The new year edges ever closer and those of us with time off are undoubtedly itching to let our hair down with a bout of midnight festivities. While Australia’s east coast is inarguably one of the best places to count down to 2016, your options can be a little overwhelming. There’s just so much choice!
Find out what Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney can each offer you and your holiday party in terms of the new year, then choose your favourite and hire a car so you can experience the celebrations for yourself.
Known for the harbour’s jubilant festivities at this time of year, Sydney is the perfect place to celebrate 2016’s arrival.
Sydney
What would a list of places to welcome the new year in Australia be without mentioning Sydney? Known for its jubilant festivities at this time of year, Sydney is the perfect place to celebrate 2016’s arrival for both the young and young at heart. Everyone should experience a Sydney New Year’s celebration at least once – they’re honestly that good!
The centre point for all things 2016 on December 31 will, of course, be the fireworks at Darling Harbour, which are renowned for their extravagance and vivacity. There’s a family-friendly display at 9 p.m. and of course, a traditional display at 12 a.m. to officially welcome in the new year.
In addition to this, there are several other events happening around Sydney on this evening. The Harbour of Light parade, for example, is a breathtaking spectacle unlike any other. Sixty sea vessels are lined with white rope lighting, illuminating them as they glide magnificently across the water. There are also several bars and lounges offering special New Year’s Events.
Whether you already live there or you’ll need to hire a car from a neighbouring city such as Canberra, Sydney is a fantastic place to spend December 31!
Brisbane
For luxe and sophisticated parties, Brisbane is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. There are, of course, fireworks and city centre celebrations, but what makes this place really special is the abundance of swanky cocktail parties and dress up events. Greet the New Year in style at a special function at one of Brisbane’s many bars, clubs and restaurants. Don your best shoes, a sparkly dress or a suit and sip fancy cocktails as you dine on some of the most delectable cuisine Australia has to offer. Alternatively, you can attend the Queensland Pops Orchestra New Years Eve concert, a black tie event where you’ll be treated to drinks and canapes and a fabulous view of the midnight fireworks show. If dressing up doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun night, however, don’t worry. Brisbane offers plenty of more casual fun events, such as the Garden of Good and Evil, where you’ll be entertained by several performers and DJs as you eat and drink.
Melbourne Like Sydney and Brisbane, Melbourne offers fireworks and a range of parties for New Years Eve. The difference, however, lies in the way that Melbourne’s artsy influence leaves its mark on these events. The Blue Diamond Masquerade Ball, for example, is the perfect event for artsy fashionistas or anyone who has a flair for the dramatics. In many ways, this party is a chance for people to let their personalities really shine through in their outfits. Other celebrations include the H2oh! Dockside Harbourside event with many top of the range DJs and vocalists.
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