Though you might be focused on your plans for Christmas, Boxing Day and the Monday and Tuesday public holidays directly after, news flash: New Year’s Eve is also right around the corner. And if you’re in Melbourne and looking to watch the fireworks, you might want to get started planning.
After being cancelled last year, this year’s NYE fireworks in Melbourne are again back on, with displays at 9:30pm and 12am. In addition to the fireworks, for the first time ever, 350 drones will light up the sky in a 7-minute aerial performance over Dockland’s Victoria Harbour.
So, because tickets to some NYE events are already sold out and so, to help you avoid missing out further, we’ve decided to round up the best of the other, non-sold-out events where you can catch the sky, plus all the places around the city where you can settle in and watch them for free. So, what are your options?
Official Celebration Zones
This year, to remain COVID-safe, the official NYE fireworks event can only be attended with a ticket, which you can win via a ballot. While the entry to the lottery has now closed, any unclaimed passes will be released via Ticketek on December 20.
The ticketed area will be divided into four zones: Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Alexandra Gardens and Docklands, all boasting disco light installations, DJ sets and, of course, views of the early and midnight fireworks.
Free Viewing Areas
Though you’ll have to stake out a spot early, you can also see the fireworks without a ticket from St Kilda Foreshore, Williamstown Beach, Birrarung Marr or the banks of the Yarra River.
CBD Street Festivals
The New Year Street Feasts will also be back on this year, with eight hubs set up in Melbourne CBD featuring food pop-ups from local restaurant favourites.
The New Year Street Feasts will also be making a return this year with 8 hubs set up in Melbourne CBD featuring food pop-ups from your favourite local restaurants.
Restaurants and Bars
While most restaurants and bars across the city will be holding New Years’ Eve functions with package deals of food and drink, here are some of the highlights:
The Emerson
Doors open at 5pm on New Year’s Eve at The Emerson Rooftop, though the four-hour food and drinks package on the night runs 7-11pm with free-flowing beer, wine, sparkling and spirits. A cocktail on arrival and a glass of sparkling at midnight is included on the night.
Ludlow Bar and Dining Room
Dine by the waterfront on New Year’s Eve with Ludlow Bar and Dining Room’s twilight dinner (vacate by 7:45pm) or late night (bookings from 8pm) package. Twilight dinner packages start at $80 for adults, $40 for kids, while late dinners, start at $160, with no minors allowed after 9pm.
NYE at Crown Melbourne
A one-stop-shop in NYE events, Crown Melbourne has something for everyone, from a LOVE New Year’s Eve event with five stages and Masked Wolf treating crowds to his hit ‘Astronaut In The Ocean’, to a two-course dinner package at Merrywell Bar & Dining and a party on the terrace at Ging Thai.
Melbourne Skydeck
Say farewell to 2021 with a bird’s eye of the city, fireworks and drone show at Melbourne Skydeck. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, drinks and a menu of canapes and desserts, as well access to the revamped Plank experience and brand-new, first-of-its-kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Voyager Theatre VR experience. The 8pm-1am event will set you back $300 per person.
Hophaus Euro Bar & Grill
Boasting one of the best vantage points in Southbank overlooking the river and the city, Hophaus Euro Bar & Grill has a NYE three-course twilight dinner (must vacate by 7:30pm) and a late dinner (starts at 8pm). Twilight dinner prices start at $80 for adults, $20 for kids, while the late dining package starts at $130.
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