New Years Eve in Brisbane Events and Ideas

New Years Eve is a time to party around the world. Brisbane is no exception.

New Years Eve Fireworks in Brisbane

The fireworks in Brisbane on NYE are probably not as big as the Riverfire ones in September.

You are still in for a treat when visiting Queensland\’s capital city at this time of year.

Brisbane has a selection of events based around the river, city and South Bank areas from formal to family.

Booking.com

Here are a selection of ideas. Unfortunately, many venues don\’t publish their plans and menus until mid-November each year.

Read on for more information about the types of events and activities you can expect around Brisbane at this time of the year…

NYE Brisbane Australia

In Australia we are one of the first countries in the world to celebrate the beginning of the new year. New Year\’s Eve (NYE) is 31 December each year. The next day (1 January) is a public holiday in Queensland*, making it a great excuse to not only welcome in the new year in style but to party like you don\’t have to get up tomorrow!

On this page you will find suggestions of times and places to go to watch the fireworks, family friendly options where kids are welcome, hip and trendy parties and balls aimed at adults as well as some good places to eat out on NYE.

Brisbane has a good selection of:

Booking in early for events, dinners, cruises and parties is highly recommended. Also note that some hotels offer special events for house guests only, therefore you will need to check this when you book.

If you find yourself on the Gold Coast for New Year this website has lots of information about that.

Please Note – All prices quoted are approximate and may change. Please check with each venue before booking. Many venues require full payment on booking to secure your place. Check the specific terms and conditions when you book. Disclaimer: Information is a guide only, please check full details directly with each venue.

Return to top New Years Eve Events in Brisbane

New Years Eve Brisbane Options By Category

# Adults Only – is our classification. Some are TRULY adults only, whilst other are obviously designed for adults and are priced accordingly with no children\’s prices. Check the details and you will find out which are truly Adult only parties, balls or dinners.

Return to top New Years Eve Events in Brisbane

Family Friendly New Years Eve Options

Great options for families with children for New Years Eve in Brisbane:

  • South Bank Parklands* – this is the place to be on NYE! Celebrate from 2pm to 7pm in Cultural Forecort and Riverside Green with live music and two spectacular fireworks displays at 8.30pm and midnight on the Brisbane River. This is the most popular location to view the fireworks. Other areas within parklands to enjoy include:
    • The Beach – bring your cozzie
    • Clem Jones Promenade – get in early for the best viewing position.
    • Little Stanley Street – featuring live bands
    • Suncorp Piazza – be prepared to dance and enjoy the music!
    • Cultural Forecourt – carnival rides, fairy floss, competitions for the kids and family-friendly movies
  • Eagle Street Pier – there are a variety of restaurants of all types in this precinct and there is viewing from various walkways of the river and fireworks. Check out Aria Restaurant, Mr & Mrs G Riverbar, George\’s Paragon, Nagomi, Sake, Shadow Lounge or take a cruise with the Kookaburra River Queens on New Year\’s eve.
  • Fireworks – Mainly around the river areas usually around 8.30pm and midnight.

Adult Only NYE Options – NightClubs and Venues

New Year celebrations are probably more about adults than the kids, and this is reflected in the many more options of adults only parties, cruises and balls. This list is a basic round up of the options along with some nightclubs, pubs and taverns that offer a range of options to suit most budgets. Take your pick.

Location: Cloudland Restaurant and Bar, 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Theme of Party: TBC
Dress Code: TBC
Food & Drinks: TBC – Previous Info: Fabulous canapes and a 4.5 hour drinks package including basic spirits, wine, beer and bubbles and house cocktails,.
Entertainment: TBC – Previous Info: Live entertainment, DJs and roving performers .
Approx. Prices*: TBC – Previous Info: Adult $169 per person (plus booking fees)
Booking details: TBC – Previous Info: More information at www.cloudland.tv and tickets through moshtix.com.au

Other Comments: Cloudland is worth a visit NYE or not! Amazing venue. But it looks especially fun this new year. Cloudland is an amazing complex bar and restaurants over 4 levels and 5 individual spaces.

Location: Limes Hotel Roof Top Bar, Brisbane
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Theme of Ball: TBC
Dress Code: None stated – check with venue.
Food & Drinks: TBC – Previous Info: VIP Gold 3 Hour Package (7 to 10pm) of food (canapes) and drinks including Moet, Wines and Bottled Beers
Entertainment: TBC – Previous Info: DJs!
Approx. Prices*: TBC – Previous Info: Adult $99 + booking fee
Booking details: TBC – Previous Info: Limited tickets available through moshtix. More information www.limeshotel.com.au

Other Comments: Limes Hotel is a boutique hotel in The Valley and the roof top bar is famous for cocktails. It was open air, but now has a fully retractable roof which makes it a fantastic venue in any weather. Since this is a hotel, you can always book a room and then you don\’t have to worry about getting home!

Here are some other options for Nightclubs and NYE parties and details of their past parties:

  • Family Nightclub – 8 McLaughlin Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. 4 floors of nightclub, doors open 8pm. DJs and more.
  • Electric Playground – 27 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. In the heart of the party central area in the Valley.
  • The Normanby Hotel – 1 Musgrave Rd, Red Hill, Brisbane
  • Level 12 Rooftop at Rydges South Bank Hotel – fine dining with 5 course degustation menu and beverage package, live entertainment and views of Brisbane for the fireworks to welcome in the new year. Dress is usually formal, but check if it is strictly black tie like last year.

