New Year's Eve in Sydney is basically the most famous place and time ever. It's the first thing we in the UK see when the clock counts down from 10 to 1 at midnight, and it is very, very busy.We chilled out in the morning and afternoon as we tried to recover from the effects of yesterday's sunbathing. After supper we stepped out to meet the crowds in Sydney.Our parents had generously booked the four of us a ride on a taxi boat which was to take us out of Darling harbour and sit opposite the famous Sydney harbour bridge to watch the countdown and subsequent fireworks over the bridge and Opera House, which was an amazing show. Lots of ooihng, ahhing and wowing was called for, and the crew aboard the boat kept us all plied with champagne (at their own risk, as no alcohol was to be allowed in the streets of Sydney or aboard the taxi boats). But fair play to them, they kept topping us up and by the end of the night I was positively squiffy!

It's safe to say we had an absolutely brilliant night, but I learned a very valuable lesson about champagne. Steer well clear!