Sydney may have the more famous fireworks display, but Melbourne hold their own when it comes to raucous New Year’s Eve parties well worth heading out for. Assuming you’re not house partying this year, you’re going to want to know where the best spots are to party 2018 into the past, so we’ve rounded up five of the best for you.
Neptune (Windsor)
This Winsdor favourite is throwing their very own Nuevo Disco Party to help usher in the new year, with guests given access to free-flowing negronis, spritz, beer, wine and prosecco until 1am with roaming canapes to help line that stomach. New-age disco will be the soundtrack for the night, with live DJs all night. If you really want to level-up, grab a bottle of Ruinart to celebrate at midnight, since they’ll only be $100 per bottle. Tickets are $165. More information from Neptune.melbourne.
Stokehouse (St Kilda)
Those gorgeous views across Port Phillip Bay and a prime location for the St Kilda Beach fireworks is reason enough to spend the final day of 2018 at Stokehouse. What’s more is that the popular restaurant are opening up their dining room with curated set menus reflecting the tastes of summer, all handled by Head Chef Ollie Hansford, and all ending with a special cherry parfait created just for the night by Van Haandel Group Pastry Chef Lauren Eldridge. You’re looking at around $130pp for this one. More information from stokehouse.com.au
Matilda 159 Domain (South Yarra)
Scott Pickett’s latest venue will be pulling out all stops for a special NYE menu in case you want to indulge before heading out into the night. There will be two sittings available, with guests offered snacks on arrival followed a five course menu including highlights of: Fraser Island spanner crab, flatbread, prawn butter; barramundi, native grenobloise; dry aged Macedon Ranges duck, cherry; and strawberries, Champagne, verbena. Wine pairings alongside the full wine list will also be available on the evening, as well as a curated children’s offering. You’re looking at around $150pp for this one. More information from matilda159.com
NYE on the hill (South Gippsland)
One of Melbourne’s best summer festivals is the place to be for a real festive NYE party. Grab a last minute ticket, your closest mates and some camping gear and head on out to The Farm to bring in 2019 with sets from The Smith Street Band, Sampa the Great, Art vs Science, Last Dinosaurs and more. Then fill in the time between sets by running around to all four bars, munching on street food, participating in all the games, maybe fitting in some morning yoga, trying your hand at some art, and maybe singing loud and proud with some karaoke. The festival lets you BYO, so there’s also that. More information from nyeonthehill.com.au
The Baths Middle Brighton (Brighton Beach)
If location is the main consideration for you then you’d be wise to pick The Baths Middle Brighton. The waterside venue will have a special NYE party in its upstairs restaurant, with all the expected ingredients like roaming canapes and drinks all night plus live music. Plus, you’ve got those unbeatable Port Phillip Bay views so if fireworks are your thing, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Tickets are $195pp. More information from middlebrightonbaths.com.au
Feature image: Neptune Food & Wine
