There’s no doubt that New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest nights of the year. It’s a time to celebrate the fact that you made through another year (woohoo!) and get ready for a fresh start. But if you ask me, it can also be one of the most stressful nights of the year. Who are you going to spend it with? What are you going to do? And most importantly, will there be food? Sometimes, it all becomes too daunting and we leave planning anything to the very last minute. But often, that leaves us sitting on the lounge watching the fireworks on TV with our cat, experiencing serious FOMO as we scroll through our Facebook feeds. But if you haven’t planned anything yet, don’t stress. No matter where you live in Australia, there are plenty of fun, last minute things to do on NYE that won’t break the bank. Whether you want to watch the fireworks, dance the night away or keep it low key, we’ve got you sorted with our top picks.
Sydney
NYE at Coogee Bay Hotel
Head to this free event at the Coogee Bay Hotel for some beachside beats and to catch the 9 pm fireworks. International DJs Bag Raiders will be spinning tracks, as well as plenty of up-and-comers.
Find out more here.
Blackwattle Bay Park
Want to watch the spectacular Sydney fireworks but don’t feel like being shoved around by crowds? You won’t be able to see the Harbour Bridge from this Glebe vantage point, but you will be able to actually get a spot to watch the dazzling pyrotechnics! A pretty good trade-off, we think.
Find out more here.
Melbourne
Yarra Park
Like Sydney, Melbourne gets crazy on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, unless you live in a high-rise city apartment (we wish!) finding a good spot to watch the midnight fireworks is mission impossible. However, the festivities and 9.30 fireworks at Yarra Park are a lot more bearable!
Find out more here.
‘For The Love Of Gold’ Party At The Curtin
On NYE, this historic pub will transform into a multi-level club. DJS will pump disco and funk tunes all night, making it the perfect place to go if you don’t feel like braving the crowds for the fireworks.
Find out more here.
Brisbane
Portside Wharf
Lucky Brisbanites! The city boasts a phenomenal fireworks display, but the crowds aren’t quite as huge as Melbourne or Sydney. The riverside precinct of Portside Wharf is one of the best places to catch either the 8.30 or midnight fireworks.
Find out more here.
Brewhouse Brisbane Garden Party
Want your New Year’s Eve to involve champagne and oysters? Then head down to the Garden Party at the Brisbane Brewhouse. Entry will cost you $45, but you’ll get 6 tapas plates, access to the champagne bar and a batch of their ‘New Year’s Lager.’
Find out more here.
Perth
Rottnest Island
Not only is Rottnest Island an amazing spot for a day trip, it’s also a great place to spend your NYE! There will be a food village, DJS, a silent disco and even a 9 pm fireworks show. It’ll cost you $55 for the return trip from Perth and the last ferry leaves at 12.40 am.
Find out more here.
‘Escape to the Jungle’ Party
Want an excuse to rock a costume this NYE? Then pull out your finest animal print and head to the Escape To The Jungle party at Library Nightclub in Northbridge! You can buy a $20 pre-sale ticket or pay $25 on the door.
Find out more here.
Adelaide
Elder Park
Fireworks, food and DJS — this free event has it all! The festivities will kick off at 6 pm and there will be two fireworks shows, at 9 pm and midnight.
Find out more here.
90s Rn’B Party at The Stag Hotel
Is there a better way to ring in the new year than with 90s Rn’B? We don’t think so. This NYE party at The Stag Hotel will set you back $99, but you’ll get unlimited drinks, canapes and 5 hours of old school beats. Alternatively, you can pay $49 and buy your own drinks at the bar.
Find out more here.
Darwin
Darwin Waterfront
Darwin is home to one of the most underrated waterfronts in Australia, if you ask me. This also happens to be where they have their NYE fireworks (at 9 pm and midnight). There’s also a free outdoor concert, so it’s the perfect place to bring some snacks and roll out a picnic rug!
Illumination NYE party
Want to dance your a** off and watch the fireworks on NYE? Then you can’t go wrong with the ‘Illumination’ party at SKYCITY Darwin. Sydney DJ Duo The Faders will be headlining the evening and you’ll be able to catch the midnight fireworks over the gorgeous Mindil Beach.
Find out more here.
Canberra
Civic Square
One of the best places to watch the show-stopping fireworks in Canberra is undoubtedly Civic Square. There’s also a free concert with acts like The Potbelleez to keep you entertained while you wait for the midnight fireworks.
Find out more here.
Bass In The Place
Whether you’re into hip-hop, Rn’B, dance or mash-ups, we guarantee you’ll have an awesome NYE at Bass In The Place. Best of all, the event at Garema Place is totally free. It’s an alcohol-free event, so it is a great choice if you’re trying to avoid booze this New Year’s.
Find out more here.
Hobart
The Taste of Tasmania Festival
Whether you’re spending this NYE with friends, family or your partner, this waterfront festival is a great option. You’ll be able to sample some of the best food, art and culture Tassie has to offer and have an amazing view of the midnight fireworks.
Find out more here.
Mount Nelson Lookout
Looking for a place to watch the fireworks without dealing with the crowds? This lookout point is just a 10-minute drive from Hobart and has spectacular panoramic views. Take a picnic for the ultimate low-key New Year’s Eve.
Find out more here.
Don’t feel like heading into the city? Here are some chilled-out NYE ideas you can do anywhere in Australia.
Get into nature
If you really can’t be bothered dealing with people (other than the ones you’re with) this NYE, camping is an awesome option. It’s also the cheapest way to go on a holiday! There are so many beautiful spots to camp all around Australia but be warned, most powered spots do get very busy at this time of year. For some hidden gems, check out this article.
Host a dinner party
Some of my most memorable NYEs have involved going absolutely nowhere. If you’re with the right people, all you need is food, some tunes and possibly a few cocktails to have a great time! For some tips on hosting a stress-free dinner party, read this.
Go to a music festival
Keen on the camping idea but want to add a bit more excitement to your NYE? It’s not to late to grab tickets to some of Australia’s many New Year’s festivals. There’s Beyond The Valley in Victoria and Origin NYE in Perth. You’ll want to get in quick though — they’re sure to sell out very soon.
