Spending new years eve in New York is one of the most quintessential experiences any Australian can experience when travelling to America.
Seeing the Waterford Crystal encrusted ball drop in Times Square to ring in the new year is something that most Australians have seen on TV at least once in their lives and taking the chance to see it in person is something that, should you have the patience to deal with crowds, should be done once.
There are few things to remember for Australians when wanting to experience a truly New York new years eve:

• It is cold, very very cold in late December in New York, where sub zero temperatures are common; so remember to wear layers (our personal recommendation is to ensure you have a gortex outer layer with numerous layers underneath)
• It is very very busy, not just on the day and night of new years eve but in the week leading up to it from Christmas (it can take up to 10 minutes to walk 1 block in Times Square {and that's just the days leading up to New Year's Eve}).
  
• Get in early, viewing areas begin to fill rapidly from 6pm, and if you can get a spot before hand without being moved on by the NYPD that is even better.
  
• As in Australia, things cost a lot more around Christmas and new year so be prepared to pay a premium for something special.
  
• If you are looking for a comfortable experience, why not consider booking a local restaurant or hotel to view the fireworks and New Year's Eve ball drop...
  but be prepared to pay a premium.
  

Some important tips for attending NYE in Times Square:

1. The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball drops at the top of One Times Square
2. The best viewing locations for the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square are: Anywhere along Broadway between 43rd Street up to 50th Street, and, along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street.
   
3. Arrive early, the Times Square authority recommends arriving from 6pm on NYE, however there is no guarantee that arriving early will guarantee a viewing location.
   It is important to note that if you arrive before the NYPD have set up dedicated viewing areas may be asked to move on.
   
4. Once the NYPD has set up the viewing areas access to Times Square is restricted to authorised access points.
   
5. There are no portable toilets available within Times Square, and most hotels and restaurants will only allow current guests or people with reservations use their facilities
6. Beware of Multiple Venue / All Inclusive / All Access offers from local companies, what they are selling is not possible as all of the public viewing areas are on a first come first serve basis and there is no cost involved.
   

Above all else spending New Year's Eve in Times Square is something you will remember for the rest of your life so be sure to enjoy it, and you will have a lifetime of memories to share with family and friends back home in Australia.