Revellers who forked out up to $500 per person for the NYE Above the Harbour event near the Sydney Opera House have threatened to take legal action against the organisers.

Attendees were promised a stunning view of the fireworks across Sydney Harbour as well as top-class food and entertainment.

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However, many declared the event – which took place at the Domain’s Tarpeian Precinct – a “joke and a disaster”, citing poor food and long queues.

The event’s organisers, Mothership Media, issued a statement and said those unhappy would be entitled to a refund, to a maximum of $100 per person.

“While many patrons enjoyed the event, the organisers greatly regret that a number of patrons have complained about certain event elements,” the statement read.

“The organisers and caterers empathise with patrons and are themselves disappointed with the issues that have arisen.

“They have poured significant time, resources and personal effort into the event’s planning, and are personally affected by the unfavourable outcome of their efforts.”

But angry party-goers took to Facebook and said the organisers’ offer of a partial refund was insulting.

“I cannot believe you charged us over $400 for an ‘all inclusive’ event with only three food stalls for thousands of people,” Chris Lee wrote on Facebook.

“We had to wait 2.5 hours to get fed some disgusting dried up pork buns that tasted like cardboard! I wouldn’t feed that to my dog. We didn’t pay $400 to spend NYE waiting in line.”

Another, Khan Inanli, said: “You guys are a disgrace to the Australian community.

“You should be ashamed of your actions and I hope a class action comes your way for scamming a fellow human being.”

A group was started on Facebook, called “Refuse to be Ripped OFF- NYE Above the Harbour Scam” and had 391 likes at 7pm Sunday.