The loosest day of the year is upon us! New Year’s Eve is going to bounce us into 2018 and it’s your choice whether you want that to be in style or in shambles. It’s long known that deep in the heart of the CBD is exactly where you do not in any way, shape or form want to be for the party of the year, which makes it all the more appealing that to wine, dine and party at some of the best venues that are close to the action but far away enough from the very centre so you can avoid all the bad bits.
We’ve put together a list of five – four close to the city and one road trip idea – of the best New Year’s Eve events around Brisbane that you can still get tickets for.
Little Big House (South Bank)
Easily one of Brisbane’s best new venues is Little Big House from Solotel and Matt Moran. The playful house party venue, which is located right near South Bank’s train station, will be ideal for one of the more livelier New Year’s Eve celebrations in the area with an unpretentious approach that will move away from long queues, ‘final release tickets’, expensive door fees, and stubborn DJ’s (guests will be able to control the music through the venue’s internal system, like a true house party).
The whole thing will kick off at 7pm as the venue comes to life with fresh cocktails, ice cold froze, beers, food and house party tunes. There’ll even be an exclusive brew from NSW boys Young Henry’s = the “Queenslander Beer” – offered at the new pub.
The downstairs kiosk will also be pushing for a more family friendly atmosphere, ideal for when the little ones want to catch the early fireworks. What’s more is that ticket holders will be able to come and go as they please so there’s no sweat hopping across the road for the riverside fireworks.
When the inevitable countdown strikes midnight, Little Big House will also be offering up $18 jugs of beer across the board, and will keep that special going for the entirety of 2018.
Entry is limited but registration is essential. Register for your free ticket at www.littlebighouse.com.au
Southpoint 18; 271 Grey Street, South Brisbane | 7pm-2am | Free tickets available via registration at littlebighouse.com.au
Aria Restaurant (Eagle Street Pier)
One of Brisbane’s finest restaurants will of course be throwing a NYE bash designed for those with a bit more of a high-end farewell in mind for 2017. If you want to cap the year off with style, this should be the spot for you, with panoramic views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge complemented by an exclusive summer menu that showcases the refined seasonal produce and exquisite wines from the restaurant’s highly awarded wine list. There’s even a kids menu available for under $70 on the night, which includes a three-course menu consisting of family favourites like house made pasta with butter sauce and parmesan, and tempura fillets with sauce gribiche; they’ll even get a mocktail to get with it.
The NYE package includes a glass of Taittinger champagne for each guest on arrival, following by a three-course menu (with five choices per course) for $165pp, or $225pp with matching wines. Those who choose the matching wines option will be in very good hands as well, since renowned award-winning sommelier Ian Trinkle will be available to give guests the best recommendations.
Seating times are available from 5:30pm and reservations are strictly limited.
1 Eagle Street, Eagle Street Pier | From 5:30pm | bookings from ariarestaurant.com
Darling & Co (Paddington)
The popular Darling & Co will be throwing up a very affordable NYE party with a yacht theme to take guests straight to the rugged coast lines of Amalfi coast. The nautical themed event, where guests will be encouraged to dress up, will feature a whopping five-hour food and beverage package for $99pp with various offerings like a risotto station and roving canapes along with summer drinks like sparkling wine, local and craft beers, premium spirits and cocktails.
Live entertainment and DJ’s will be filling the space with tunes til’ late. Various packages are being offered on top of general admission tickets, including a $150pp option that gets you a 750ml bottle of Veuve Clicquot; or a $250 option that bumps that up to a 1500ml magnum of Veuve Clicquot.
157 Given Terrace, Paddington | 7pm-late | tickets from darlingpaddington.com.au
Riverbar + Kitchen (Brisbane CBD)
Riverbar + Kitchen will be throwing a special NYE Garden Party to help bring in 2018, taking in the beautiful botanic surrounds with large overhanging trees that’ll be glowing with fairy lights on the night. Panoramic views spanning Brisbane River and Story Bridge will offer fantastic views of the early and late fireworks while guests can take up sessions of bocce and croquet along with flower infused cocktails created especially for the event.
The hungry should be well taken care of with the kitchen pig-on-the-spit doing the rounds with various other drinks including chilled beers, cocktails and spirits from the bar. Live entertainment and DJ’s will be keeping it all going until 2am for a late one, with entry going at just $35pp.
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane | 5pm-2am | tickets available from riverbarandkitchen.com.au.
Harvest Newry Bar (Bryon Bay)
Take the two hour drive from Brisbane to just outside Byron Bay for an NYE escape and make a bee line to the increasingly popular Harvest Newry Bar. Now one of the area’s most sought after destinations, the produce-focused Hinterland restaurant will be transforming into a good ol’ masquerade ball, bringing together the kitchen, bakery and garden to ensure punters have are nicely wined and dined before the big countdown.
Tickets are now available from $195pp including food, drinks, disco and shuttle bus.
18-22 Old Pacific Hwy, Newrybar Village | 7pm-1pm | tickets from harvestnewrybar.com.au
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