Location: TBC
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Theme of Ball: TBC – Previous Info: Retro
Dress Code: TBC – Previous Info: Be creative with Retro or formal
Entertainment: TBC – Previous Info: Hot Sauce with Full House on the main stage. All rides included. 
Approx. Prices*: TBC – Previous Info: Adult $145 per person. Earlybird, group and student discounts available.
Booking details: TBC – Previous Info: Tickets through Ticketmaster or www.ballevents.org.au

Other Comments: This is the BIG event in town with up to 2000 guests! It used to be held at City Hall and moved to RNA Showgrounds in 2010. This ball sells out and is great value for a night filled with entertainment, food and range of drinks PLUS this NYE Ball raises money for the Down Syndrome Assoc.. Brisbane’s biggest New Year Ball. ALL INCLUSIVE spirits, beer, cider, wine, champs, food and rides. See www.ballevents.org.au  for all details.

Location: Level 2, Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Theme of Party: TBC
Dress Code: None stated
Food & Drinks: TBC – Previous Info: 4½ hour beverage package and a canape menu
Entertainment: TBC – Previous Info: Live entertainment & photobooths. Exclusive Portside fireworks at 9pm and midnight.
Approx. Prices*: TBC
Booking details: Moda Events Portside www.modaevents.com.au

Other Comments: Moda events always seem to put on a great event.

Location: Riverlife Function Centre, Old Naval Stores, Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point (at the bottom of the cliffs)
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Theme of Party: TBC
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Food & Drinks: TBC – Previous Info: Food stations – walk and fork style. 2 premium drinks included in ticket and then cash bar.
Entertainment: TBC – Previous Info: Live music by Redtie, DJ to dance too and lucky door prizes. Riverside viewing of fireworks at midnight.
Approx. Prices*: TBC
Booking details: RiverLife at www.riverlife.com.au

Other Comments: Riverlife is an adventure group based in the Old Naval Stores at the bottom of the cliffs at Kangaroo Point. Secure yourself a prime position for the midnight fireworks and enjoy a party atmosphere.

Location: Byblos Bar and Restaurant, Portside Wharf, 37 Hercules Street, Hamilton
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Theme of Party: TBC
Dress Code: None stated
Food & Drinks: TBC – Previous Info: 5 hour premium drinks package (including cocktails, beer, wine & spirits). Tapas & food stations.
Entertainment: TBC – Previous Info: Live music performances and DJ. Exclusive fireworks at 9pm and midnight.
Approx. Prices*: TBC
Booking details: More information www.byblosbar.com.au

Other Comments: At Portside Wharf in Hamilton, this is usually a private party until 1am and then open to the public from 1am to 3am. Complimentary buses available to Ann Street Fortitude Valley from 12.30 to 1.30am. Information to come closer to the time.

There are several options for enjoying a good dinner with great company in a fabulous location here are some ideas for your New Year\’s Eve:

Eagle Street Pier

Nagomi Bento

Jade Buddha – Champagne New Years

Bookings for all these events are essential. Most require that you pay when you book.

If you miss out on these, check back as I will be updating these as I get more information about these other holiday options:

  • New Year Eve Parties
  • New Years Specials
  • New Years Eve Cruise
  • New Years Eve Packages
  • New Years Hotel

Brisbane New Years Eve Fireworks Video

NYE fireworks in Brisbane are mainly held in and around the river in several location. Family ones are held around 8.30pm to enable the younger children to enjoy them before midnight.

Main fireworks are around South Bank on the river. Great viewing options include the South Bank, Kangaroo Point on the cliffs, Eagle Street Pier area, Botanical Garden area and some city high rise buildings. Here is a video of 2010 NYE fireworks in Brisbane – you can see the intensity of the fireworks, makes you want to go see them for sure….

Fancy a cruise on the river on to celebrate NYE? Try these:

  • Brisbane Cruises – New Years Eve Party Cruise is available for both adults and children. The boats are based at Eagle Street Pier.
  • Kookaburra Queen Paddlesteamer Cruises – usually offers two NYE cruises a 3 course seafood and carvery buffet dinner cruise option.

    Cocktails cruise option, which puts you on the top deck with a canapes and beverage package to keep you partying.

    Boarding at 8pm – departs at 8.30pm sharp returning 12.45am. Check out www.kookaburrariverqueens.com for more information.

NYE Cultural Events in Brisbane

  • New Years Eve Gala (TBC) Where: QPAC, South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane.

    Concert by the Queensland Pops Orchestra. A 2 hour feast of good music for those who enjoy a little culture with the new year celebrations.

  • Brisbane Jazz Club (TBC) Annie Street, Kangaroo Point – New Years Eve Party. More information www.brisbanejazzclub.com.au

Alternative NYE Events – something different

Here are some different options to check out from past years:

  • For NYE 2012 Palace Cinemas at The Barracks celebrated with Hitchcock a new movie about his life and wife. Starring Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock and Helen Mirren as his wife.