The Brisbane New Year's 2014-15 Party Guide

Nu Year's Eve Party: 3015

Last year, everyone’s favourite musicians turned bar proprietors looked back to 2003 for their end of year celebration. Never doing the same thing twice, this year they’re advancing onwards and then some. For New Year’s Eve, the Southside Tea Room is going forward – not back – to the future. Great Scott!

South Bank Fireworks

No, this isn’t just the easy option — although it might be the cheapest. Brisbane’s annual display at South Bank is up there with the best, but if braving the crowds rushing for the 8.30pm and midnight pyrotechnics isn’t your thing, why not make a day of it by packing a tasty picnic and staking our your ideal spot along the river?

The Big Chill

If something relaxed suits your partying style, then Brisbane’s newest festival has the event for you. The gang from The Motor Room takes over the entire Boundary Street Markets Complex for 12 hours of revelry, spanning from the early afternoon to the early hours of the new year.

New Year's Eve Roaring Twenties Party

Nestled away in Woollongabba’s cool Logan Road strip of intimate establishments, Canvas is a great place to go any night of the week, and New Year’s Eve is certain to prove no different. Suiting their year-round vibe of vintage allure, there’s a fitting theme in place for the ultimate night of merriment: the Roaring Twenties.

Studio 54 New Year's Eve

Another New Year’s Eve party, another era to celebrate; this time, it’s the sexy 1970s. Think disco and divas, because that’s exactly what’s on offer at Cloudland, as well as flares, platforms, hot pants and go-go boots. The Fortitude Valley venue channels the essence of the only New York nightclub that mattered at the time.

'90s Back to Life Dance Party

There’s just something about celebrating the end of the year by stepping back in time: next stop, the 1990s. You lived through it, so you know what you’re in for: everything from neon and leggings to flannelette shirts and Doc Martens to cargo pants and backwards caps. You’re also in for the biggest club hits and dance anthems of the decade.

Aria's New Year's Eve Dinner

If New Year’s Eve isn’t an excuse to get all dolled up and treat yourself to a fancy meal at an expensive restaurant, well, nothing is. Whether you’ve been to celebrity chef Matt Moran’s Brisbane establishment before, or if this will be your first time, the three-course set price menu will get your mouth watering.

London Calling

As much as we might want to be, we can’t all be on the other side of the world when 2015 commences — but we can certainly pretend we are. The folks at The Fox are throwing the best British celebration outside of Britain, with themed spaces including the Tanqueray Centre Stage, The Pimms Palace and the Kate Moss Rooftop Bar.

New Year's Geek

Who says cosplay is just for conventions? Not Brisbane Powerhouse and Supanova, that’s for sure. For everyone who has wanted to break out their favourite pop culture costume on the biggest night of the year, the city’s coolest riverside venue and the country’s number one fan event combine to throw a different kind of New Year’s Eve party.

Woodford Folk Festival 2014/15

Set up camp, let your hair get knotty, and roam makeshift tarpaulin towns.

New Years Eve at Black Bear Lodge

If your New Year’s resolutions are to be a) more honest with yourself and b) save money, then December 31 might be the perfect time to put them in action. It takes an honest person to accept that on New Year’s Eve (after a few drinks) money is bound to be burnt. Black Bear Lodge has the perfect solution to keep your bank account intact.

The Five Best New Year's Day Parties in Brisbane

Whether you’re looking for hangover relief, or just want to keep the party going, New Year’s Day is the perfect chance do absolutely everything or nothing at all in Brisbane.

If You're Dreaming of Your Next Holiday, Qantas Has Just Dropped a Seven-Day Sale with Fares From $109

One-million discounted seats are available on flights to 60 destinations, including The Whitsundays, Kangaroo Island, the Sunshine Coast and Hobart.

The Best Things to Do in Brisbane This Week

This week in Brisbane, you can catch Kylie Minogue live, then drink taco margaritas and eat nori kimchi peking duck tacos.

How Playing with Innies and Outies Added a Rare Angle to an Icon's Career Seven Decades In: Christopher Walken Talks 'Severance'

If you think about this Oscar-winner's past roles, viral 'More Cowbell' fame and 'Weapon of Choice' dancing when you watch him as Burt Goodman, however, he understands.

Vodafone Customers Can Access Early Presale Tickets to Fisher's Upcoming Out 2 Lunch Festival

Get in early for Australia’s biggest beach party this May.

Blazing Empathy, Brilliant Naturalism, Barry Keoghan and British Anthems: Andrea Arnold Chats Soaring Must-See 'Bird'

The 'American Honey', 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Fish Tank' writer/director’s filmography can be summed up in one beautiful line from her latest movie: "no one's no one".

