More than 25 ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Canberra
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Whether your ideal New Year’s Eve is spent dancing until dawn, feasting with friends or creating a magical experience for your little ones we’ve got your ultimate guide to 31 December in Canberra.
Best for Families
New Year’s Eve Canberra
Vibe: The official Canberra NYE celebration, this family-friendly, all-ages, accessible event encourages families to picnic along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
With four picnic ‘hubs’ at Regatta Point, Patrick White, Rond Terrace and Bowen Park, there will be services and amenities available at each hub, such as food trucks, first aid, toilets and security. Live DJs will also provide a relaxed atmosphere ahead of the 9 pm fireworks.
Inclusions: Two fireworks locations (Central and East Basins) with displays at 9 pm and midnight
Cost: Free
6 pm – 9 pm (DJs), with fireworks at 9 pm and midnight | Lake Burley Griffin | visitcanberra.com.au
New Year’s Eve by the Lake at Walt & Burley
Vibe: At Kingston’s Walt & Burley there are two packages on offer (one that’s family-friendly with an early finish and one from 8.30 pm until late) to suit every need. Little ones will enjoy free gelato as part of the kid’s menu, with a small person-friendly finish time of 8.30 pm.
Inclusions: A glass of sparkling on arrival, the option of a kid’s menu for the 5.30 pm seating and a DJ plus drinks package for the later seating time.
Cost: $95-125 per person for adults and $30 for kids
5.30 pm and 8.30 pm seatings | Walt & Burley, Kingston Foreshore | waltandburley.com.au
Best for Foodies
Photography: Ashley St George, Pew Pew Studio.
Celebrate the New Year at Lilotang
Vibe: If exquisite Japanese fare is your idea of a fantastic New Year’s Eve, get thee to Barton for Lilotang’s seven course New Year’s Eve tasting menu.
Inclusions: Seven-course tasting menu, glass of Verve Clicquot on arrival, House of Suntory and Veuve Clicquot specials and a complimentary drink voucher for Ostani to see in the New Year.
Cost: $180 per person
From 7 pm | Lilotang, Burbury Close, Barton | Bookings here
Around the World Whisky Tasting at Molly
Vibe: If you’re keen to start the night a little earlier, get to Molly at 5.30 pm for a whisky flight to get you in full swing.
Inclusions: A four-stop whisky flight in Molly’s private vault, hosted by venue manager Nic Train.
Cost: $65-75
5.30 pm – 7 pm | Molly, Odgers Lane, City | Facebook
New Year’s Eve at Ondine
Vibe: A very delicious seven-course degustation of European fare awaits at Deakin’s Ondine Brasserie with highlights like spanner crab, flathead and prawn mousseline, roasted lamb saddle and more.
Inclusions: Seven-course degustation and a glass of NV Tattinger on arrival.
Cost: $150 per person.
From 6 pm | 7 Duff Place, Deakin | Ondine European Brasserie, | Bookings here
Contentious New Year’s Eve at Contentious Character
Vibe: Head into the calm Wamboin countryside to ring in the new year in style at Contentious Character’s winery with a seven-course feast with (naturally) the option of paired wines.
Inclusions: A seven-course degustation with the option of paired wines.
Cost: $145 for seven courses. Add $185 per person for paired wines.
6.30 pm – 12.15 am | Contentious Character, 810 Norton Road, Wamboin | exploretock.com/contentiouscharacter/event/376366
Buvette’s Noir et Blanc Party
Vibe: Say au revoir to 2022 as you ring in the new year in true French style at Buvette with oodles of decadent French cuisine and bubbles.
Inclusions: A seven-course degustation menu, canapes and glass of champagne or cocktail on arrival and a complimentary drink voucher to Ostani to see in the New Year.
Cost: $180 per person.
From 7 pm | Inside Hotel Realm, National Circuit, Barton | buvette.com.au/reservations
Drink, dine and count time at Braddon Merchant
Vibe: Relax with deliciously curated food and wine in Braddon Merchant’s sleek inner-city restaurant.
Inclusions: A signature Braddon Merchant Experience with a Chef’s selection of shared-style courses with the option of paired beverages.
Cost: $99 per person, with the option of expertly paired beverages for $60 per person.
Braddon Merchant, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | braddonmerchant.com.au
New Year’s Eve Canberra Wine Dinner at 1882 Hall
Vibe: A relaxed four-course New Year’s Eve dinner with matched wines from some of the Canberra region’s most delicious producers (read: Clonakilla, Shaw Wines, Pankhurst and Nick O’Leary).
Inclusions: Four-course dinner with matched wines.
Cost: $130 per person
6.30 – 9.30 pm | 1882 Hall, 13 Gladstone Street, Hall | Tickets via Eventbrite or email hello@1882hall.com.au for dietary requirements and group bookings.
