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New Year’s Eve this year will be extra special and now’s the time to start planning your front row seat to the best show in the world. Here are our top picks for a great night out in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Sydney Shines on Dec 31

Nowhere does New Year’s Eve quite like Sydney. One of the first cities in the world to welcome the new year, and with fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, it provides a spectacle like no other. 

The best vantage point for seeing the fireworks is through the glass-fronted sails of the Sydney Opera House. Its NYE party, hosted by Opera Australia, includes a performance of the romantic La Bohème. Enjoy drinks or a meal overlooking the harbour before taking in the show and the fireworks.

Darling Harbour is another great vantage point. Entry is free, it’s family-friendly, and hourly flame and light shows set the stage for the main event. The Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour is at the heart of all the action, and its stylish rooftop bar, Above 319, is the perfect spot to pop the cork on a bottle of bubbles. Relax the next day around the Vibe’s rooftop pool - it's the perfect way to kick off a new year.

Adina Apartment Hotel Darling Harbour also offers an unbeatable harbourside experience. Surrounded by great places to eat, it’s a short walk to the CBD, Barangaroo and all the celebrations on the harbour. Its studio- and one-bedroom apartments are ideal for couples, friends and especially for families. Choose a room with a balcony if you want to watch the fireworks without battling crowds. 

The Adina is close to the departure point for numerous cruises that make for great fireworks viewing. Boogie away on True Blue, enjoy free-flowing bubbles on the luxury cruiser Silver Spirit, bring your own picnic on Captain Cook Cruises’ Rocket, or dine on MV Sydney 2000, which has the rare privilege of being allowed inside the exclusion zone during the fireworks.

Ring in the New Year in Balmy Brisbane

It’s hard to compete with Sydney’s spectacle but Brisbane also celebrates New Year’s Eve with razzmatazz. The Story Bridge is dressed to impressed, while the Brisbane River curling its way snake-like through the city is the perfect vehicle for fireworks at 8.30pm and midnight. 

The upper floors of Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane have balconies with expansive views over the river if you want to watch the fireworks in comfort. It’s a pleasant walk from the hotel to the QPAC Concert Hall where the Queensland Pops Orchestra holds its lively New Year’s Eve Masquerade Gala Concert. This is one event where people love wearing a mask!

Cruise on the river with River City Cruises or Kookaburra Showboat Cruises, or for something different, do a paint and sip class with La Dulce Vita Cucina. Sip on wine, paint the Story Bridge, and enjoy classic Italian pizzas and pastas as 2021 rolls into the new year.

Melbourne is Ready and Raring to Ring in 2022

In Melbourne it’s time to celebrate, with cruises on the Yarra River, entertainment on the Southbank waterfront, and fireworks (to be confirmed) along the river and in locations such as Federation Square, Docklands, Yarra Park, Footscray Park, Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, and Kings Domain. 

Quincy Hotel Melbourne takes the festivities to new heights, with elevated views and an all-inclusive drink and dine package that includes a Quincy Sling cocktail on arrival and glass of Champagne at midnight.

Its New Year’s Eve accommodation package invites you to enjoy a Quincy G&T on arrival, dinner at Salted Egg, and partying at The Q. Wake up to 2022 with Bloody Marys for breakfast and a 2pm check-out. That’s another cool and colourful way to ring in the new year in style.

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** Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch. Note some activities listed may be subject to Covid restrictions.**