10+ ways to spend NYE 2018 in Canberra

Posted on 6 December, 2018

Ready, set, champagne. 

In town for New Year’s? Wondering how to spend it? Here’s how to welcome 2019 in Canberra on December 31.

THE HOWLING MOON

The Howling Moon will be home to all the glitz and glamour you’ve ever wanted this NYE at its exclusive Under The Stars Soiree.

Offering three different packages, the panoramic rooftop bar is bound to book up fast.

Those searching for a later evening event can purchase the Shine package. Priced at $69 per person, Shine includes delicious canapes from 9.30pm, incredible views of the midnight fireworks display, late night music performed by a live lounge DJ and a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.

Perfect for groups, the Twinkle package will offer guests premium seating alongside the windows, seafood grazing, roaming canapes from 9.30pm, incredible views of the 9 pm and midnight fireworks, live acoustic music, a late-night DJ, and a complimentary bottle of champagne at midnight.

Partygoers seeking a more luxurious package can opt for Glow, which includes champagne on arrival, table service from dedicated waitstaff, a seafood grazing platter for the table from 9.30 pm, incredible views of the 9 pm and midnight fireworks, live acoustic music, a late-night DJ and bottles of champagne on ice at midnight.

The truly unforgettable space will be lit up with fairy lights and lanterns, creating the perfect ambience for the biggest night of the year.

Guests can book this unforgettable experience via Dimmi on The Howling Moon website.

The Howling Moon | 7 pm – 1.30 am | From $69 per person | Book now

CASINO CANBERRA

Sporting a vintage circus theme, Casino Canberra will be bringing their best to the table this New Year’s Eve with a charade of activities from 9.30 pm onwards. With shows of juggling, balloons and even magic, there seems to be no lull of entertainment across the whole night.

If that just doesn’t sound like your thing, then why not head to the Casino’s very own Pop Chinese restaurant?

Natural Nine will be hosting a banquet package on the night with a decadent menu. From 8 pm-midnight, enjoy a decadent menu of Asian fusion cuisine in addition to a 3-hour package beverage package with a glorious selection of beers, spirits and local wines.

Casino Canberra | 8 pm – late | From $159 per person, including meals and a beverage package | Find more information here

New Year’s Eve in the City

Kiss goodbye to 2018, celebrate the year that was and ring in the New Year with music, food and fireworks in Civic Square.

Blurring the line between club and pop music, New Year’s Eve in the City will be headlined by PACES. Hitting the stage at 10.30pm, PACES and his special guest will finish 2018 with a bang!

From 6 pm, dance the night away with a free all-ages concert. World-class fireworks displays will light up Canberra skies in the city at 9 pm and midnight at this alcohol-free event!

Party till late and ride home safe with Transport Canberra’s Late Night Rapid Services operating until 2 am.

Civic Square | 6 pm onwards | For more information visit the Events ACT website

THE SWAN AND KING

Luxury cocktail lounge Swan & King has unveiled its two New Year’s Eve packages, offering the affordable Renaissance Package (from $35pp), and the more extravagant Venetian Package ($950 for a group of 5) for those who choose to celebrate big.

Both options are in keeping with the evening’s Masquerade theme, which encourages guests to don their best mask and dress for the occasion.

The lavish Venetian Package includes views of the fireworks, all you can drink house wine, beer and spirits until midnight, dedicated table service, seafood, canapé and antipasto platters, late night music, and a complimentary bottle of champagne at midnight.

Masked guests who opt for the Renaissance Package will be greeted with canapés at 9.30 pm with ample time to soak up the atmosphere before the midnight fireworks.

The Swan & King | 8 pm onwards | Book now

LOLA’S

Have a long night in at Lola’s this New Year’s.

Lola’s will have both seated and standing room with a disco vibe, inviting groups of all sizes and to kick the night off at 8 pm with a package that runs until midnight.

The $125 package includes four hours of beer, wine, sparkling and selected cocktails (Espresso Martinis, of course) as well as Modern Italian inspired share plates and Lola’s famous wood-fired pizzas.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased through Eventbrite (visit Lola’s Facebook).

CELEBRATING WITH THE FAMILY?

Lola’s restaurant will be open from 5.30 pm for earlier sittings. Families taking in the city festivities and 9 pm fireworks are invited to drop by for an affordable, modern-Italian inspired menu of Basil and Mozzarella Loaded Fries, ‘Fat Meatballs’ and crispy New York-Italian woodfired pizzas, just to name a few.

