Many people like to avoid the crowds and spend New Year’s Eve with friends or family, but if your party invite has gone missing, perhaps this is the year to celebrate with strangers. Here are some of the best places in Australia to ring in the new year.
1. Sydney Harbour, NSW
If you don’t mind the crowds, this is the No.1 spot for New Year’s. Sydney Harbour’s fireworks display is one of the biggest and most spectacular in the world, and is something that you should definitely tick off your bucket list. Unfortunately, you will have to share the views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House with the more than one million people who gather annually to witness this event.
2. Melbourne, Victoria
Almost as many people gather in Melbourne for NYE, but there are plenty of good options for getting away from the masses. You can secure a spot for you and some friends on one of the party boats that cruise the Yarra River taking in the sights all night, or you can try watching the fireworks from a selection of rooftop bars with excellent views of the city and the fireworks.
3. Hobart, Tasmania
If you want to avoid the enormous crowds for NYE you can always try your luck in Tasmania. Hobart’s waterfront comes alive with a cool mix of music, fresh Tasmanian produce and the finest beverages especially for the occasion. There are street performers and roving entertainers to keep you buzzing with excitement before the big countdown, with two fireworks displays (and the early one’s at 9.30pm so you don’t have to stay up all night either, if that isn’t your thing).
4. Lord Howe Island, NSW
This World Heritage-listed island, 500 kilometres from Port Macquarie, is the perfect spot for an intimate and relaxed New Year’s Eve. The beach comes alive with do-it-yourself bonfires on the beach and is the perfect place for a dip if it’s a particularly hot and sticky night.
5. Fremantle, WA
Try celebrating the New Year aboard Australia’s biggest ocean-going tall ship, the STS Leeuwin II. Run by a not-for-profit organisation, a three-hour New Year’s Eve sailing trip aboard an 1850s-style rig offers concession prices for seniors and even allows you to take the helm during the journey. More information here.
Where are you planning to celebrate NYE? What is your most memorable New Year’s experience?
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