25+ ideas for New Year’s Eve 2018 in Canberra

Posted on 14 December, 2017

From picnics to popping bottles, here’s everything you need to know about staying in Canberra for NYE 2018!

THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

Time Warp your way into 2018! This New Year’s Eve, Ginger Catering at the National Arboretum Canberra is putting on a glamorous and fun event at one of Canberra’s most iconic and beautiful venues with sweeping views of Canberra.

Ginger Catering are serving canapés and cocktails on arrival, a three-course sit down dinner prepared by Executive Janet Jeffs and her award-winning team.

The drinks will be flowing all evening with a fabulous beverage package featuring premium local wines. Guests are invited to dress to impress and costumes are definitely encouraged! There will also be live entertainment, a photo-booth to snap your memories, and a DJ who’ll have you Time-Warping all night.

National Arboretum Canberra | 7:30pm-1:00am | $190 per person, includes all food and beverages | trybooking.com/SXMJ

CASINO CANBERRA  

Casino Canberra | Free Event | 9:00pm | bit.ly/2nEug8B

FAMILY CIVIC SQUARE CONCERT

Ring in the new year in Canberra with a fantastic line-up of free entertainment including two live music celebrations and state of the art fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Civic Square hosts an all-ages concert line-up while Garema Place brings in the New Year with bass beats and high-energy dancing.

Both the Civic Square and Garema Place celebrations are alcohol-free and glass-free to encourage a safe and friendly atmosphere.

A full program of music acts and activities will be promoted closer to the event date, with headline acts announced on the Events ACT website and social media channels.

Garema Place | 7:00pm – 12:30am | www.events.act.gov.au

88mph

The year is coming to an end and 88mph is going to send it off with a big 80’s style bang! They’re not going to just sit around and watch the clock count down – oh no no, there’s no fun in that. They’re kicking off the fun early, bringing you the Final Countdown from No. 88 all the way through to the No.1 song from the best decade EVER! All the hits, all night long!

88mph Canberra | from 4:00 pm | $20 cover charge from 7:00pm | www.eventbrite.com.au

BASS IN THE PLACE

Expect bass beats and high energy dancing to overtake Garema Place on December 31 as it hosts an all-out dance party for revellers who like to start late and end late. It kicks off with a bang, literally, starting with the 9 pm fireworks, and ends much the same way, capping off at 1 am after the midnight fireworks.

Garema Place | 9:00pm – 1:00pm | www.events.act.gov.au 

Lake Burley Griffin

For a relaxed, family-friendly vantage point away from the parties, anywhere on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin makes for a beautiful spot to witness the fireworks as they’re launched over the lake. Commonwealth Park and Kings Park are just a couple of options to keep at front of mind.

Lake Burley Griffin | www.events.act.gov.au

LUCKY’S SPEAKEASY

The biggest party to wish the year that was all the best – while celebrating the dawning of a brand new one. Welcome the night with the sensational sounds of Miss Pia Andersen, as she sets the scene for the night that will be. When the clock strikes 10, you will find yourself swept up in the intoxicating energy of rockabilly band the Hollywood Honeys, as they reign in the new year with gusto.

With a decadent two-hour drink package packed with fine hooch, beer, wine, and soft drinks, you’ll be well placed to welcome in the New Year.

Ground Floor, QT, 1 London Circuit | 8pm–2am | Entry $99 | www.qthotelsandresorts.co

NYE AT BUVETTE BISTRO & WINE BAR

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Buvette in the heart of the Inner South. Enjoy a three-course dinner with canapés and glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne on arrival.

Bring in the New Year with delicious food and wine, excellent service and vibrant atmosphere and if you’re not keen on booking an Uber afterwards, why not just head upstairs to the five-star Hotel Realm and make a staycation of it?

Buvette Bistro and Bar | Inside Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton | 6.30pm – 1am | $130 per person | hotelrealm.com.au/whats-on/nye-buvette-bistro-wine-bar

POD FOOD

The masters of fine dining are bringing you an evening of food and frivolity out in the leafy surrounds of Pialligo.

