Where the party’s at: NYE Sydney
By Jay Chabon
The Sydney fireworks 2015 extravaganza is set to be awesome this New Year’s Eve, no doubt, and so too are the celebrations.
Whether your wish is to spend the last night of the year dining with friends, dancing in to the wee hours, chilling on an outdoor harbour-side deck, or riding a giant ferris wheel, this city has got the party for you.
Our guide to Sydney NYE ticketed events will help you decide how and where to spend your pretty pennies.
And should you wish to spend nothing at all and escape the crowds … we’ve got that covered too!
Sydney CBD
The Rocks
The awesome city-central harbour-side location of The Rocks, coupled with its historic buildings and trendy village atmosphere make it a great place to be on New Year’s Eve.
The streets hum with happy revellers and the air tingles with excitement.
There is also an endless supply of places in which to celebrate in style.
The Argyle is a favourite establishment of ours, given the many memorable nights we’ve had there, everything from celebratory drinks for a friend’s farewell, to getting down on the dance floor.
For Sydney New Year’s Eve 2015, patrons are promised plenty of action with five bars, roaming performers, an epic lineup of DJs, plus free pass-outs for the midnight fireworks on Sydney Harbour. Tickets from $60.
Meanwhile the crew over at BAR100 are so excited about NYE Sydney they are throwing two parties.
No one will go hungry at the Light the Night event (tickets from $50 plus fees), with a continuous pizza service.
Or take in the views from the harbour balcony and enjoy a glass of Moet at midnight at the 1909 VIP Lounge Party (tickets from $120 plus fees).
Marquee Sydney
This well-known nightclub at The Star casino in Pyrmont prides itself on prestige.
It’s a place to see and be seen.
This one is for all you fashionistas and party people.
On New Year’s Eve you can mix it with the masses for the price of a general ticket (priced from $100), which buys club entry and entertainment by Dutch superstar DJ Dash Berlin, plus views of the midnight fireworks.
Or reserve a place in the VIP circle.
Take a prime seat at your own table, with a service team dedicated to you and your friends.
The experience costs from $2000 for a standard reservation or from $3500 for a premium reservation.
The Butler
Sit back and savour the flavour as 2015 comes to a close, with a delicious dining experience at The Butler in Potts Point.
Nestled in this lovely oasis, you can reflect long in to the night as you take in the beautifully decorated decor and the glittering city skyline.
The ticketed event costing $200 per person includes a glass of bubbly on arrival and a four-course menu.
Our mouths are already watering at the prospect – from the scallop ceviche entree, right through to the choc truffle, turkish delight and kahlua marshmallow desserts.
Sydney surrounds
Luna Park
Sydney’s Luna Park exists “just for fun” so there’s no doubt that when it comes to the party night of the year – New Year’s Eve Sydney 2015 – the waterfront amusement park will turn it on.
Known for it’s iconic smiling face entry gates, the Milsons Point fun-park is as much a place to see a concert and eat classy cuisine as it is to ride the Tango Train or Ferris Wheel.
Plus there’s the million-dollar harbour views.
The park’s New Year’s Eve Harbour Party offers a range of experiences, with everything from a general admission ticket (from $119 plus fees) to enjoy rides, food and fireworks through to a pass for the Palais private venue space (from $519 plus fees), which provides premium views of the harbour and fireworks, drinks and canapés.
Manly
The party kicks off at 6pm on December 31, and if you’re super keen you can keep going on January 1.
Manly Wharf Hotel is hosting a New Year’s Eve and a New Year’s Day bash at its super cool hangout on the shores of Manly Harbour.
Hit the waterside deck and enjoy the outdoor views and the party atmosphere, or party hard on the dance floor to the music coming from the DJ’s decks – Dimitri from Paris will be pumping out his stylish club sounds.
Tickets are $53.90 for either the December 31 or January 1 events, or $84.60 buys entry to both.
Over at Manly Cove, the city council and businesses have organised “a night of fun, family and fireworks” in a free New Year’s Eve event.
It’s an ideal spot to take the kids, enjoy a more relaxed festive celebration, or escape the Sydney CBD crowds.
The festivities kick off with roving entertainment from 5.30pm, and culminate in a 9pm fireworks display over the cove.
It is an alcohol free event. Patrons are strongly advised to pack a picnic blanket and enjoy the view!
Know a great place to celebrate Sydney New Year’s Eve 2015? Tell us in the comments section below.