IF we were just counting down Kylie Minogue's greatest hits it would probably take all New Year's night.
There's her 25 years in the music industry, the odd concert or two for the Queen's Jubilee, an Abbey Road Sessions album and a starring role in French indie film Holy Motors. So "coming home" to play host and creative ambassador for Sydney's NYE party will be the sparkling finish to 2012 this unstoppable diva deserves.
Charged with hitting the button on the fireworks, Minogue says the spectacular is the perfect end to a personal year of highs.
"It's been a huge year for me and the finish line is New Year's Eve and I will definitely be trying to find a moment in the madness to really appreciate everything I've done this year and what an amazing year it's been to share with fans," she said.
The 44-year-old has vowed to take the "embrace" theme literally, planning a midnight hug with model boyfriend Andre Velencoso, who has flown in to share in the festivities.
She has posted several photos on Twitter since arriving in Sydney on Friday, including a visit to Bondi's Icebergs. She said she has been spruiking her role since agreeing to the gig.
"Honestly, I've been so excited about coming home since I first signed up for the project which was a year ago, so here I am, and now it's a reality and it's so exciting," she said.
Channel 9's coverage, from the Lord Mayor's party at the Sydney Opera House, starts at 8.30pm (family fireworks) and includes 11.30pm (midnight countdown) with performances by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Darren Percival.
Kylie Minogue and the City of Sydney are encouraging more than one million people on the harbour for Sydney New Year’s Eve to take part in a world-first NYE interactive colour light show.
The City and Telstra have developed a free smartphone app that will light up phone screens as coloured lights splash the Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the end of 2012 and launch of 2013.
The synchronised Telstra Colour Moments – at 10.15pm, 11pm, 11.30pm and 11.45pm – will build excitement as the clock ticks closer to midnight, and app users will be reminded to hold their phones to the sky to be part of the celebration, as the harbour is transformed into a sea of colour.
NYE12 Creative Ambassador Kylie Minogue has worked with the City and Imagination Australia, and chosen magenta, yellow, purple and blue for the Telstra Colour Moments and fireworks, representing her Embrace theme.
“This year I want everyone to embrace during the fireworks,” Kylie said.
“Whether it’s embracing new ideas, change and opportunities, or just giving a big hug to your family and friends, it’s something everyone can get involved in. So together, we are going to make this New Year’s Eve the most memorable night ever.”
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she was looking forward to the harbour foreshore filling with colour and excitement on New Year’s Eve.
“If you are going to watch the fireworks from one of the many vantage points around Sydney Harbour, plan ahead and download this free phone app,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The app lets you take part in the biggest interactive light show on Sydney Harbour – we hope it might even set a new Australian record for audience participation.
“The app will have useful information, including vantage point maps and updates about when different locations have reached capacity, as well as news feeds to keep up-to-date on the latest developments.”
The Lord Mayor said this year’s NYE charity partner, The Fred Hollows Foundation, was particularly appropriate as they have spent 20 years restoring the sight of millions of people around the world.
“The Fred Hollows Foundation does inspiring work. Over the past two decades they have given countless people back their sight,” the Lord Mayor said.
“For $25 you can restore someone’s vision and let them see their family and friends as we all begin a new year.”
Kylie Minogue worked with the City and Imagination Australia to develop the theme, colour scheme and music for NYE12, and said Embrace was a “wonderfully inclusive theme” that was close to her heart.
“Embrace is all about acceptance, tolerance, fun and, above all, love,” Kylie said.
“In a city of great diversity we come together at New Year’s Eve to embrace the future and celebrate all that we are and the potential that tomorrow holds.
“It’s also about that magical moment at midnight when we throw our arms around the people we love and express our happiness.”
Kylie’s theme is represented by the Embrace icon ─ a swirl of coloured sails in magenta, yellow, purple and red, which is marked with her signature K.
Embrace also has four subthemes: Embrace Love, Embrace Sydney, Embrace the Possibility and Embrace the Moment, which are Kylie’s most important things to hold onto during 2012 Sydney New Year’s Eve.
The Telstra Colour Moments:
10.15pm: The magenta colour moment will represent the Embrace Love subtheme and will be accompanied by a firework shaped like a heart.
11pm: It will be followed by the yellow colour moment, Embrace Sydney, which will see a firework shaped like a sun shimmer over the city.
11.30pm: The Embrace the Possibility colour moment will be accompanied by a butterfly taking flight from Sydney Harbour Bridge and morphing into a purple firework.
