New Year’s Eve, it’s a tricky one, isn’t it? You don’t want to go into the city and war with the maddening crowds funnelling in and out, fighting for a place at the bar or a good spot from which to see the fireworks, before packing into severely overcrowded public transport, and returning home with little more than a list of frustrations.
Well, we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, our fair land has some of the best New Year’s Eve entertainment you could ever hope to enjoy, with everything from festivals and parties, to gigs and club nights on the agenda. Judging by what we’ve got below, there’s something to suit absolutely anyone.
To that end, we’ve compiled what we reckon are the best New Year’s Eve destinations this December 31st. With quality events like this, there’s no reason to go spending egregious amounts of money on overpriced booze and feeling like a sardine stuck in a tin can on your way home.
Beyond The Valley Festival
Where? Phillip Island, Vic
When? 30th Dec- 1st Jan
If you’re on the East Coast (or even if you’re not!) and looking for some incredible New Year’s Eve entertainment, how do you look past Beyond The Valley? The inaugural camping and glamping festival descends on Phillip Island this New Year’s holiday and is set to rock with a diverse local and international lineup featuring, Danny Brown, AlunaGeorge, Bag Raiders, Golden Features, Nina Las Vegas, Peking Duk, Pond, Rüfüs, and many more. And if you haven’t checked out their VIP luxury camping options yet, prepare to be amazed.
Tickets & Info: $314, www.beyondthevalley.com.au
Falls Festival Marion Bay
Where? Marion Bay, SE Tas
When? 29th Dec – 1st Jan
Was there really any alternative? Boasting one of the most respected reputations in the Australian festival scene, Falls Festival’s recent expansion to Marion Bay is sure to delight any Tasmanian punter on New Year’s Eve. With an incredible lineup rife with international heavyweights and local favourites, including Alt-J, The Black Lips, Bluejuice, Cold War Kids, Cloud Control, DMA’s, Glass Animals, Joey Bada$$, and many more, Falls Marion Bay 2014/15 is the definition of the hottest ticket in town.
Tickets & Info: $215- $349 www.marionbay.fallsfestival.com.au
Diddy’s NYE At GOODGOD
Where? Goodgod Small Club, 53-55 Liverpool St. Chinatown, Syd
When? 9pm, December 31st
Hot on the heels of last year’s NYE prom comes another stupidly fun NYE celebration from the operators of one of Sydney’s most beloved venues. This time, the organisers have taken inspiration from the grandmaster of parties, Diddy. Inspired by the rapper’s famous ‘White Parties’, Levins and Shantan are donning their white tuxes and delivering two rooms of non-stop rap and R&B at Goodgod. Ring in the new year the Bad Boy way with the Puffy Room in the front bar churning out classics and the Diddy Room in the back soundtracking bottle-pops with all the latest rap hits.
Tickets & Info: $20 + b/f, facebook.com
Northeast Party House
Where? Ding Dong, 18 Market Ln, Melbourne
When? 8pm, December 31st
Fresh from selling out four consecutive nights in Melbourne in September, Northeast Party House have teamed up with Tone Deaf and Black Night Crash to hold the ultimate New Years Eve party at Ding Dong. Supported by Singles and a host of superstar DJs, including the boys from Black Night Crash, Ding Dong will be the place to be for anybody looking to start 2015 with a bang, and then the ultimate hangover. Early bird tickets are on sale now and will run you a very reasonable $27, so act fast and save over at the Ding Dong Lounge website.
Entry & Info: $27, www.dingdonglounge.com.au
Ultraviolet Foam Party
Where? The Brightside, 27 Warner St, Brisbane
When? 6pm, December 31st
This New Years Eve, The Brightside in Brisbane is set to throw the “messiest, loudest, biggest, loosest, and most pleasurable party-monster the Valley has ever seen”. Don’t believe them? Thriller is coming back to The Brightside for a massive one-off party to help local punters ring in 2015 the only way they know how, by turning everything from the music, to the entertainment up to 11. Case in point: this evening will not only see the return of the UV MEGA Party, but will see the introduction of their first ever foam party!
