Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens will close its doors at 3pm on New Year’s Eve in preparation for some events its holding offering the best views of what’s hailed as the largest and most complex fireworks display on record.
Botanic Gardens Trust Executive Director Dr Tim Entwisle said the Morshead Gate opposite the State Library will be the only entrance to the Gardens open on New Year’s Eve during the day.
“Usually we close off entry into the Gardens at 8pm. But on New Year’s Eve it’s essential the public is aware of our plans to close off the Gardens at 3pm this year when all visitors will need to leave,” Dr Entwisle said.
“The reason for the closure is to prepare for some spectacular New Year’s Eve events we’re holding at the Gardens. Most are sold out, but tickets for our most prestigious occasion, Midnight at the Oasis are still on sale (details below).
“Ticket holders to the Botanic Gardens events will be able to enter the Gardens in the evening,” he said.
Dr Entwisle said it was encouraging to see patrons to the Gardens New Year’s Eve events last year becoming more conscious about caring for the environment.
“Last year just over 20 tonnes of rubbish was left behind after Botanic Gardens events, a reduction of nearly a third on the previous year,” he said.
“There’ll be plenty of rubbish recycling bins provided on the night this year. The Trust is very keen to be environmentally sustainable wherever and whenever possible. Our New Year’s Eve waste management provider is employed to reduce landfill by increasing recycling and reducing contamination of waste streams.
“Our commitment to being environmentally sustainable includes a goal leading up to the Royal Botanic Gardens bicentenary in 2016 – that is to make the Gardens self-sufficient in water for irrigation and other nonpotable uses,” Dr Entwisle said.
Tickets are on sale now for the Trust’s spectacular New Year’s Eve event Midnight at the Oasis.
Midnight at the Oasis is Sydney’s most stylish New Year’s Eve Party and the Fleet Steps location guarantees an unrivalled view of the fireworks. DJs Lorna Clarkson and Mark Pritchard will have you dancing up a storm in between feasting on a gourmet three-course meal.
When: 6.30pm – 1am
Where: Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Cost: $250 + bf
Bookings: Tickets available from Moshtix http://www.moshtix.com.au/ / ph 1300 (GET TIX) 438 849 or The Botanic Gardens Trust website http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
A Report by The Mole
