Now that we’re in December, Sydneysiders are no doubt scrambling to lock in those perfect NYE plans, and with so many options available around the famed Harbour City, one is definitely going to need some help sorting through all that’s on offer. Pretty much every venue around Sydney will be trying to coax you through their doors and into their ticketed event, but not all NYE parties are made equal. Because we’re a helpful bunch we’ve sifted through a shortlist of our favourite New Year’s Eve events around Sydney for the 2015/2016 period, trimming that down even more to present you this list of traditional events, new parties, and more.
NYE Party at The House (Circular Quay)
Set along the western boardwalk of the upper concourse of Sydney Opera House, the famed Party at The House will unsurprisingly be the ultimate spot for New Years Eve. This year the event will once again be handled by ARIA Catering with music from L’Tric and drinks from the likes of Piper Heidsieck and Robert Oatley’s Signature Series Wines. Tickets are a cool $595 per person but include all drinks and food. Doors from 7:30pm.
Bookings: www.nyepartyatthehouse.com
Pier One Sydney Harbour (Walsh Bay)
The closer to the bridge, the higher the price, and you can’t get much closer than Pier One Sydney Harbour. The opulent hotel is a stone’s throw away from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and it’s their stunning location which will be home to a marquee for a front row “Pose Party”. The venue is hosting a loft-styled party with a gourmet feasting station, complimentary drinks, DJs, and live entertainment. Tickets to the party will set you back $499 each.
Alternatively, Pier One will also be flaunting their massive NYE Dinner spectacular, which they have titled “Winter Wonderland”, for $699 per person. It’s pricey, but you’ll be treated to a five course menu, a champagne tower, complimentary beverages all night, a fresh seafood station, and live acoustic performances.
Bookings (for both events): https://www.pieronesydneyharbour.com.au/whats-on/
Address: 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
The Greens (North Sydney)
This lush North Sydney hotspot will be hosting a “Bohemian Circus” party on NYE 2015, filling the final hours of the year with a blend of music, circus performers, and a silent disco, located above the harbour with great views of the fireworks. Entertainment will be provided by Elektra, The Swinging Gypsies, and The Blue Brass Band. The party is also kid friendly, providing a jumping castle and interactive performers all night. Three different packages are available for the party:
“All Night Long” – 6pm to late – includes glass of Veuve or Corona on arrival, three course seafood grazing table, late night BBQ, silent disco and harbour fireworks show ($190pp)
“Bring the Family” (2 kids, 2 adults) – 6pm to 9:30pm – includes glass of Veuve or Corona on arrival for the adults, three course seafood grazing table for the family, and access to the Kid Zone for the 9pm harbour fireworks show ($350).
“The Late Show” – 9:30pm to late – includes glass of Veuve or Corona on arrival, late night BBQ, silent disco, and 12am harbour fireworks show ($155pp).
Bookings: 02 9245 3099 or thegreensnorthsydney.com.au
Address: 50 Ridge Street, North Sydney
The Glenmore (The Rocks)
The Glenmore’s famous rooftop will be your vantage point at this party, continuing the famous pub’s reputation for one of the areas most popular NYE parties. Live entertainment will come from Scotty Sax Trio while those attending will enjoy three hours of food, drinks, and dance. Nice and simple with that stunning 180 degree view. This one costs $295pp and each ticket includes a three-hour food and drink package with a glass of G.H Mumm Champagne at midnight.
Bookings: 02 9247 4794 or theglenmore.com.au
Address: 96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Automata (Chippendale)
One of the most talked about new restaurants in Sydney has been Clayton Wells’ Automata, and for their first NYE event the team will be hosting a special ten-course dinner for all those who prefer to bring in the new year with flavour. The menu is set at $170pp and guests have the option of an alcohol pairing for $80 per person, or a non-alcoholic pairing for $50.
Bookings: (02) 8277 8555and online at www.automata.com.au.