Tickets & Info: $35, facebook.com
{SKY HIGH} NYE With Fatima & Alexander Nut
Where? Rooftop Movies, 68 Roe St, Perth
When? 7pm, December 31st
Following the sold-out success of last year’s NYE spectacular on top of Freo’s old Myer building, this year Sky High NYE has joined forces with the legends at the Northbridge Rooftop Movies to welcome punters back up to the roof for another soulful knees-up under the stars. Together they will be presenting a united rooftop dance floor high above the city and far from the maddening crowds, featuring live music and festive selections on a cool summer breeze. The lineup includes appearances from Fatima, Alexander Nut, and more.
Entry & Info: $40, www.facebook.com & www.rooftopmovies.com.au
NYE On The Harbour
Where? Cargo Full Venue, King St. Wharf, Sydney
When? 7:30pm, December 31st
The party-loving crew at Falcona have yet again have teamed up with the legends at Cargo Bar to give you this season’s best New Years Eve Party. Right in the heart of iconic Sydney Harbour, exactly where everyone yearns to be on New Years Eve, NYE on the Harbour is no doubt the number one way to bring in 2015! Having already announced the impressive first round line up which includes Hermitude, Yolanda be Cool, Hayden James and Crooked Colours. Recent additions to the line up include The Aston Shuffle, Young Franco, Mickey Kojak, I OH You DJ’s, Keep it Simple DJ’s, Bronx Mickey D, and Falcona DJ’s.
Entry & Info: $99-180, cargonye.com
Origin NYE
Where? Wellington Square, Perth
When? 5pm, December 31st
When it comes to New Year’s Eve parties in Western Australia, they don’t get much bigger than Origin NYE. Featuring a lineup heavy on international megastars like AlunaGeorge, Baauer, Cashmere Cat, Danny Brown, Delta Heavy, Dillon Francis, GoldLink, Grandtheft, Hudson Mohawke, and many more, the event is currently looking for a new venue after some trouble with the council, but organisers have assured punters that the show will go on. No doubt, the show will indeed go on and better than ever.
Tickets & Info: $150-199, www.facebook.com
NYE In The West Fest
Where? The Yarraville Club 135 Stephen Street, Yarraville
When? 7pm, December 31st
While Victoria already has a wealth of New Year’s Eve events happening, anybody who’s a fan of good, old-fashioned rock and roll, with maybe a little bit of country and a little bit of blues thrown in, punters at the inaugural NYE In The West Fest will be treated to performances by the likes of Wagons, Graveyard Train, Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk, Maxwell Von Crawdaddy, and more. Things are certain to get hectic with a lineup like this and the whole shebang is going down at the Yarraville Club, away from the maddening city crowds.
Tickets & Info: $33, yarravilleclub.com, trybooking.com
New Years Evie
Where? Bruzzy’s Farm, Tallarook, Vic
When? 31st Dec – 2nd Jan
If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the most unrelenting and hectic time of year, but still be surrounded by uplifting tunes, great food, superb booze, and most importantly, great people, the organisers of New Year’s Evie have got you more than covered. Taking place in a beautiful, tree-filled country environment where the air is fresh and the vibe is sweet, Bruzzy’s Farm in Tallarook, New Year’s Evie boasts a lineup featuring Chela, Civil Civic, Gruntbucket, The Babe Rainbow, and more.
Tickets & Info: $99, www.newyearsevie.com
Icebergs NYD
Where? Icebergs Bar, Bondi Beach, Sydney
When? 1pm, 1st Jan
For those looking to party on Sydney’s scenic beachside on New Year’s Day, Icebergs have got you sorted. Their NYD Party, hosted by Iceberg’s Maurice Terzini and curated by Angus McDonald, one half of Sneaky Sound System, will run you $400 and give you a chance to rub shoulders with the who’s who of Bondi’s party scene, with a yet-to-be-announced lineup that in the past has featured the esteemed likes of Flight Facilities, the late and great Frankie Knuckles, Aeroplane, and The Cuban Brothers.
Tickets & Info: $100, www.icebergs.com.au