New Year’s Eve Dinner with Chef Christophe at Le Tres Bon
Vibe: A delicious way to greet 2023, settle into Braidwood’s finest French restaurant, Le Tres Bon for an evening of food and wine with Chef Christophe.
Inclusions: Aperitif, four-course dinner and your choice of matching wines. See the full menu here.
Cost: $120 per person
6.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Le Tres Bon, 40 Malbon Street, Bungendore | chefchristopheandjosephine.com.au/booknow/p/new-years-eve-dinner-by-chef-christophe
Best for making it to midnight (and beyond)
Leyla Bar. Photography: Ashley St George, Pew Pew Studio.
New Year’s Eve at Leyla Bar
Vibe: Canberra’s chicest rooftop bar is, naturally, the best place to take in the fireworks in style. Leyla Bar’s first New Year’s offers a panoramic view across Canberra as you enjoy a live DJ, five-hour premium drinks and canape package (think: Bombay Premier Cru, Grey Goose and Patron, and Moet & Chandon) plus the option of bottle service and access to the VIP Glenfiddich Gran Cru Whisky Bar. Is this Canberra’s most luxurious New Year’s Eve party? We think so.
Inclusions: Panoramic view of fireworks, live DJ, five-hour premium drinks and canape package including cocktails from Bombay Premier Cru, Grey Goose and Patron, and Moet & Chandon with the option of a VIP Glenfiddich Gran Cru Whisky Bar and bottle service at extra cost.
Cost: $264.84 per person. Please note this is a cocktail-style event with no reserved seating.
7.30 pm – 12.30 am | Leyla Bar, 1 Burbury Close, Barton | Eventbrite
Party like it’s 2022 at The Alby
Vibe: Fancy an elevated pub celebration? Head to Woden’s new local in the afternoon to get the party started.
Inclusions: All-day food specials, $12 De Bortoli King Valley Prosecco Spritzers and $5 tinnies from 6 pm, a glass of bubbles at midnight and DJ Luke and Dan on the Sax from 7 pm.
From 4 pm | The Alby, 45 Furzer Street, Phillip | thealby.com.au
New Year’s Eve Prohibition Party at Molly
Vibe: A party worthy of Gatsby in this time capsule of a bar with live jazz from Rhythm Capital that will kick on until the wee hours of 2023.
Inclusions: Three sets of live jazz from Rhythm Capital, plus entry into Molly
Cost: $20
9.30 pm – 1 am | Molly, Odgers Lane, City | Facebook
Party Under The Stars at Howling Moon
Vibe: Howling Moon’s double-story rooftop venue will come to life on 31 December for an unforgettable night of cocktails and spectacular views across north Canberra.
Inclusions: Cocktail on arrival, roaming canapes from 7.30-9.30 pm and live entertainment.
Cost: $95 per person.
7 pm – 12.30 am | Howling Moon, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | Instagram
Dance the night away at Ostani
Vibe: Get ready to party at Barton’s Ostani Bar, with a Disaronno Garden Bar takeover, Bacardi Pina Colada and Mojito Bars and live music and DJ to ring in the new year.
Inclusions: Disaronno Garden Bar takeover, plus Bacardi Pina Colada and Mojito Bar, Patron tap cocktails, Moet & Chandon spritzes, live music from 4 pm, followed by a DJ until very late, complimentary bottle of sparkling or cocktail carafe on arrival for bookings of 10 or more.
4 pm onwards | Ostani Bar, inside Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton | ostani.com.au
Midnight Bar
Vibe: Bid adieu to 2022 and hello to 2023 at Midnight Bar this New Year’s Eve with your choice of two luxurious packages.
Inclusions: For $400, enjoy a premium food and drinks package designed to share with a few of your closest crew. The package includes one magnum of Moet & Chandon Imperial, six signature cocktails of your choice and a deli board to graze on. The package can be enjoyed in a cosy booth, a tall top table, or in their alfresco lounge and firepit area.
Alternatively, you can opt for bottomless Moet & Chandon Imperial for $100 per person for two hours. There’s even the option to stay the night at Midnight Hotel.
Cost: From $100 per person or $400 per group (conditions apply).
Midnight Bar, inside Midnight Hotel, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | midnightbar.com.au
New Year’s Eve at Volstead Repeal
Vibe: Billed as an evening of whisky, cocktails and champagne in Volstead Repeal’s cosy interiors…honestly, where do we sign up?
Inclusions: Three cocktails (and a glass of champagne at midnight) from 9 pm onwards. There’s also the option of a whisky tasting at 6 pm that’s strictly limited to eight guests.
Cost: $100 per person.
Doors open to the public from 5 pm with ticketed session starting at 9 pm until 1 am | Volstead Repeal, 7/32 Mort Street Braddon | volstead.com.au/events
Toast on the Terrace at Highball Express
Vibe: A New Year’s Eve Garden Party to send off the final sunset of 2022 in the heart of the city with cocktails galore.
