It's time to start reflecting on the year that was and finalise those new year resolutions, because 2025 is on the horizon and boy are we (not) ready. Goodbye 2024 – you gave us much to deal with and, while you were great, like all good things, you must come to an end. Whether you're looking to end the year with a bang with fireworks or dance the past 12 months away, or prefer to sit down to a civilised dinner to ring in the new year, we've got you sorted. Below, we've gathered a guide to all the parties and festivities that are happening across Australia to celebrate this New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
NSW
New Year's Eve
Enjoy the world-famous Sydney NYE fireworks with Veuve Cliquot on board LEGACY on the Sydney Harbour. Kick off the evening with the brand’s newly launched RICH cuvée, followed by free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label served from luminous 3L bottles. Book the once-in-a-lifetime experience, here.
Why not get in touch with your cultural side, with the New Year’s Eve Opera Gala, hosted in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall? With a stellar cast lead by Ben Mingay and Katie Stenzel, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy some delightful operatic tones.
Few places are as iconic as Luna Park — not only can you enjoy unlimited rides and live DJs at their New Year's Eve Harbour Party, but you'll also score a front row seat to the fireworks display.
Embrace the outdoors at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. The harbourside venue will be transformed for the occasion with DJ sets by Yolanda Be Cool, Go Freek, Tay G, Allias + Aura, Venuto and more.
Have it all at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, where early birds and families can kick off the night with a dinner booking at 5pm or 5:30pm. After that, diners can ring in the new year from 8pm with an exquisite 4-course menu, and a view of Sydney’s iconic fireworks display from the waterfront of the historic Finger Wharf.
Cosmos Midnight will see in the New Year at Harbord Hotel, plus a sensational lineup of local DJs kicking things off from 5pm. Tickets go for $35, and include a free Belvedere cocktail on arrival.
Take things up a notch at Hacienda, with a breathtaking view of Sydney's harbour, an oversized cheese board spread, roaming canapes, seafood mains, a dessert grazing table, and cocktails. Plus, prepare to dance the night away with DJ's from 8pm - 1am.
For family-friendly fun, New Year's Eve in Parramatta Park returns with fireworks, DJs, rides, foodstalls and, of course, a fireworks. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy the festive activities.
Celebrate the countdown to 2024 with Capella Sydney by dining at Brasserie 1930 and raising a glass to the New year in the historical sandstone precinct.
Indulge bar and grill-style at Poetica, with the freshest produce prepared over charcoal and fire. Pre-order a bottle of Moët Champagne for the evening and you'll be upgraded to a magnum size (1.5 litres, valued at $560).
New Year's Day
Kick off the New Year by the water at Manly Pavillion, with food, drinks and DJs from 2pm until late.
Spend your New year Day by swimming at Camp Cove where later make your way to Watson Bay hotel for drinks and music.
Start your year on a high, by being as physically high as you can in Sydney and climb the Sydney harbour bridge.
Indulge in icy cocktails and a seafood spread, soundtracked by a host of DJs from 12pm, at the iconic North Bondi Fish.
QLD
New Year's Eve
Wildlands Festival is back in Brisbane with headliners Fisher, Ice Spice, Tinashe, and Chase & Status.
Ring in the New Year at Lina Rooftop in South Brisbane, where you'll be treated to an all-inclusive four-hour drink package and roaming canapes to enjoy as you watch the fireworks from the best seat in the city.
If a sit-down dinner is more your style, Yoko will open their doors for a midnight dining session from 9pm, serving a five-course banquet menu, plus a yuzu spritz on arrival and a three-hour beverage package.
Woodford Folk Festival is on at Moreton Bay region, with a programme of music, dance work shops, ceremonies and arts and crafts.
Head to the Burleigh Pavillion, where you can send off 2024 by the ocean with a performance from Set Mo.
New Year's Day
Welcome 2025 with a cruise across the Brisbane river, while you feast on food, cocktails, and a live performance by Mr. Belt & Wezol.
Enjoy the sounds of the summer at Lina's Rooftop Bar.
VIC
New Year's Eve
Few venues are as quintessentially Melbourne as Arbory Afloat. Take in the sunset and then enjoy a front-row view of the fireworks along with. food, drinks and DJ sets.
Her will host a New Year's Eve party across all four floors of the venue. At Her Bar, be treated to a four-course steak frites menu. Or if a Thai barbecue is more your style, head to BKK. Dance the night away with a nine-hour party at Music Room, or settle in for a night under the stars at Her Rooftop.
End the year with a curious New Year's Eve party with canapés and cocktails at Curious.
The arts and music festival Beyond The Valley is never a let down, and this year is no exception, with Fisher, Ice Spice, Tinashe, Royel Otis, and more.
Keep it intimate and close this New Year's Eve and enjoy an all-inclusive dinner at Lollo's with your loved one and cheers the night away.
New Year's Day
Nothing cures a hangover like Italian food, so indulge in Baby Pizza, open from 12pm until late.
For another way to eat away the hangover, head to Melbourne institution Chin Chin, which will open its doors on NYD from 11am until late.
TAS
New Year's Eve
Experience New Year's Eve from the waterfront, with fireworks, food, drink and a performance from Sneaky Sound System at Launceston Beer Fest.
Board the Peppermint Bay II for a midnight fireworks cruise, along with a complimentary glass of champagne to mark the occasion.
New Year's Day
Enjoy the sights of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, with a delicious meal in the bistro as you watch the boats come and go.
In The Hanging Garden will open its doors on New Year's Day, for a hangover-curing feast amongst nature.
NT
New Year's Eve
Ring in the New Year with DJs and live music at Monsoons in Darwin.
For a family-friendly affair, enjoy a three-course meal in the alfresco dining area at Wharf One. There will be two fireworks displays on the night, at 9pm and midnight.
WA
New Year's Eve
There's arguably no better place to celebrate than Elizabeth Quay and Barrack Square, which will come alive with amusement rides, delicious food vendors, and roving entertainment, from 5pm until late.
For something a little different, laugh through NYE with a live comedy showcase.
Celebrate under the stars at the Rooftop Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton in Northbridge.
SA
New Year's Eve
Ring in the New Year's with a Hollywood party at the Stamford Plaza in Adelaide.
Countdown the New Year's with friends with the Grand Carnival Countdown at Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel.
ACT
New Year's Eve
QT Canberra will host a sky-high celebration with floor-to-ceiling capital views (perfect for viewing the fireworks), a four-hour beverage selection, and sumptuous canapés .
Go to Braddon Merchant for an exclusive Chef’s selection of share-style dishes, followed by a two-hour beverage package.
Image: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
