IT was sneakily scheduled for a time when most Sydneysiders were safely tucked away in bed.
But the sleepless and those straggling home in the early hours were treated yesterday to a sneak preview of the Harbour Bridge staging a spectacular light show.
The surprise performance, a colourful preview of what Sydney can expect on New Year's Eve, took place at 4am.
Onlookers watched for an hour as the Bridge was bathed in a kaleidoscope of light and became a metallic rainbow.
The structure repeatedly strobed white light across the Harbour before its girders lit up and powerful lights were beamed across the city.
It will be the centrepiece for Sydney's New Year's Eve City of Lights celebrations, which will see more than 1000 lights illuminate 16 landmarks.
Other buildings to get the light treatment include State Parliament, the State Library, the Queen Victoria building, Hyde Park Barracks and Sydney Town Hall.
With hundreds of thousands expected to cram the Harbour foreshore to witness the light show, transport authorities yesterday put out this message – leave home early.
State Transit spokesman Allan Yates said people should leave their cars at home and use public transport as many CBD roads would be closed.
"If you start planning your journey now and leave early on the night, you can avoid the worst of the congestion," Mr Yates said.
"There will be extra services so people can get to and from the city." CityRail passengers will not be able to access Circular Quay station between 8pm and 1am and must travel to Wynyard, St James or Martin Place and walk.
Sydney Buses will offer a special unlimited travel ticket on its buses, costing $6 for adults and $3 for a child/concession.
Sydney Ferries services will stop from mid-afternoon but limited runs will resume from 12.30am at Circular Quay.
After the midnight fireworks, Sydney Buses will leave from Hyde Park, Castlereagh St, Park St and Wynyard stations.
CityRail will operate services until 3am on New Years Day and then limited services until 5am at which time the weekend timetable will operate.
Almost 600,000 people are expected to travel by train on New Years Eve.
Revellers planning to head into the city on NYE can visit the Transport infoline website at http://www.131500.com.au or call 131 500.