Manly Wharf Hotel (Manly)
Famed Parisian producer DJ Dimitri will be headlining a party at this waterfront icon, mixing up disco, funk, electro, and house to those that want to spend NYE sweating on the dancefloor before they toast to Sydney Harbour’s fireworks display. This one is a good option for those not willing to fork out hundreds of dollars for a ticket but still have access to one of the best perspectives of Sydney Harbour in the area. $50 will nab you entry to this one and it lasts from 6pm to 2am.
Bookings: 02 9977 1266 or manlywharfhotel.com.au
Address: E Esplanade, Manly
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel (Watson’s Bay)
Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is still luring people out on ferry to their large slice of the area, which is amongst the most jaw-dropping seaside super venues one can find in Sydney. They have been killing it this year, and to cap 2015 off the team will be hosting a party headlined by production duo Fear of Dawn (featuring Boswell), with more tunes coming from the likes of Ariane, Kato, Mo’ Funk, and Johnny Powell. Transport options are available of course, because let’s face it, most of us don’t like in Watson’s Bay. GA tickets are $79 to $199pp and VIP tickets are $219 to $275pp (the most expensive ticket includes a VIP dinner).
Bookings: http://events.watsonsbayhotel.com.au/nye/
Address: 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay
Opera Bar (Circular Quay)
Of course, Opera Bar is always going to be one of the top spots for NYE, putting up a highly sought-after party as they do year after year. For 2015-16, the team behind this sparkling harbour-side hub will once again be molding Opera Bar’s 13th NYE party celebrations off of a classic beach party, encouraging attendees to rock up in their best beach outfit to blend in with the palm trees and breezy entertainment from the likes of Furnace & The Fundamentals, Alphamama, and DJ Natural Selector. To party kicks off at 6pm and lasts until 3am, with tickets set at $390pp (+ bf). Tickets include VIP entry to Sydney Opera House, live entertainment, and a 5-hour canape package (soft tacos, corn on the cob, and more). Drinks are not included in the ticket price.
Bookings: (02) 9247 1666
Address: Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House
Cargo Bar (King Street Wharf)
The famously long-running Cargo Bar will once again be drawing upon some of Australia’s most reliable party starters to help usher in 2016 for their guests. The full venue will be packed with beats from the likes of Yahtzel, Basenji, Elk Road, Nicky Night Time, Porsches, Beni, and more. GA is from $45 and an all-inclusive drinks package is available from $99.
Bookings: iwannaticket.com.au
Address: 52-60 THE Promenade, Sydney
Marquee Sydney (Pyrmont)
If you like your nightclub scenes big and ambitious then it’s hard to look past The Star’s nightclub. Unsurprisingly, they’ll be going all-out with one of their biggest parties of the year, headlined by chart-topping DJ Dash Berlin, his first appearance at the famed club.
Bookings: http://www.marqueesydney.com/events/nye2015/
Address: The Star, Sydney
Fort Denison (Sydney Harbour)
One of Sydney’s most popular islands will be using their impeccable location to host a lavish event featuring French champagne all evening alongside a curated list of wine and imported beers, served up with savoury canapes on arrival and a 5-course dinner. Dessert will be a huge Regional Australian and European Artisan cheese selection. Live entertainment will be spread throughout the night, and of course, you’ll have that priceless view. Tickets include transport to and from Fort Denison and are set at a cool $1000pp.
Bookings: 9361 5208
Address: Fort Dension, Sydney Harbour
Pirrama Park Wharf (Pyrmont)
from 5pm to 1am as 2015 turns into 2016, Pyrmont’s best vantage point, Pirrama Park, will be the scene of a limited capacity ticketed event, with food packages available from Blue Eye Dragon and Gourmandise De Paris. Long tables, deck chairs, and prime park space will be reserved for those in attendance, providing some comfortable spots from which to view both the 9pm and 12am fireworks. There will be a cash bar on site, an ice cream cart, and VIP toilet amenities. More info can be found at www.facebook.com/PyrmontFestivalofWineFoodArt
Clark Island (Sydney Harbour)
Head to the picturesque Clark Island and you’ll enter a garden paradise as soon as you stop off that ferry to indulge in gourmet picnic hampers and cocktails. Fresh garden produce will feature on the menu, and Sydney band Castlecomer have come on board to provide the tunes as the sun sets. A line-up of DJs will soundtrack the rest of the night. The first ferry to Clark Island will leave at 6pm, with the meeting point set in front of the AMP building in Circular Quay (at least 30 mins before ferry departs). Tickets are $375pp for adults, $225pp for children (5-15yrs), and free for kids under 5. Transport, transfers, arrival cocktail, and all food are included with each ticket.
