Now that we’re in December, Melburnians are no doubt scrambling to lock in those perfect NYE plans, and with so many options available around the most liveable city in the world, one is definitely going to need some help sorting through all that’s on offer. Pretty much every venue around Melbourne 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 the city and surrounds for the 2016/2017 period, trimming that down even more to present you with the below.
Plus 5 (South Wharf)
The various venues that line Melbourne’s South Wharf are in prime position year after year as the iconic riverside precinct stands as one of the most in-demand locations for New Year’s Eve. On the banks of the Yarra River is where you’ll find this energetic hub, and so pitching up for a years-end celebration at one of it’s best bars is a must. The bar in question is Plus 5, a boutique den regularly full of handcrafted cocktails, tapas, pizza and, on some nights, a little bit of jazz. It’s certainly one of the most atmospheric establishments in the area, and for NYE it will be heading into 2017 with a simple four-hour free-for-all with two different packages.
Option number one is set at $140pp and will get you access to a four-hour package of both Mediterranean inspired canapes and beverages. The second, well that’s pretty much the same thing although it’s set at $195pp and throws in champagne on top of the four-hour food and drink package. Whichever you choose, make sure you’ve got that spot on the waterfront terrace come midnight, because taking in that stunning view of city skyscrapers reflected on the Yarra will remind you of Melbourne’s enviable place in the world.
The night will kick off at 6pm and end at 1am. More information and bookings can be found HERE. 37 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf.
Darkness & Light NYE Party (South Wharf)
Head on down to the Showtime Events Centre on South Wharf Promenade for New Year’s Eve because the ginormous multipurpose warehouse will be throwing their very first “Darkness & Light” themed party. Local DJ’s will feature throughout the night, working with state of the art lighting installations to help transform the space into an appropriately epic end-of-year celebration, standing in the shadow of those energetic firework displays along the Yarra.
Taking up a large part of the space will be a private dancefloor set up alongside various food stations and an open bar that runs until 12:30am, providing enough variety so the venue can offer three types of party packages. The first package, General Admission, will be set at $155pp (+ booking fee) with access to house beer, wine and sparkling from 8pm to 12:30, with canapés and finger foods between 8:30pm and 12am. Fork out an extra $20 and you’ll find yourself with the second package, VIP Premium Access ($175pp + booking fee) which will net you premium beer, wine and sparkling from 8pm to 12:30am plus access to not only canapés and finger foods, but also the food stations from 8:30pm to 12am plus an exclusive space and private dance floor.
The party’s third and final package will net you and your friends access to reserved riverside seating, with a magnum of G.H Mumm NV come midnight plus beer, wine, spirits, ample food platters, and a private dance floor all night. That one’s going to set you back $2000, but the price is per eight guests (so $250 each).
More information and tickets are available HERE or by calling 03 9682 7851. 61 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf.
Bar Lourihnã (CBD)
Sticking nice and close to the CBD but edging away just far enough to avoid the crowds by the river. Sounds like a good idea? Then you’ll want to head along to Little Collins St and pop right in to the ever so charming Bar Lourihnã. Executive Chef Matt McConnell has put together a special feasting menu for their New Year’s Eve fiesta, highlighting the kitchen’s best tapas while bubbles are handed out on arrival (and again at midnight), their pro selection of wines are available all night, and a festive vibe fills this Spanish inspired bar.
A six-courser will be set at $60pp. For bookings click HERE or give them a call on 03 9663 7890. 37 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC.
The Rooftop at QT Melbourne (CBD)
QT Melbourne will be going all out for their first ever NYE, making use of their slick The Rootfop to offer a $180pp package featuring Perrier Jouët on arrival, freshly shucked oysters to order, a dedicated yakitori BBQ all night, and a carefully selected array of Pascale canapes. The package will last right up until 11pm before you scramble for a spot (it’ll be easy though, the rooftop is huge) to watch the fireworks from the bar and chill until 1am.
For more information head to their website HERE and for bookings shoot them an e-mail at [email protected]. 133 Russell St, Melbourne.
Beyond the Valley (Lardner)
Make the short drive to Beyond the Valley for New Year’s Eve, the final release of NYE only passes is still available for $189 so it’s a good idea to go up for one day, party all night, then slowly roll back to the city on NYD. If past years are anything to go by specific set times should be released by the end of this week but with a lineup this massive it shouldn’t matter who is playing on what date. You’ve got the likes of big name internationals Carl Craig and Chance the Rapper plus locals who have been killing it this year including Alex Lahey, Ngaiire and Harts. 155 Burnt Store Rd, Lardner VIC.
You can check out the lineup and more info HERE.
Hopscotch (Southbank)
Southbank’s brand new dedicated craft beer and cocktail bar has been going strong for the past two weeks, and for their first big event they’ll be offering guests a five-hour drink and food package as they await the riverside fireworks display.
They’ll have 8 tap beers available on the night, basic spirits, house wines, tap cocktails and even a few slushies as part of the package. Food wise, the kitchen will be pumping out bites, grazers, roving treats and nitro ice cream all night while DJ’s fill the space with sound.
Doors open at 7pm. Early birds and groups of 10 can nab a ticket for $190pp, otherwise the package is set at $210. For more information give them a visit HERE. 4/2 Riverside Quay, Southbank.
Welcome to Thornbury (Northcote)
Who needs fireworks when you have a hell of a lot of food trucks? Some of Melbourne’s finest mobile food vendors will be pulling up to dedicated spot Welcome to Thornbury to help them see out 2016. Each ticket purchased will come with a drinks package that includes every beer and cider plus house wines from when gates open at 7pm to midnight; on top of that there’s a bunch of food truck vouchers on arrival so you get to pick and choose between the best of ’em: Mr Burger, Roadrunner Fried Chicken, Super Taco, King of Spuds, Copa Food Truck and Jamm’d.
You can get more information and tickets HERE. 520 High St, Northcote VIC.
Terindah Estate (Bellarine)
You’re in one of the best state’s in the country for Cellar Doors so maybe it’s time to make use of that for NYE. Take the 1.5 drive out of the city and find yourself in Bellarine, park up at Terindah Estate because they’ll be hosting a massive, decadent blow out with fresh seafood platters with every from oysters to smoked trout, beer on tap, and some of the estate’s best selections including hand made wines like Sparkling Terindah 2014, Pinot Noir 2013 and Shiraz 2014. Torquay based band Amadeus Wolf will be on hand to help bring you into 2017 with live music.
It’ll all start at 7pm so you’ve got some time to get there, with the event lasting up until 1am. More information on the estate can be found HERE and bookings can be made by calling 03 5251 5536. 90 McAdams Lane, Bellarine, Victoria.
Feature image: Showtime Events Centre.
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