New Year’s Eve 2014: your guide to what’s on
The man allegedly made online threats on a blog towards New Year's Eve activities.
Victoria
Federation Square, CBD
What: Live music and dancing. Federation Square will be transformed into a family friendly and alcohol-free area to watch the city’s fireworks display and enjoy live music. Chilled-out Polynesian tunes will take you into 2015, with a mass dance at midnight.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 8pm – 1am
Details here
Footscray Park, Maribynong
What: Footscray Park will be mobbed by food trucks, live acts, bands, amusement rides and will play host to early fireworks at 9.30pm for this popular New Year’s Eve family event.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Details here
Yarra Valley Lodge, Yarra Valley
What: Those looking for a regional New Year’s Eve can enjoy local produce, wine on arrival, live music and a three-course dinner in the Yarra Valley Lodge’s grand ballroom. A champagne toast will ring-in 2015.
Cost: $98pp
Family friendly: No
When: Call for info
Details here
CBD fireworks
What: Several sites around the city will be turned into vantage points to watch the midnight fireworks display, with live entertainment provided from 9pm. Treasury Gardens, Kings Domain, Docklands and Flagstaff Gardens will be family-friendly and alcohol-free zones.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 9pm – 1am
Details here
Crown Casino
What: Crown Casino’s clubs will play host to ticketed parties with themes like the 1940s and 80s. Some canapé and beverage packages are included. The casino’s restaurants will also put on special dinners with matching champagne.
Cost: Varies
Family friendly: No
When: Varies
Details here
New South Wales
Pirrama Park
What: Pirrama Park will offer free views of the CBD fireworks and Harbour Bridge at midnight, while food trucks and full licensed bars will be open from 12pm. No BYO alcohol, glass, or pets allowed.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 12 noon – 1am
Details here
Taronga Zoo
What: Perfect for families, the Sydney Harbour fireworks can be enjoyed from the comfort of Taronga Zoo, with all proceeds from ticket sales funding conservation work. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, or you can pack a picnic.
Cost: from $170pp
Family friendly: Yes
When: 4pm – late
Details here
Bradleys Head, ‘The Mast Precinct’
What: Bradley’s Head will be transformed into a family-friendly venue with live entertainment, kids activities and food facilities, with one of the best vantage points to view the midnight fireworks.
Cost: $15 – $30pp
Family friendly: Yes
When: 5.30pm – 12.30am
Details here
Luna Park Harbour Party
What: See performances from the Potbelleez, Stafford Brothers and other artists while enjoying free rides all night. The amusement park is also a prime spot to view the Harbour Bridge firework display.
Cost: $145pp
Family friendly: No
When: 6.30pm – late
Details here
South Australia
Elder Park
What: Flock to Elder Park to watch fireworks set off from the Torrens Footbridge for the first time. Some areas will feature beer gardens and food trucks, while free buses will operate from midnight.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 6pm
Details here
Glenelg Beach
What: Glenelg and Brighton Beach jetties will have special firework displays for families at 9.30pm before the main midnight display at Glenelg at midnight. Live entertainment and children’s amusements included.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 6pm onwards
Details here
Stamford Plaza white party
What: Adelaide’s Stamford Plaza’s white themed New Year’s Eve party includes a 4-course dinner, live music, unlimited champagne and great views of the fireworks.
Cost: $149pp
Family friendly: No
When: 7.30pm to 1.30am
Details here
Semaphore Beach
What: Families can enjoy midnight fireworks on the Semaphore foreshore along with carnival rides, a ferris wheel, water slides and roaming performers.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 5.30pm – 12.30am
Details here
Western Australia
Perth Zoo
What: Live performances for both kids and adults and a new year countdown at the special time of 9pm. Animal will stay up late to 7pm and families are welcome to bring a picnic.
Cost: $25 – $36pp
Family friendly: Yes
When: 5pm – 9.30pm
Details here
Ozone Reserve
What: Ozone Reserve will be transformed into a New Year’s Eve party for “Perth’s elite” with reggae bands, DJs, cocktails, wood fired pizza and great views of the Swan River fireworks display.
Cost: $75 – $225pp
Family friendly: No
When: 6pm – 1am
Details here
Matisse Beach Club white party
What: Sip Moet champagne and enjoy canapés at this white themed waterfront party while soaking up beach tunes and watching aerial acrobats and lounging mermaids.
Cost: $185
Family friendly: No
When: 6pm – late
Details here
Queensland
Limes Rooftop gold party
What: Ring-in 2015 like a rockstar with free-flowing champagne, plunge pools, fireworks views and DJs at this newly-refurbished rooftop bar in Fortitude Valley.
Cost: $99pp
Family friendly: No
When: 7.30pm – late
Details here
South Bank
What: A family-friendly and alcohol free event in the CBD with two fireworks displays at 8.30pm and midnight. Waterfront restaurants and cafes will be open until late in case you get hungry.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 8.30pm – 12.20am
Details here
North Ipswich Reserve
What: North Ipswich Reserve will host an all-ages New Year’s Eve party with live music for adults and kids alike, as well as free performances, food stalls and free kids’ rides.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 6pm – 10pm
Details here
Retro Ball, Bowen Hills
What: Have a fun New Year’s Eve while supporting a good cause at this retro-themed fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Association. Ticket includes chef-designed menu and unlimited beverages.
Cost: $150pp
Family friendly: No
When: 7.30pm – late
Details here
Tasmania
The Taste of Tasmania
What: This sailor, sea creature and pirate-themed party on Hobart’s waterfront will have fireworks at 9.30pm and midnight, music from The Basics and Gotye, as well as some of Tasmania’s finest cider and food.
Cost: $55 – $90pp
Family friendly: Yes
When: 7pm – 12am
Details here
Tavern 42 Degrees South
What: Ring in 2015 on Hobart’s waterfront with champagne and oysters on arrival at T42 before sinking your teeth into a gourmet three-course dinner and the midnight fireworks display.
Cost: $149pp
Family friendly: No
When: See below
Details here
Australian Capital Territory
Street parties in Garema Place and Civic Square
What: Two fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight. Best view of the fireworks is from Civic Square, where there will be live music and DJs from 7pm.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: Music in Civic Square from 7pm
Details here
Northern Territory
Darwin Waterfront’s jungle party
What: Celebrations kick off at 5pm with a meet and greet with Dora the Explorer, followed by musical performances and fireworks.
Cost: Free
Family friendly: Yes
When: 5pm to 10pm
Details here