Coming of Age and Coming Out in Rural Australia: Joseph Zada, Aydan Calafiore, Zach Blampied and Pia Miranda Talk 'Invisible Boys'

Set in Geraldton in Western Australia, this page-to-screen adaptation about LGBTQIA+ teens brings a new perspective to Aussie screens.

Say Goodbye to 'Neighbours' Again: For the Second Time in Three Years, the Long-Running Aussie Soap Has Been Cancelled

Prime Video no longer needs good neighbours, with the Ramsay Street-set series wrapping up in December 2025.

News You Can Use: Nine Things That Happened in Brisbane This Week

Here's what's been catching our attention, including the return of a Yayoi Kusama favourite to GOMA and Brisbane's first restaurant on a bridge.

Now Open: Tokyo-Inspired Izakaya Goros Is Fortitude Valley's New 500-Person Hangout with Karaoke, Cocktails and Karaage

Gyoza, bao, sashimi, matcha soft serve, boozy boba, sake bombs, whisky highballs, crooning tunes: this Sydney-born chain is now serving them all up in Brisbane.

Seoul Garden Korean BBQ and Hotpot

341 Mains Road, Sunnybank

This Melbourne-born chain has launched its first Brisbane Korean BBQ and hotpot buffet restaurant in Sunnybank.

+81 Aizome Bar

259 Montague Road, West End

Tokyo-style cocktails are a highlight at West End's ten-seat Ginza-inspired bar.

BY.ARTISANS

99 Jane Street, West End

If you're keen to sip gin made from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary's old eucalyptus leaves, this West End distillery is your go-to.

Aloria

33 William Street, Brisbane City

A visit here means pairing Brisbane vistas with European-influenced steak and seafood dishes atop Queen's Wharf Sky Deck.

Luc Lac

33 William Street, Brisbane City

Vietnamese and Thai flavours are on the menu at Ghanem Group's Queen's Wharf restaurant and bar.

Central

340 Queen Street, Brisbane City

Sat beneath Queen Street, Southside's sibling dumpling bar is your moody CBD spot for a Hong Kong-inspired bite.

Gold Coast Festival of Golf

The Ten Best Summer Day Trips Out of Brisbane

Take advantage of the warm weather — beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and baby turtles are just a stone's throw away.

This Australian Cafe Was Just Named the Best in the World on the First-Ever Top 100 Coffee Shops List

Toby's Estate flagship cafe and roastery in Chippendale in Sydney took out top spot — and eight other Aussie caffeine havens, plus one in New Zealand, made the ranking.

Olafur Eliasson, Yayoi Kusama, Archie Moore, Patricia Piccinini: QAGOMA 2025's Program Is Packed with Must-Sees

A number of beloved artworks are returning to Brisbane — including Eliasson turning GOMA into a riverbed again, and Kusama's sticker-happy 'The Obliteration Room'.

Now Open: Inspired by Queenslander Homes and Boasting Stellar Views, Stilts Is the Sunshine State's First Restaurant on a Bridge

There's elevated dining experiences and then there's this addition to Brisbane's Kangaroo Point Bridge, perched ten metres above the Brisbane River.

Beermuda

This four-stop brewery crawl will take you hopping and sipping your way through the southside's busy beer scene.

The 2025 SheBelieves Cup Is Your Next Chance to Catch the Matildas in Action — Here's When and Where to Watch

Playing in the ten-year-old competition for the first time, the Steph Catley-led team are taking on Japan, the USA and Colombia.

Mark Your Calendar: 'The Last of Us' Season Two Has Locked in Its Mid-April Return Date

The wait for the Pedro Pascal- and Bella Ramsey-starring game-to-TV hit's seven-episode second season is almost over.

The First 'Bring Her Back' Trailer Teases a Haunting New Horror From 'Talk to Me' Filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou

Grief, death, blood, eerie circles: they're all in store in the latest film from the Australian directors, which stars Sally Hawkins.

The Best Things to Do in Brisbane This Weekend

This weekend, you can head to an after-work fiesta serving up Latin and South American food, then hit the pool and explore 'Bluey' for real life.

Now Open: Lamb-Loving Mediterranean Restaurant Dark Shepherd Is Your Next Queen's Wharf Eatery to Flock To

If you haven't yet tried the "wagyu of lamb", aka White Pyrenees Lamb from Victoria, this is your chance.

Fisher's Huge OUT 2 LUNCH Dance Party Is Returning for 2025 — and This Time It's Taking Over Surfers Paradise Beach

On this beachside music festival's lineup, the man behind the fest is joined by Chris Lake, Hayden James, Patrick Topping, DJ Boring, Noizu and more.