Bookings: http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/new-years-eve-clark-island-garden-party/79711
Address: Clark Island, Sydney Harbour National Park
Shark Island (Sydney Harbour)
The “Shark Island Fiesta” will return this year, bringing with them the super reliable Midnight Juggernauts for a headlining DJ set, soundtracking that spectacular scene with support from Recess DJs. One of our favourite Darlinghurst bars, Playa Takeria will be on hand to provide Mexican eats with their pop-up Shark Island taqueira; tacos and burritos galore. There will be a cash bar on site with card facilities available at all bar and food outlets. The first ferry leaves at 6:15pm and the meeting point is Lyne Park (near Rose Bay Wharf) at least 30 minutes before ferry departs. Tickets are $225pp adult, $160pp for children (5-15yrs), free for kids under 5. Transport and transfers included in ticket cost.
Bookings: http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/new-years-eve-shark-island-fiesta/79626
Address: Shark Island, Sydney Harbour
Plan B (formerly Goodgod) “The Rhythm of the Night” NYE Party (CBD)
We now know that Goodgod will cease to exist at the end of this year, transforming in ownership and name as it becomes Plan B (still operating similarly, even with the great Belly Bao staying on). That means the events this month are your last chance to farewell what has been one of the best club brands in Sydney since 2009. One of those last chances is the NYE 90’s dance party “The Rhythm of the Night” with an all-star line-up of Levins, Ariane, G Coo, Matka, Tulett, Beni, and Flexmami. Bringing in 2016 with the macarena will be the best thing you have done all year.
Bookings: http://www.goodgodgoodgod.com/events/the-rhythm-of-the-night-90s-dance-nye/
Address: 55 Liverpool St, Chinatown
Ivy Pool Club (CBD)
Merivale’s renowned Pool Club will be hosting a stylish NYE bash as they fill the gorgeous space with Moët for their “Gold NYE Party”. A flute of Moët & Chandon Imperial will be provided on arrival with every ticket (from $70 + bf) and premium VIP booths will be available for bookings. DJs for the night include Rachel Phillips, Ian Drabble, and Alex Mac. Tickets will give access only to the Pool Club and are $70-$80.
Bookings: [email protected] or 02 9254 8088
Address: 320-330 George St, Sydney
Bondi Icerbergs Club (Bondi)
This beach-side icon have brought back their famous NYE party, making full use of the stunning venue with a straight-forward, no-fuss night of good music, good food, and good drink. Sydney band Big Toy are leading the live music line-up, accessible with each ticket alongside canapes throughout the night, and four-drink voucher valid for all tap beer and house wines. Tickets to this one cost $150pp and the party kicks off at 7:30pm.
Bookings: https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/nye-2015-at-bondi-icebergs
Address: 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach
Taronga Zoo (Mosman)
Sydney’s Taronga Zoo just happens to have one of the best views of any zoo in the world, with views that overlook the harbour bridge clearly, giving the perfect vantage point for the fireworks. There are two packages available for their NYE celebrations; the first, a “Restaurant Associates” night of 1920’s cabaret glamour with a five-course menu. The second package is a speakeasy-themed cocktail party with “roaring fun and wild music”.
Return coach transfers to the Taronga Centre from Central Sydney, Manly, and North Sydney are available for purchased with all event tickets.