Inclusions: A Chandon Garden Spritz on arrival, guaranteed entry and DJs all night long.
Cost: $25 per person. Please note all bookings must arrive between 4 pm and 8.30 pm with walk-ins available later, subject to capacity.
From 4 pm | Highball Express, 77 London Circuit, City | Bookings here
A very 80s NYE at 88mph
Vibe: Throw it back to the glorious ‘80s at Canberra’s own retro bar, 88mph, with a private karaoke room or a boogie on the light-up dance floor.
Inclusions: Book a table to guarantee entry on the night or book a private karaoke room for the ultimate sing-a-long experience.
Doors open from 4 pm. Walk-ins are subject to availability on the night | 88mph, Hobart Place, City | 88mph.bar
New Year’s Eve at Blue Eyes
Vibe: A jazzy, upscale New Year’s with live music from In 2 Deep, a grazing table and a champagne tower to ring in the new year.
Inclusions: Book your table to enjoy sparkling on arrival, a grazing tower, live music, cash bar and a champagne tower at midnight.
Cost: $50 per person but tables must be booked as a whole and cannot be split. Tables must be seated by 7 pm or your table may be cancelled.
5 pm onwards | Blue Eyes, Garema Place, City | Eventbrite or info@blueeyescbr.com.au
Tropical NYE Party at Ganjees
Vibe: Kicking off at 10 pm, Ganjees encourages you to don your best tropical prints for a night of Bollywood, Urban Punjabi and top charts music to bring in the new year.
Inclusions: Music and a photographer. Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Cost: $27.46, no refunds.
10 pm – 3 am | Ganjees, 5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Eventbrite
Fantasy of Colour at Transit Bar
Vibe: Bring the colour at Transit Bar’s NYE party featuring three live bands and an invitation to dress to impress in your bright best (think: glitter, neon, tight and bright…).
Inclusions: Live music from The Decideds, Midnight Removalists and Novakova.
Cost: $15 per person
8 pm – 1.30 am | Transit Bar, Bailey’s Arcade, City | Facebook
Amplify NYE at 5th Avenue
Vibe: A showcase of Canberra’s up-and-coming DJs at vibey 5th Avenue from EDM and House collective, Amplify.
Inclusions: Entry and live music.
Cost: $11.64 + bf
7 pm – 4 am | 5th Avenue, Sydney Building, City | Eventbrite
New Year’s Eve at Fiction Club
Vibe: US DJ Disco Lines headlines this massive night at Fiction nightclub in the city.
Inclusions: Entry to Fiction
Cost: $21.79 + bf
Tickets here | More information via Facebook
New Year’s Eve by the Lake at Walt & Burley
Vibe: At Kingston’s Walt & Burley there are two packages on offer (one that’s family-friendly with an early finish and a second from 8.30 pm until late) to suit every need. The 8.30 pm start also includes a DJ and drinks package.
Inclusions: For the 8.30 pm seating there’s a glass of sparkling on arrival and a DJ plus a drinks package.
Cost: $95-125 per person.
5.30 pm – late | Walt & Burley, Kingston Foreshore | waltandburley.com.au/whats-on/new-years-eve
A Great Gatsby NYE at The Burns Club
Vibe: Celebrate the Roaring 20s in style with live jazz at The Burns Club—they’re even transforming their bar into a “decadent Gastby speakeasy.
Inclusions: Live music from Leisa Keen and the New Jazz Age Band
6 pm onwards | The Burns Club, 28 Kett Street, Kambah | burnsclub.com.au/event/gatsby-on-the-glen-a-nye-party
A 80s, 90s & 00s New Year’s Eve at The Basement
Vibe: Party all night like it’s 1999 at Belconnen’s The Basement with a playlist of only the best throwback rock, emo and alternative classics (think: Blink 182 and co) from bands Contrabrand, Red Hector and So Last Summer.
Inclusions: Live music, free bubbles at midnight, cash bar and food available from Chompy’s.
Cost: $40.30 per person.
From 3.30 pm until late | The Basement, 2 Cohen Street, Belconnen | OzTix
Best for a low-key NYE
New Year’s Eve Preview Screenings at Dendy Cinemas Canberra
Vibe: If your idea of a great NYE is to kick back in a comfy cinema seat with a glass of something bubbly in hand, you’re in for a treat.
This 31 December, Dendy Cinemas Canberra is hosting two NYE preview screenings of The Fablemans (2.30 pm) and Empire of Light (6 pm), both of which include a glass of sparkling on arrival. Did someone say double feature?
Inclusions: Movie ticket plus a glass of sparkling on arrival.
Cost: $22 for Club Dendy members, $28 for non-members.
2.30 pm (The Fabelmans) and 6 pm (Empire of Light) | Dendy Cinemas Canberra, upstairs in Canberra Centre, City | dendy.com.au/events/the-fabelmans-new-years-eve-preview + dendy.com.au/events/empire-of-light-new-years-eve-preview