This year they’re offering two options: an early bird booking from 6pm (to be finished by 8pm) with three courses for $80 per person or a second sitting at 8.30pm featuring five courses with champagne on arrival for $140 per person.

Pod Food |12 Beltana Road, Pialligo | $80-140 per person | More info via Facebook

POLIT BAR

Start 2018 with a smile! Join Polit Bars “Glamour & Grunge” New Year’s Eve party hosted by the delightful Tammy Paks.

What to wear? You decide. Glamour or grunge it up with a 20s-00s+ theme of your choosing. What’s the point? To have fun…and only YOU know what’s fun for you. And Tammy has her own an idea of fun too…cross her palm with silver (well, gold or paper actually) and receive your own 2018 Tarot Reading, partake in her paganistic party rituals, and more general carry on.

Limited early bird tix $15 pp / $20 standard tix / @ the door $25 | Polit Bar Canberra |$20 standard ticket | bit.ly/2BflnZ4

CUBE

Another year has come and gone, so whether it’s been good, bad or otherwise, this is the time to let your hair down and look forward to a new year/new beginning.

Cube is taking you to the circus this year for a night of fun under the big top. Join DJs Tom Hathaway and Clive Warren to bring in the new year while enjoying a special midnight performance from their friends at Subsdance Dance Studio with clowns roaming throughout the night as well as free face painting, balloon making AND free jelly shots on arrive while stocks last.

Not keen to go home at 5am? DONT! Keep the party going as long as everyone else does thanks to extended trading. Doors open at 9pm, get in early and party to… well who knows when!

Cube Canberra | $15pp | 10:00pm till late | bit.ly/2ADUhtV

HYATT HOTEL CANBERRA

Celebrate the dawn of 2018 with Hyatt Hotel Canberra. NYE Celebrations inclusive of a 5-hour beverage package including a lavish dinner buffet in the rose courtyard followed by live entertainment in The Tea Lounge.

7:30pm to 1:00am | Adults $220

There’s also a NYE Dinner Buffet at Promenade Café inclusive of a 3-hour beverage package from 6 pm onwards.

Adults $160 | Children $110

For bookings, speak to Mikaela on (02) 6269 8901 or email mikaela.panting@hyatt.com

Hyatt Hotel Canberra | tickets starting from $110pp | bit.ly/2jsI4P0

A Baker

What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? Canberra’s chicest food and wine destination, NewActon, in turning on quite a treat at one of the coolest restaurants in town. To ring in 2018, A. Baker is holding a ticketed event this New Year’s Eve, celebrating food and wine from the Canberra region.

A Baker will be offering a 10-course grazing menu matched with local wines and Australian spirit based cocktails. Guests will be free to roam the whole venue, ordering what they want when they want it, with live music in both courtyards and our basement bar. There is no theme and no fancy dress – it’s all about the food.

Bookings can be made via hello@abaker.com.au or in-store at A. Baker | A Baker Canberra | $160pp| http://bit.ly/2Bflc01

CROWNE PLAZA CANBERRA

Celebrate the arrival of 2018 with a delicious buffet dinner in Redsalt Restaurant. Toast to the new year with a glass of sparkling and enjoy a delicious smorgasbord of fresh seafood, tender roasts, gourmet salads, decadent desserts and much more. A selection of beverages is included.

$120 per adult | $89 per child 13-17 years | $49 per child 6-12 years | Children under six years of age dine free

Crowne Plaza Canberra | 6:00pm – 10:00pm | tickets from $120 | bit.ly/2k7C9P6

OTIS DINING HALL

For an awesome dining experience where you can be spoiled, OTIS should be your venue of choice. the menu will feature lobster, caviar, wagyu beef, Clonkilla Shiraz Viognier, Obsession Chardonnay, Hibiki Japanese whisky crème caramel to name a few.

Otis Dining Hall Canberra |$200 pp including beverage| thisisotis.com.au 

BANANA LEAF RESTAURANT

New Year’s Eve, Banana Leaf’s 3-course choice a la carte dinner is the perfect, relaxed way to bring in the new year.

There will be two sittings: 5:30pm to 8:00pm (for 9:00pmfireworks outside) or 8:30pm to 11:00pm (for midnight fireworks outside) with a large menu selection to choose from.