The 11 Best Day Spas in and Around Brisbane

Treat yourself to a massage with a view, a soak on a rooftop or a bath overlooking Lamington National Park at these southeast Queensland day spas.

Feel Good Program

Bend, stretch, splash and dance your way through spring at South Bank's free exercise classes.

Stan Has Unveiled Its 2025 Highlights, Including Will Forte's New Australian Series and Season Two of 'Poker Face'

Also on the way: a new Keanu Reeves movie, an Aussie flick about a time-travelling bottle of tequila and a horror-comedy series about murderous garden gnomes.

Get Swinging: RISING 2025 Is Turning Melbourne's Flinders Street Station Ballroom Into an Art Exhibition That's Also a Mini-Golf Course

Filmmaker and writer Miranda July is among the female-identifying and gender-diverse artists who've designed mini-golf holes for this three-month-long pop-up.

Five Romantic Brisbane Date Ideas for This Week From Budget to Blowout

This week, you and your plus one can say cheers to margaritas or sour beers, explore a stunning art exhibition and share some sand crab spaghetti.

Great Southern Nights Is Set to Rock the Central Coast

How to make the most of one of Sydney's top daytrip destinations for Great Southern Nights.

Now Open: Mona's Must-See New Sculpture Is Crafted From 80 Tonnes of Sand — and It's Designed to Erode Before Your Eyes

With 'MIRRORSCAPE', French artist Théo Mercier makes his Australian debut with a debris-strewn post-disaster landscape in Mona's old library.

Snow Machine's Mix of Music and Skiing Is Returning to Queenstown in 2025 with Amyl and The Sniffers, Claptone and More

Netsky, Hot Dub Time Machine, Mallrat and Luude are also on the lineup when this alpine festival hits The Remarkables and Coronet Peak in September.

WET Deck

81 North Quay, Brisbane City

Latino Fiesta

For one Friday night only, as part of its monthly pop-ups, this Woolloongabba precinct is serving up Latin and South American cuisine.

Northshore Pavilion

281 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton

Betty's Burgers Has Just Launched New Fries on the Permanent Menu

Thicker, fluffier, crunchier and somehow, even tastier.

HSW Margarita Week

Spend 11 days sipping margaritas by the river at Howard Smith Wharves, and tucking into Mexican-inspired dishes from Stanley Chef Louis Tikaram.

Corteo — Cirque du Soleil

Focusing on a clown imagining his funeral procession, this dazzling hit filled with acrobatic wonders features the Montreal-based company's first-ever central stage setup.

'Corteo' Is the Next Dazzling Cirque du Soleil Hit That's Bringing Its Acrobatic Wonders Down Under

A beloved part of the troupe's repertoire since 2005, this show takes place inside a carnival-like parade imagined by a clown.

How Sweden's Highest-Grossing Documentary Ever Makes the Personal Universal: Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson Chat 'The Last Journey'

If this affecting film about a TV presenter recreating his childhood holidays with his 80-year-old dad inspires you to follow in its footsteps, you won’t be the first.

'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Is Returning for Season Three to Forge the One Ring

Following a time jump, the War of the Elves and Sauron will be in the spotlight in the Prime Video series' third season.

Six Headline Events that You Can Book Now and Pay for Later

Don't let a good time put a good dent in your savings.

Gelato Messina x Lee Kum Kee Spicy Pop-Up

Send your tastebuds into overdrive with a sweet and spicy scoop — it's free for one day only.

Now Open: Mulga Bill's Is the New Casual All-Day Dining and Drinks Spot at the Foot of the Kangaroo Point Bridge

This is the first of Tassis Group's two new eateries on or beside the river crossing, with overwater restaurant Stilts also on the way.

Teaming Up with Mona to Put Camel, Carp and Maybe Even Cane Toads on the Menu: Tony Armstrong Talks 'Eat the Invaders'

The former footballer-turned-TV favourite's latest six-part ABC series asks Australians to consider the country's invasive species as potential dinner options.

Falling for All Things 'Bridget Jones': Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall Chat 'Mad About the Boy'

Everyone's favourite British rom-com heroine has plenty of fans on- and off-screen — the actor behind her for a quarter of a century, plus her two new co-stars, among them.

The 'Pretty Woman' Stage Musical Is Making Its Australian Debut in Brisbane in October 2025

Bryan Adams wrote the music and lyrics for the hit production, which premiered on Broadway in 2018.

Lune and Four Pillars Have Teamed Up to Create a World-First (and Delightfully Buttery) Croissant Gin

Is this the new perfect brunch drink? The two Australian favourites behind this limited-edition tipple think so.

