Tents were pitched and picnic rugs were laid before the Wollongong New Year’s Eve party had even begun on Monday.
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One group started setting up as early as 6.30am to ensure they had a prime location.
Most families arrived around 5pm to ring in the New Year and reserve their spot to watch fireworks erupt over Wollongong Harbour.
The rain did not deter early birds or dampen their spirits, with many weathering the light showers.
Wollongong City Council’s New Year’s Eve event kicked off at 5pm and had a circus theme. Thousands of people sang the song ‘This is Me’ during the Greatest Harbour Sing at 8pm.
Revellers were entertained by live music, roaming circus performers and amusement rides and fire breathers. Fireworks capped off a great night.
For the fourth year in a row Wollongong’s Bardevski and Sydney’s Donoghue families came to Belmore Basin equipped with party attire.
“We love watching the fireworks erupt directly opposite us and it is great being so close,” Vanessa Donoghue said.
“We came early to stake out a good spot. The event has a relaxed atmosphere and we love that it is family friendly,” Pat Bardevski said.
“The kids have enjoyed the playground, writing a New Year’s resolution on the wishing tree and seeing the circus-themed performers,” Ms Donoghue said.
Seven-year-old Harvey Donoghue said he loved watching the fireworks in the past and was excited to see the different colours.
The families believed Wollongong was the perfect spot to celebrate the New Year because there were less crowds than in Sydney.
Campbelltown’s Alice Griffin travelled to meet up with her friends who had pitched their tent on the beach at 6.30am.
The group had ‘Happy New Year’ balloons, party poppers, food and a barbecue.
“We have been listening to music and had a swim in the water, even though it was cold, to pass the time,” she said. “We got a good spot down on the beach that is away from the crowds so we can chill out and have our own party.”
Many families travelled down from south-west Sydney to enjoy the event.
Camden’s Jeff Yao and his family along with three other families arrived at 2pm.
“The kids enjoyed themselves and were so excited for the fireworks,” he said. “We have spent the day talking, enjoying our picnic food and the kids had a good time playing on the beach.”
Figtree’s Nick and Maria Halakatevakis have been bringing their two daughters to the New Year’s Eve event on and off for 10 years.
“The kids see their friends and get to have a grown-up night out,” she said.
