The top places to spend New Year’s Eve 2019/20 in Melbourne

The top places to spend New Year’s Eve 2019/20 in Melbourne

The end of 2019 is fast approaching, which means it’s time to start locking in plans for New Year’s Eve before you find yourself desperately lining up outside chock-full bars at 11:30pm on December 31. We know it’s a little scary that the year is almost over, but it’s easy to get yourself excited once you check check out everything Melbourne has in store for the biggest night of the year. Get ready to dance, dine and drink to your heart’s content as we farewell the year that was and say hello to 2020.

Check out the official sites and fireworks vantage points

Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross said the best things in life are free, and we find it hard to disagree. New Year’s Eve doesn’t need to break the bank and there are plenty of ways to celebrate on a budget that don’t involve plonking yourself in front of the television and watching other people have a good time without you. A number of official NYE gatherings will take place across the city where revellers can enjoy food, entertainment and a great view of the always impressive fireworks display.

9:30pm fireworks

Melbourne’s early fireworks session starts at 9:30pm for families and those of us who aren’t ashamed to admit we just can’t party like we used to. The first official gathering for the 9:30pm fireworks is Yarra Park, where you’ll find all sorts of entertainment, music and carnival games from 7pm onwards. Footscray Park will kick things off on the other side of the city with entertainment starting at 6:30pm.

Midnight fireworks

For those staying out until the big show, the festivities will start at 9pm at four major points in and around Melbourne CBD. The first (and often the largest) public party will be at Kings Domain near Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Government House, where free entertainment will run until midnight. A little farther north you’ll find the second official site at Treasury Gardens, where a DJ will keep the crowds until the main fireworks. Heading west, Flagstaff Gardens will also be offering free entertainment while Docklands promenade will be throwing a party to remember. 

Take it to the next level at Eureka Tower

If it’s class and prestige you’re after, a 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve party at the highest public viewpoint in the Southern Hemisphere should tickle your fancy. The Eureka Tower will be the place to be come midnight on December 31, serving up complimentary drinks and finger food at Skydeck 88 more than 280 metres above the ground. 

A silver ticket comes at $220 and includes canapes, beer, wine and sparkling with access to level 88 from 8:30pm to 1:00am. Snap up a gold ticket for $320 for upgraded access to level 89 and more “substantial” canapes and grazing dishes, plus the usual drinks and five basic spirits per person from 8:00pm to 2:00am.

Party hard at Docklands

While Docklands will have plenty of free entertainment as one of the official viewpoints for the midnight fireworks, there will also be a massive ticketed event with beer, wine, cider, spirits, frozen drinks and cocktail food all included in the price. NYE H2o brings DJs, dance floors and delight to two locations in Melbourne, the Docklands Waterfront at Harbourside ($145 pp) and a smaller party at H2oh South Bank ($165 pp). You can also snap up a VIP ticket for the South Bank party for $199 pp. 

Enjoy the fireworks from the water

If you’re sick of Sydneysiders gloating about parties on the harbour, it’s time to show them that Melbourne does it just as well. Just about any party is instantly upgraded when it’s on a boat, and there are a number of Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay New Year’s Eve cruises to choose from. Melbourne River Cruises has an impressive selection of party boats available including budget-friendly, 40+ cruises and four-course dinners.

Get a front row seat on the Melbourne Star

If ever there were a time to go on the Melbourne Star observation wheel, New Year’s Eve is it. Take your place in a cabin and enjoy one of the best viewpoints in the city as the fireworks light up the night at midnight to welcome the world to a new decade. A general admission ticket is available for $65 per person and comes with a glass of sparkling wine; alternatively, hire an entire cabin for you and up to 14 friends with canapés and two complimentary glasses of sparkling each.

Book Melbourne New Year’s Eve accommodation

Fraser Place offers beautiful studio apartments in the heart of Melbourne for New Year’s Eve. Our prime location gives you immediate access to the city’s best private function and official sites, taking the stress out of your journey to and from your event on the night. Each room is equipped with luxurious bedding and convenient amenities for a stress-free stay, and our hotel features a range of facilities including a well equipped gym. With four types of studio suites to choose from to meet your needs and budget, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you check in. As New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest times of the year, be sure to make a reservation as early as possible to avoid missing out.