How Sydney is waking up in 2019 after New Year’s Eve party
Revellers have set up at Sydney’s most iconic beaches as they continue to celebrate the first day of 2019. One man boasted that he would kick on until early this afternoon at Bondi. SEE ALL THE PHOTOS.
As Sydney wakes up with a hangover from the city’s New Year’s celebrations last night, some are continuing the party well into the morning.
Exhausted revellers lined the sides of the Central station foyer just before 6am today, sleeping in groups after many stayed awake the whole night.
Meanwhile, droves of bleary-eyed young people were seen waiting for buses at Bondi Beach. Many were missing shirts or shoes after a massive night of celebrations.
More groups of exhausted partygoers mingled with the regular early birds at the iconic beach, chatting merrily on the grass and watching the rising New Year sun.
One man lay on his back with a beer bottle in hand, clearly defeated by a hard night of partying.
A number of wild revellers remain passed out in the sand on the beach, many still wearing hoodies and cargo shorts and some coddling empty wine bottles and beer cans.
Tourists Lodois Gondran, 19, Aletandro Basti, 22, and Zinedine, 19, said that they had been partying through the night.
“We started drinking at like 6 or 7,” Mr Gondran said.
“We came down here to see the sunrise.
“We haven’t even slept yet!”
The three men, who work at a local cinema, said that they plan to be partying well into the day.
“I think we will be drinking until around noon,” Mr Basti said.
Another group of young people were seen blasting loud hardstyle music and dancing near the beach, clearly not ready to end the celebrations this morning.
Some considerate revellers even pitched tents on the Bondi sands in preparation for the big night. Many were still fast asleep at 7.30am.
But for many locals, today marked the start of their New Years resolutions.
Hundreds of panting joggers were running along the Bondi waterfront as early as 6.30am.
Local families were also strolling along the beachfront, soaking up the early New Year sun.
Rose Bay family Elliot and Sophie Greenberg and their infant son Harry said that they had a quiet night.
“We were going to stay at our friends house for the nine o’clock fireworks but the little guy thought otherwise,” Mr Greenberg said.
“My New Years resolution is to drink less!”
French national Matthieu Hansen, 27, said that he and his friends were looking forward to the year ahead.
“We are just going to go to Pyrmont today and see what happens,” he said.
“We didn’t get much sleep last night, I mean look at them!”
His two friends Tristan Bruat, 24, and Melanie Waldorf, 27, were still fast asleep in the sand after a massive night of partying across Sydney.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton said police responded to a number of minor incidents throughout the operation but they were overall pleased with the behaviour from the public.
“New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney are widely regarded as some of the best in the world, so it was great to see Sydneysiders living up to that reputation and acting responsibly,” he said.
“There were minimal reports of alcohol-related violence, which is a true reflection of how well-behaved the crowds were.
“Rain impacted celebrations at some vantage points early in the evening however, it certainly didn’t stop Sydney from bringing in the new year in spectacular fashion.
“For those continuing celebrations into the morning, our officers will maintain a highly-visible presence across the state to ensure all revellers make it home safely.
“Remember that alcohol affects your ability to assess risks and make responsible decisions, so please take care of one another and think about the consequences of your actions.”
Last night, several vantage points around the city were at capacity by midafternoon, as revellers travelled into the city ahead of the 9pm and midnight fireworks displays.
During a police operation, 35 people were arrested and charged with a total of 43 offences, including 21 drug-related incidents.
Six people were charged with affray, while another six were charged with offensive behaviour. Four people were charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest. Two were charged with common assault.
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