More info and bookings: http://www.sydney.com/events/taronga-centre-new-years-eve-events
Coogee Rooftop (Coogee)
Merivale’s lush Coogee Rooftop will be throwing a big NYE bash with Ian Drabble, Brynstar, Rob K, The Owl, Alex Mac, and Nat Taubman taking the decks. Cover charge will be set at $20 after 5pm, giving you unrivalled access to one of the city’s best shoreline views.
Address: 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
Papi Chulo (Manly)
This waterfront smokehouse will be offering a set sharing menu and a complimentary flute of Ruinart blanc de blanc on arrival for their NYE party. The team behind this picture-perfect restaurant have prepared a huge array of smoked meat and juicy seafood for you to bring in the new year with. Places are $150pp.
Bookings: merivale.com.au/papichulo
Address: 22-23 Manly Wharf, Manly
Est. (CBD)
Merivale’s award-winning hatted restaurant will be the spot for those seeking to bring in the new year with a little fine dining experience. They know how to make things feel truly special at est. so their planned three-course menu with complimentary champagne on arrival shouldn’t be overlooked when thinking of the more delicious side of NYE. The menu is set at $195pp.
Bookings: merivale.com.au/est
Address: Level 1, 252 George Street, Sydney
The Butler (Potts Point)
Charming Potts Point bar The Butler will be hosting a party that features a three-course menu with petit fours, and a glass of champagne on arrival. The mega popular bar will be offering a menu of shared entrees that includes scallop ceviche, poached ocean trout, and oxtail and veal terrine with toasts. Mains includes pain-fried kingfish, roast lamb rack, and grilled beef tenderloin. A selection of petit fours will be served for dessert including chocolate truffles, Turkish delight, and Kahlua marshmallows. The whole thing will set you back $200pp
Bookings: (02) 8354 0742
Address: 123 Victoria Street, Potts Point
The Botanist (Milsons Point)
The Botanist is pretty much at the foot of Sydney Harbour Bridge, just as soon as you spill out of Milsons Point Station. The leafy underground small bar will be hosting a 50’s Hollywood themed party this year for NYE, circulating a range of drinks and food like crab and speck croquettes, roast pork belly with pineapple, fennel and black quinoa, and roast NZ lamb rack with Dijon and pepper letcho. Tickets will be set at $120pp and include a glass of bubbly on arrival.
Bookings: (02) 9954 4057
Address: 17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli
The Ternary (Darling Harbour)
The Ternary at Novotel Darling Harbour offers some pretty spectacular views of Darling Harbour with it’s massive glass windows and open-plan space. They’ll be pulling out all stops here with live entertainment, a flute of Moet & Chandon on arrival, and a globe-trotting six-course tasting menu with matching beverages. The whole thing is $279 per person (includes 6 courses and a three-hour premium beverage package) and $70 per child (six help yourself savoury dishes and a dessert table).
Bookings: (02) 9934 0000
Address: 100 Murray St, Pyrmont
The Argyle (The Rocks)
Of course one of the most renowned party destinations in Sydney will be, once again, hosting the ideal NYE party for those who want to go all-out with a huge list of resident DJs, roaming performers, and that unbeatable courtyard atmosphere the venue has become famous for. Guests can grab a free pass out at midnight to watch the fireworks from Sydney’s sparkling harbour-side. With two floors and five bars, this is a sure-shot if you like your NYE parties big. First release tickets are $60, with second release shooting to $70, and third release set at $80.
Bookings: www.theargylerocks.com/
Address: 18 Argyle St, The Rocks
The Morrison (CBD)
One of the most endearing party lords of Sydney, DJ Kato, will be headlining The Morrison’s NYE bash which comes with two package offerings, both $99. The first, The Conservatory Package, will be a three-course dinner and a flute of champagne on arrival, with two seatings: 5:30pm and 9pm. The second package takes place in The Main Bar and includes 3 hours of free-flowing drinks, and a canape package from 7-10pm with cocktail specials extending well into the night.
Bookings: http://themorrison.com.au
Address: 225 George St, Sydney
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