Banana Leaf Restaurant Canberra |$95.00 per person | www.bananaleafrestaurant.com.au

HELLENIC CLUB

With 25 singles and five of some of the bestselling albums of the 80’s and 90’s to choose from, SIREN SIMPLY DIVINYLS brings you a truly memorable night of high-energy entertainment with all your favourite 80’s + 90s Hits.

Hellenic Club Canberra |General admission $35 | 9:00 pm to 1:00 am | www.trybooking.com

SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB  

Cruise the lake and be at the center of the action aboard the MV Southern Cross, with their cruise dinners.

Midnight Fireworks Cruise on the MV Southern Cross

Hot and cold canapes and beverages pack

Adults $100

Departs 10:30pm | See website for more information.

If keeping your feet on dry land is your preference, the Yacht Club is offering a three-course dinner and live music from the Jetson 5. You can also rock your way into the New Year at Woden, with The Old 45s performing while you enjoy a three-course dinner.

Yacht Club Restaurant

Five course meal and beverage package – entertainment by Jetson 5

Adults $150

Departs 7:00pm| See website for more information.

New Years Eve Dinner at Woden

Three course meal – entertainment by the Old 45s.

Adults $90

Begins 7:00pm | Southern Cross Club Canberra | tickets from $95.00pp| www.cscc.com.au 

BENTSPOKE BREWING CO.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at BentSpoke in Braddon! The theme is Steampunk so you’ll have lots of opportunity to dress to impress!

There will be competitions for the best costumes and lots of fun and frivolity to see in the New Year. Share food and drinks are included all night long with your ticket.

BentSpoke Brewing Co. | Draughters Members $110 General Public $140 | www.bentspokebrewing.com.au

THE HIGHBALL EXPRESS

If New Year’s Eve isn’t your thing this could be your new favourite way to celebrate. The Highball Express is launching their Annual White Party with a fabulously tropical twist and you’re invited. The Moèt will be flowing, Peggy the punch trolley will be making an appearance and the tasty Cuban street food will delight your taste buds and transport you to a holiday paradise.

The High Ball Express | Doors open from 4 pm | $20 Cover Charge or $10 if prepaid online before 28 December |www.eventbrite.com.au

CASEY JONES

Join in from 6pm on New Year’s Eve for a fun-filled night of fantastic food, drinks and great company on the northside with a glass of bubbly on arrival and a large canape menu to choose from. Champagne salute at midnight!

Casey Jones Pub | 6 pm onwards | www.caseyjones.pub

THE BASEMENT

The Basement has all your rock shenanigans covered at their New Years Eve Party with 15 bands across two stages!

With covers and originals plus heaps of different genres, including rock, alternative, metal, punk, industrial, acoustic, folk and more, there’s something for everyone!

The Basement | General Admission $28.58 | 4:00 pm to 2:00 am| www.moshtix.com.au 

QT LOUNGE

As we move even closer to December 31, now is the time to decide where you spend the final hours of 2017.

Say goodbye to the year that was, with the best views in the capital at the QT Lounge.

They will be opening the QT Lounge doors to non-members, for one-offff opportunity to experience the opulent scenes of our most exclusive lounge to welcome in the New Year. You will have the chance to enjoy a selection of exceptional beverages and delectable canapés perched high above the nation’s capital. Welcome the night with the swinging tunes of an intimate Jazz Quartet, and when the clock strikes 10, the QT Lounge will be taken over by the sensational sounds of a Jazz Quintet, featuring the delightful harmonies of the Hollywood Honeys.

When the new year ticks on the clocks, there will be no sign of closure, as Miss Pia Anderson carries the celebrations into the night. Bookings are essential to secure your spot. Dress code: Black tie and daringly chic

QT Canberra | Tickets $195pp | 8:00 pm – 1:00 am | www.tickets.myguestlist.com.au  

ARE YOU A CANBERRA BUSINESS WITH A NYE 2018 EVENT? EMAIL US AT EDITOR@HERCANBERRA.COM.AU AND WE’LL POP YOU INTO THIS EDITORIAL!