Book now via the website.

Lola’s | From 5.30 pm | facebook.com/lolascbr

SHORTY’S

Get along to Shorty’s for NYE this December 31, with free entry all night and a later than usual Happy Hour – from 8-10 pm, $30 bottle of Prosecco, $5 tap beer and wine. 

Shorty’s | From 8 pm | Free entry

THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

Say goodbye to 2018 and party your way into 2019… Bollywood style. The National Arboretum will collaborate with Ginger Catering for a New Years Eve party to remember.

Not only will you be able to experience the breathtaking views over the Nation’s Capital but canapés and cocktails will also be offered on arrival. This will be followed by a seated three-course dinner, accompanied by drinks, dancing and live entertainment!

A photo booth will be available on the night, and guests are invited to dress to impress. Get in now and book your tickets before they sell out.

National Arboretum Canberra | 7.30 pm – 1 am | $190 per person, includes all food and beverages | Book now

QT LOUNGE

Looking for something a little fancy this New Years Eve? Join QT for a black tie event and bring in the new year in style. Taking place in the QT Lounge, 15 floors above the ground, you can be sure that you’ll have some of the best views of the fireworks in town!

Boasting live entertainment, a 5-hour beverage package and a killer menu, there’s no doubt that the drinks will be flowing and the dance mover will be HOT.

QT Lounge |  8 pm – 1 am | $219 per person, includes all food and beverages| Book now

BUVETTE 

Join Buvette Bistro and Wine bar to celebrate New Years Cheers. They are hosting a four-course dinner to celebrate the end of 2018, with a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival.

For just $110 per person, you could be enjoying their amazing menu, and great company at one of Canberra’s most exclusive venues. Bookings ae essential.

Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar | 6 pm – 12 am | $110 per person, includes four-course meal | Book now

88mph

Dust off your crimper, put on your pumps and channel your inner 80’s movie star at 88mph this NYE!

With packages available including karaoke, cocktails, pizzas and more, you can party like it’s 1989. There are limited sessions available, but no cover charge or bookings for entry to the main bar.

88mph | From 4 pm | Book here

CUBE

Another year has past and whether it was a peak or plummet the only certain things in life are death, taxes, and Cube Nightclub hosting a New Years Eve rager.

Throwing one hell of a party, they are inviting you to dress in white and party until, well, who knows… they have extended trading hours. It will all get started from 9pm, feat. three djs, face painting, giveaways, and jelly shots on arrival.

Cube | $15pp | 10 pm till late | Facebook

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Redsalt Restaurant

Celebrate the arrival of 2019 with a delicious buffet dinner at Redsalt Restaurant in Crowne Plaza.

Toast the new year with a glass of sparkling on arrival and enjoy a decadent smorgasbord including fresh seafood, carvery station, a wide array of hot dishes, gourmet salads, indulgent desserts and much more. A selection of beverages is included.

Crowne Plaza Hotel |6 – 10 pm |$130 per adult, $70 per child | Book now

HIGHBALL EXPRESS 

Doors opening at 4 pm, live music from 10 pm, Peggy the punch trolley doing the rounds and Cuban street food on the menu… If that sounds like your idea of a good time, then shoot down to Highball Express this New Years Eve.

The night will include live music and dance performances, as well as delicious cocktails (yes please!) and a whole lot of good vibes. Whether you want to pop in on the night, or purchase a pre organized VIP food and beverage package, all are welcome.

The Highball Express | $10 per person | 4 pm –late | Book here 

SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB

The Southern Cross Club does not disappoint when it comes to options for New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re after a sit-down dinner, or a lake cruise, see below for your NYE options.

YACHT CLUB RESTAURANT

Inclusive of a three-course dinner, five-hour beverage package and live entertainment from 8 pm, this is ideal if you want to enjoy a low-key night with good food, company and live music.

MV SOUTHERN CROSS FIREWORKS CRUISE

Family Fireworks Cruise – Inclusive of a 5-course menu and a show of the early round fireworks as they’re launched in the city. This is perfect if you have little ones and are wanting an early night!

Midnight Fireworks Cruise: – Inclusive of a two-hour beverage package, hot and cold canapés, a lolly buffet and a show of the midnight fireworks over the city. This will suit you if you’re looking for something a little more party and a little less family.

The Southern Cross Club | Book here