Sydney’s best New Year’s Eve parties for 2018/19

It’s that time of year again, and you can bet Sydney’s best venues are going to pull out all stops to try and top their previous New Year’s Eve celebrations. We’ve sifted through and picked out five parties we think are totally going to be worth it this year, so if you don’t yet have plans on how you’re going to welcome in 2019 then make sure you’re across these.

Hacienda (Circular Quay)

This one wasn’t a tough choice. The Cuban inspired Hacienda has been firmly established as one of the best vista bars in Sydney, so you’ll definitely have access to those gorgeous million dollar views as Sydney’s iconic fireworks display unfolds. The bar will have those excellent signature cocktails as always, as well as flowing drinks and 90s music all night long. It’s almost sold out though, but third release is still available and tickets are going for $499 each, with an included glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival and a five-hours drinks-and-canapes package. Information and tickets from haciendasydney.com.au

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel (Watsons Bay)

For those who want to stay the hell way from Circular Quay for NYE then heading across to the postcard perfect Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is as good an idea as any. The iconic venue will once again be bringing back their popular NYE bash with local DJ and producer MUTO as headliner, playing at midnight and supported by a round of other banger-bringers, including Jesse Porches, from 5pm. They’ll keep the party going until 2am, after which punters have two options. When you buy a ticket to the event (from $134.28 GA to $287.28 VIP) you can add-on $43.50 for either a one-way ferry from the event and a bus back to Bondi Beach or Bondi Junction after (note that transports must be booked in advance) or return ferry transfer to the event and back from Manly. Information and tickets from watsonsbayhotel.com.au

O Bar & Dining (CBD)

47th floor revolving destination O Bar & Dining will be opening up their exclusive private room, Salon Privé (our feature image), for their NYE celebrations this year for those who really want to splash out like a VIP. Behind those closed doors guests will enter a world of “heightened senses”, beginning with a glass of NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier, followed by a lush 8 course degustation with matching wines, a butler service, desserts and an after-dinner selection of premium spirits and cocktails. That one is priced at $1,650pp and requires a minimum of 12 guests though, but for those on a slightly tighter budget, the venue’s main space will still be open. Those who want to experience the 8-course menu can do so at $695pp and those who just want to party in the Lounge Bar with a selection of tapas (and that glass of aforementioned fancy champagne on arrival) are looking at $545pp. Information and tickets from obardining.com.au.

Portside Sydney Opera House (Circular Quay)

There will be no better place to be for the fireworks than Portside Sydney Opera House’s official “Golden NYE” party. I mean, just look at that photo above. You want a view like that, right? It’ll set you back $795pp, but you’ll be treated to a massive party (dress code = “fabulous gold”) plus Portside’s talented Executive Chef Kasper Christensen will be taking care of numerous canapes and food stations while bars serve up free-flowing champagne, beer and wine. Those unobstructed views will be scored by DJ sets from Rachel May, Chloe, and Bannie, spanning everything from deep house to nostalgic bangers. Information and tickets from newyearseveportsidesydney.com.au

Cirrus Dining (Barangaroo)

You won’t be partying on this high quality seafood joint, but you’ll definitely be treated to a massive – and very affordable – feast before you head out into the night. Cirrus Dining will be offering two different banquet style menus for those who want to indulge before they party, and we’ve picked this one because the dishes they’ve got planned all sound as fantastic as the price. We’re talking nine dishes for $100pp or ten dishes for $150pp, both share-style menus with options like ocean trout with smoked beetroot, pepperberry and toast; raw cobia with salted apple and turnip; roasted king prawns with koji butter and broad bean shoots; Roasted mulloway with charred onion and whey nettle; grilled black angus rib eye with kombu butter; and quince, toasted oats, and brown butter served with rosemary ice cream. Delicious. More information found at cirrusdining.com.au

Feature Image: O Bar & Dining

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.