Concrete Playground’s Guide to New Year’s Eve in Melbourne 2013-14

Don’t have anything planned for New Year’s Eve yet? Well you can stop stressing out because we've got you covered. Sure, Melbourne may not have a Harbour Bridge to light up with every firework and light-emitting device known to man but there are a whole range of parties, dinners and events to bring in the New Year with style. Remember, you have to spend your last few hours of the year letting loose before starting that dreaded New Years resolution.

Fireworks and live entertainment at Fed Square

If you are looking to start the New Year with a bang (sorry) then get down to Fed Square with thousands of other partygoers. True, nobody likes a crowd, but Fed Square is big enough to always find a little nook to call your own while still feeling like part of the action — and action there will be. There's going to be African drumming, funky tunes, DJs and dancing. If you have little people with you, the City of Melbourne family festival has a 9.30pm firework show, and for the rest of us Fed Square is a prime spot to watch the midnight firework show. Unfortunately it's an alcohol free zone, but fear not, there are heaps of bars nearby that will welcome you with open arms. Lets face it, what’s more exciting and romantic than making out on NYE under fireworks?

Federation square events go from 8pm - 1am; Free; Firework show details here. Image via That's Melbourne

Elevation at the Eureka Skydeck

Are you sick of that friend in Docklands talking about their amazing balcony view of the fireworks? Well go one better on them and witness the show from the highest vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. The Eureka Skydeck is usually the spot to take your out of town relatives but on NYE they will be holding an appropriately named party: Elevation. There will be DJs, roving entertainment, food and arguably the best fireworks view in Melbourne. Canapés and drinks are included with your ticket too, because when you’re up that high you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing.

Eureka Skydeck, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank; 8pm - 2am; Tickets $195 - $270; Image via Eureka 89

Gypsy New Year’s Eve warehouse party

Not everyone gets off on being packed like a sardine into a club or spending your NYE countdown in line for the bar. Beer Gypsies Matt Bywater and Dan Cerra thought that sounded awful too and will be setting up shop at the Second Story Studios warehouse with a great selection of craft beers and ciders on tap and plenty of room to move. You won’t have to drink those delicious craft brews in silence either because musicians Owl Eyes, City Calm Down, Set Sail and Tully on Tully will be playing all night. Lots of craft beer, wine and cider will be provided from Napoleone and Co. Cider, Mildura Brewery and Six Foot Six Winery.

Second Story Studios, 159 Sackville St Collingwood; 6:30pm - 1am; Tickets $98 including drinks; Image via Beer Gypsies

Eau de Vie

Are sick of waiting in line for the bar? Maybe you don't want drunk strangers spilling drinks on you? Does the idea of queuing for a port-a-loo make you feel queasy? Eau de Vie have your back. This NYE you could be sampling a carefully curated degustation menu of cocktails, all delivered to your table with matching food created by head chef John-Paul Fiechtner. Known for their impeccable service, Eau de Vie are sure to deliver a New Years to remember (and brag about to everyone that missed out).

1 Malthouse lane, Melbourne; Tickets $175 per person; Image via Eau de Vie

Pure Silk at Silk Road

Opening its doors way back in 2008, Silk Road has made a name for its self as an opulent, indulgent club of the rich and famous. Beyoncé, Jason Statham and Jay-Z are just some of the celebrities that have hung out here while in Melbourne. But after five years, Silk Road's doors are now closing, possibly to become something new entirely. If you are a fan of the venue or have just always wanted to try it out, NYE will be your final chance to sit in a booth once occupied by Queen Bey herself. This is a big operation. All eight themed bars will be running over the venue's three levels while roaming dancers and performers entertain the crowds. As you would expect from Silk Road, opulence and glam is the name of the game. Entry tickets include drinks and substantial canapés and you should dress to impress.

425 Collins St, Melbourne; 7:30pm – 5am; Tickets $160; Image via Indesign Live

Old Hollywood glam party at World bar

“Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and 50 cents for your soul, I’m still holding out for the 50 cents” — Marilyn Monroe.

It’s time to unpack that diamond studded ball gown, faux-fur jacket or tux and bow tie because World Bar and Restaurant are holding an old Hollywood glam party at their Yarra River facing bar. Step into Tinsel Town for the night as Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, or Bette Davis. This riverside party package includes drinks, canapés, a live pop and soul band and DJ. Don’t be that guy who doesn’t make an effort — go on and dress up.

2 Riverside Quay, Southbank; Tickets $65 - 230; Image via AP

The Emerson Rooftop Party

One of Melbourne’s newest destination clubs is showing off what it can do with a massive NYE party. Open over three exapansive levels with luxurious bars, a big dance area and one of the best rooftops south of the river this will be a perfect spot to bring in the New Year. Each level of the complex has something going for it though our pick is to make your way to the rooftop well in advance for a great view of the midnight firework show over the city skyline. Tickets include cocktails, drinks, and canapés so the only thing you have to worry about is which cocktail to choose.

145 Commercial Rd, South Yarra; Tickets $250; Image via The Emerson

Stokehouse Beach Party

Australians have it good. While our Northern brothers and sisters have to rug up from the cold and watch awful Christmas episodes of Doctor Who, we get our peak run of music festivals, outdoor parties and plenty of trips to the beach. It only makes sense that someone combined the best of Australian summer into one amazing night. Stokehouse are hosting a party at their beach front bar and restaurant. The beachfront stage will be blown away by favourites Miami Horror DJs and Flight Facilities with support from some great Australian artists: Elizabeth Rose, Client Liaison and Graz. Tickets include an open bar of beer, wine, cocktails, oysters and other delicious canapés.

30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda Beach; Tickets $250; Image via CP

Ding Dong Lounge NYE

If paying hundreds of dollars seems a bit excessive for one night of antics or you have already blown that Christmas money at Boxing Day sales then check out the very affordable Ding Dong Lounge NYE party. Ding Dong know their live music so rest assured that seven piece psychedelic group with the best name in town, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard will bring in the New Year properly. Hearty support will be coming from other Melbourne kids The Murlocs who have made some big splashes lately on the festival scene at Meredith and Harvest. Coming all the way from Adelaide and Perth respectively, Bad//Dreems and The Love Junkies are set to warm the night up too.

18 Market Lane, Melbourne; Tickets $25; Image via band.

Cosparty at Brown Alley

Did you get a new Pokémon onesie for Christmas? Well you are in luck because this NYE all Melbourne cosplayers will be converging on notoriously loose club Brown Alley for Cosparty 2013. The night will be full of interesting costumes and with a tag line of “rock out with your cosplay out” you know it doesn't take its self too seriously. For those unsure about what to wear, you are advised to dress up as your favourite character from anything – the more elaborate the better. Maybe you'll find your own Nurse Joy or Sailor Moon; a Hermione Granger to your Ron Weasley or some new Adventure Time comrades. Cosparty will be one of the few places (only place?) you'll have a chance of making out with Princess Peach at midnight.

585 Lonsdale St, Melbourne; 8pm-1am; Tickets $55; Image via Cosparty