Now Open: Naldham House's New Restaurant The Fifty Six Will Take Your Next Cantonese Feast Up a Few Levels

This waterfront precinct in Brisbane's CBD is now complete — and scallop and prawn siu mai, lobster pao fan and banana-infused old fashioneds are on the menu.

Six Brisbane Venues Where You Can Sip Your Way Through Summer (and Get a Complimentary Spritz)

The perfect way to cool down in the sunshine state.

A 'Yellowjackets'-Inspired 11-Course Degustation Is Popping Up to Test Your Tastebuds at Sydney Fine-Diner NEL

Have you ever sat down for a cannibalism-inspired feast? For four days, that's exactly what acclaimed Chef Nelly Robinson is serving up.

Ten of the Most-Unique and Relaxing Stays You Can Book Around Auckland

From sprawling rainforest escapes to chic inner-city lofts, Auckland's Airbnb game is set to impress.

Ten Charming Farmhouse Stays You Can Book in NSW Right Now

Treat yourself to one of these relaxing and serene farmhouse stays located far away from the stress of city living.

Praise Be: The First Teaser Trailer for the Sixth and Final Season of 'The Handmaid's Tale' Is Here

The gripping TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood's acclaimed novel returns for the last time in April 2025.

Unique Stays with Breathtaking Views of New Zealand's South Island

From rugged secluded cottages to luxurious lakeside retreats.

Fifteen Romantic Getaways You Can Book on the South Coast and in the Southern Highlands

Discover sleepy beaches, quaint towns and rolling hills on your trip to southern NSW when you stay at one of these secluded stays.

Now Open: HUA Is Queen's Wharf's New Cantonese Restaurant — and It'll Soon Be Serving Up Bottomless Yum Cha

Brisbanites, you now have another eatery to visit at the city's newest precinct — complete with a cocktail bar and al fresco terrace.

The Five Best Rivers for Swimming in Near Brisbane

Skip the surf and overcrowded sands of Queensland's beaches in favour of floating upstream at these nearby rivers.

Love Bug

Spend your Valentine's Day — or week — tucking into a four-course One Fish Two Fish feast featuring Moreton Bay bugs.

Hans Zimmer Live

Hear 'Dune', 'Gladiator', 'Interstellar' 'The Lion King' and more performed by a live orchestra and a full band.

The Eight Best Outdoor Swimming Pools in Brisbane

Brisbane might not be a beach city, but there's always an oasis nearby beckoning you to leave work early for a splash.

Nine Waterside Picnic Spots in and Around Brisbane That You Might Not Have Visited

Fill a basket with tasty treats and head to a hidden beach, suburban lagoon or scenic lake.

HBO Has Finally Started Production on the Third Season of 'Euphoria' — and Here's Your First Look

The hit show's next batch of episodes is expected to arrive in 2026, four years after season two.

Twelve Blissful Coastal Escapes You Can Book in Shoalhaven

Escape the city for a few nights in a romantic former silo with 360-degree views or a group getaway with private beach access.

Not on Your Rider

This Brisbane music game show takes place live, featuring different musicians each time — and you can play along.

'Not on Your Rider' Is Bringing Its 'Spicks and Specks'-Style IRL Music Game Shows to Felons Barrel Hall for 2025

New year, new venue — but Aimon Clark and Patience Hodgson are back with the live panel quiz show that Brisbane knows and loves.

Brisbane Bars and Restaurants That Are Undeniably, Unabashedly Romantic

Low lighting, jazz playlists, opulent cocktails, pastel hues, breathtaking views — this is all on offer at the best romantic bars in Brisbane.

'Titanique' Will Go On: This Céline Dion-Fuelled Stage Musical Is Extending Its Australian-Exclusive Sydney Season

You've now got until early June 2025 to see this off-Broadway hit filled with Dion's songs during its only Aussie berth.

Burleigh Hill

Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia, Burleigh Heads

Brisbane's Best Inner-City Bars for After-Work Drinks with Your Coworkers

These rooftop bars, cosy pubs, riverside hangouts and wine havens are suitable for both celebrating and commiserating.

The Most-Impressive Group Stays You Can Book in Byron Bay

An array of waterfront villas and roomy coastal retreats ideal for a beach vacay with your besties.

You Could Win One of 80 Limited-Edition Suntory -196 Prize Packs and Keep Your Cool As You Send Off Summer

Beat the final weeks of heat this summer and quench your thirst with with some exclusive prizes from Suntory -196.

