costs for the people working. Our aim is to have a good event for our in-house guests," marketing manager for YHA Ltd Janet McGarry said.
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