11.45pm: The final Embrace the Moment effect will see a huge aquamarine starburst firework light up the night, building anticipation for the 12-minute Midnight Fireworks display.
Apart from the interactive light show, the app will also allow people to ‘Message the Bridge’ by submitting some words, which could be projected onto one of the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons.
Telstra is also offering a free ‘Midnight Messages’ service, during which app users can send up to 50 ‘Happy New Year’ text messages to their family and friends.
App users simply need to upload their messages before 6pm on Monday 31 December, and the texts will be automatically sent at midnight.
To download the NYE12 smartphone app, visit www.sydneynewyearseve.com/app
or search your app store for ‘Sydney New Year’s Eve’.
Apart from the fun, festive Christmas celebrations that are guaranteed to rock Sydney, there are a number of quality festivals on to see out the final month of 2012. If this is anything to go by, Sydney will be in for a fantastic 2013.
Image: Mud Run Sydney website
For Some Family Fun...
Then you're in luck with the Coogee Family Fun Day that kicks off on the 1st of December at Goldstein Reserve at Coogee Beach. Expect an array of 80 different market stalls, yoga classes, a free petting zoo with special appearances from Santa and over five hours of live performances, including the Scooby Doo Ghostology Show. Further information on this event can be found by clicking here.
I am feeling a bit sporty, and in need of a challenge...
The annual Bridge to Bridge Water Ski race from Dangar Island to Windsor spans 112kms along the length of the Hawkesbury River. The qualifying event is on the 1st of December, while the finals are on the 2nd of December. Furthermore, you might have remembered the game of 'stuck in the mud' while at primary school. Let's take that to another level and literally get stuck and run in the mud. If you like TV shows such as Double Dare and It's a Knockout with a knack for adventure, then put on your oldest running shoes and get prepared and get wet and muddy for the annual Mud Run at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park. Known as the best fun you can have with your pants on, and within good reason too. Twists and turns with hill climbs and mud jumping are also included in the program. Of course, the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts on boxing day.
Give me some fast beats at Olympic Park...
Your wish is my command. In addition to Homebake, Bass Control is on yet again. Hard core dance for a new generation of dancers, and is guaranteed to break a sweat. Outdoor rides, promo girls, market stalls and chill out areas are also provided.
Can I buy some crafts for Christmas?
With the Hornsby Craft Fair on the 13th of December, you most certainly can. Special baby clothes, toys and gifts are available to purchase. The organisers promise that the items on sale here cannot be purchased in any shopping centre. Held quarterly at the Hornsby RSL.
What about that major Christmas Carols event in the city?
Oh yes, the Carols in the Domain is on yet again. A variety of musical entertainment will be on for the whole family. Arrive as early as you can. Why? The Domain gets crowded really quickly at this popular annual event. Showbags are only around $10 containing over $100 worth of groceries. A great way to get into the Christmas spirit and help charities such as The Salvation Army simultaneously.
Furthermore, there will be a number of other Christmas and New Years Eve events on to see out the last month of 2012 in Sydney as well. Another top suburban Christmas event is the Carols at Burwood Park. This article has been designed for adults in mind for many of these festivals. For assistance in sourcing out a number of kid friendly events, you're more than welcome to click here to read and discover more. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Sydney.
Metro Hotel on Pitt, in the heart of Sydney's CBD, is offering a very Merry Sydney Christmas package to visitors who find themselves in transit on Christmas Day.
The package costs $250 and includes one night's accommodation for two in a Superior Deluxe Queen room, Christmas lunch or dinner for two people at Paradiso Restaurant (2 course), breakfast for two and free internet.
The total saving is $116. Offer valid for December 24 and 25, 2012, and subject to availability.
Details: 1800 004 321 or www.metrohotels.com.au.
CAIRNS
The 4.5-star Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is marking the start of summer with rates for locals from $139 per room per night.
It includes one night accommodation for two adults and two children, and a buffet breakfast.
An upgrade to a pool view room is also part of the rate, subject to availability, as well as late checkout at midday and a 10 per cent discount off all food and beverage purchased at the resort.
The offer is valid until March 31; terms and conditions apply.
Details: (07) 4080 1888 or www.novotelcairnsresort.com.au.
TASMANIA
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania is offering a Gourmet Escape package this summer.
It includes accommodation in a Pencil Pine Cabin, breakfast daily for two people, a three-course dinner for two, and a wine and cheese tasting session on one night.