Win a Suntory -196 Limited-Edition Prize Pack

BLUSSH Romance Festival

Fall in love with romantic movies and books all over again at this Brisbane festival — 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' and 'When Harry Met Sally' are on the bill.

Back to the Future: The Musical

Great Scott! This stage-to-screen hit is finally making its Australian premiere, bringing its DeLorean to Sydney.

Now Open: You Can Pour Your Own Vino at New Self-Serve Woolloongabba Wine Bar Stickybeak

Eighty different wines are on offer at this two-level, 60-seat watering hole on the corner of Logan Road.

High-Octane Alert: The Trailer for Brad Pitt-Starring Racing Thriller 'F1' Will Get You Feeling the Need for Speed

Pitt plays a former driver who returns to the track — and 'Top Gun: Maverick' filmmaker Joseph Kosinski directs.

Bay of Fires' Ten-Kilometre Stretch of Beaches in Tasmania Has Been Named Australia's Best for 2025

This is the first time ever that a Tasmanian location has taken out top spot in the annual list, which is compiled by beach expert Brad Farmer.

'Boy Swallows Universe', 'Better Man', 'Furiosa' and 'Memoir of a Snail': They're Among 2025's Big AACTA Winners

'Heartbreak High', 'Birdeater', 'How to Make Gravy' and 'Bluey' were also named among the past year's best Australian movies and TV shows.

On the Way: Upcoming Brisbane Openings (and Around Queensland) to Put in Your Diary for 2025 and Beyond

The Sunshine State's drinking and dining scene is about to look a whole lot different — these are the newbies we're counting the days for.

Now Open: You Can Escape the Grind at Little Valley Summerhouse, the Hunter Valley's New Off-Grid Stay

Make friends with alpacas, encounter wallaroos and give yourself a much-needed break from the city.

When Steven Soderbergh Asks You to Write a Haunted-House Movie From the Ghost's Perspective: David Koepp Talks 'Presence'

This inventive take on a horror staple is the first of the veteran screenwriter's three films hitting Australian cinemas in 2025, before 'Black Bag' and 'Jurassic World Rebirth'.

Black Star Pastry Is Cooking Up a Month-Long Romance-Themed (and Suitably Indulgent) Cake Menu for QT Hotels

The cult-favourite Australian bakery will hit the Gold Coast, Perth, Newcastle, Canberra, New Zealand and Singapore for the first time, too.

Hans Zimmer Is Touring Australia in 2025 to Play His Film Scores Live — Including 'Dune', 'Gladiator' and 'Interstellar'

The legendary Oscar-winning composer will also perform tunes from 'The Lion King', 'The Dark Knight', 'The Last Samurai' and more.

If You Just Can't Wait to See 'The Lion King' Onstage Again, the Tony-Winning Musical Is Returning to Australia in 2026

When it opens at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, this will be the third time that a local production of the film-to-theatre hit has been staged in Australia.

Twenty of the Most-Unique Country Stays You Can Book Around NSW

Swap the big-city hustle for some downtime in the countryside.

Extraordinary Escapes: Find Your Relaxing Getaway in New Zealand

It's always an ideal time to visit New Zealand, the only thing to decide is when and where you'll stay.

The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight

Good news, Brisbane Coldplay fans, you've been waiting for something just like this.

Expert Expeditions: Take a Deeper Dive into Singapore with These Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Do more than just visit these Singapore landmarks.

The First 'Jurassic World Rebirth' Trailer Is Filled with Dinosaurs Too Dangerous for the Original Park

Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali star in the franchise's seventh film, which roars into cinemas in July 2025.

Coming Soon: A Y2K-Inspired 'The Sims' Pop-Up Is Hitting Australia to Celebrate 25 Years of the Beloved Life Simulation Game

At Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image, you'll be able to step inside a 2000s-era pre-teen bedroom — and also play the game, of course.

EA Presents 'The Sims 25' Pop-Up

This Y2K-inspired 'The Sims' pop-up is hitting ACMI to celebrate 25 years of the beloved life simulation game.

Mama Taco x WET Deck

Add Mexican bites and sips to your next trip to W Brisbane, all thanks to a month-long collaboration with West End's Mama Taco.

Nine Legendary Japanese Snacks You Can Find in Australia

Can't swing flights to Tokyo right now? Treat your taste buds to the next-best thing with these top-tier snacks and drinks.

Galentine's Day and Valentine's Day on the Green

Take your best mates or date to River Quay Green for live tunes, cocktails, oysters and desserts — or bring your own picnic for an affordable feast with a river view.

Let's Dine at Howard Smith Wharves

Tuck into meals from $25, complete with a riverside view, from Monday–Thursday at Howard Smith Wharves.