Prices start from $392 per couple per night and is valid until March 31, 2013. Subject to availability, and block-out dates and minimum night stays apply.
Details: www.peppers.com.au.
EUROPE
Princess Cruises is offering a discounted fare when travelling onboard Dawn Princess's 37-day cruise from Rome to Sydney.
The voyage takes in the Western Mediterranean and Asia, including visits to a range of UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Petra and Malta, as well as the option of an overland shore excursion to the Taj Mahal in India.
Departing Rome on September 4, 2013, prices start from $5999 per person twin share.
Details: 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com.
THAILAND
Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui has a three night Christmas package starting at $680 (conditions apply).
The package is for between December 22-26, 2012, and includes accommodation in a deluxe room, daily breakfast, return airport transfers, a 20 per cent discount on treatments at the hotel's Breeze Spa, and a 15 per cent discount voucher off any of the resort's restaurants.
Sydney, the best things in life can be for free. It does not take much in order to enjoy yourself in this dynamic city. Sometimes it all depends on the timing. There is beauty and joy in these activities. These free activities are designed to also make you feel good.
1. Pitt Street Mall
Free kids entertainment at Pitt Street Mall
The free hugs parade is alive, and if you love street music the very best is available here. A large gathering usually comes around in the middle of a sunny day, otherwise on a Thursday night right outside Westfield Sydney under the bridge connecting both ends. Some of the funky bands come all the way from America to perform. When you see a large circle around some musical performances next time round, you need to check it out. Pitt Street Mall is also home to some dress ups for the kids occasionally as well. Think Sunday afternoons for the latter.
2. Darling Harbour/Darling Quarter
Darling Harbour at night
With the newest addition, Darling Quarter, this area has never been a cooler place to hang out. Great for family picnics with an abundance of swings for the kids. The table tennis play area is also a hit. Otherwise, Darling Harbour is home to many free events including fireworks, sporting and other musical events. Free salsa lessons are occasionally available on Sunday nights at Hard Rock Cafe.
3. Circular Quay
Glimpses of Circular Quay
Home to free street theatre, and is the spotlight of the annual Vivid Sydney festival. The best vantage points along Sydney Harbour is at this spot. Think the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge with water views.
4. Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens
Fantastic gardens and an abundance of greenery. Great for picnics, running and walking. Excellent views of Sydney Harbour are enjoyed. A great walking trail from here to Woolloomooloo makes way for an enjoyable, lengthy walk.
5. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge
For locals and visitors to Sydney alike, it is something that needs to be tried at least once.
6. Hyde Park
Sydney's Hyde Park at night
Plenty of action on this end of the city. The annual Art and About event is held here with some free paintings and other artistic displays to enjoy. You can also play chess and enjoy the waterfall area.
7. Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Art Gallery of New South Wales
For many people, looking at a combination of ancient and modern art paves the way for enjoyment and calm. A lot of history and charm is in this place. Many of the exhibits can be viewed for free.
A handful of the best free activities in Sydney. Feel free to leave any comments if you happen to come across any others for all of us to enjoy.
They probably also know a bunch of tips for avoiding it. But for everyone else -- folks who end up taking just one or two business trips a year, for example -- might benefit from knowing great ways to beat The Lag.
Recently, Secrets from the Yumiverse rounded up nine useful tips and packed them into an infographic.
Here are the best of the best -- read the original article for all nine.
Adjust your sleep cycle. For at least a few days before your trip, adjust your sleep hours. If you're headed west, wake up and go to bed one hour later.
If you're going east, make it one hour earlier.
Eat right. On the day of the flight, eat a light and healthy meal. Most importantly, be well hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
Live the new time zone.
On the day of the flight, set your watch to the destination's time zone and try to start acting accordingly right away -- don't wait for the plane to land at the final destination.
Equip yourself for sleep. If you need to sleep on the plane to adjust to the new cycle, bring a sleep mask, ear plugs, and pillow. Alternately, if you need to stay awake, get up and walk around the cabin as much as you can.
You can also eat a lot of protein (like nuts).
Stay outdoors to stay awake. If you arrive at your destination in daylight but your body craves sleep, stay outdoors and get as much sunlight as you can. This will help you stay awake until evening when you can go to sleep and get on the right cycle.
No word on whether taking off your shoes and "making fists with your toes" -- Bruce Willis's advice from "Die Hard" -- actually works.
