Close the Book on 2023 with These Banger New Year's Eve Events Across Melbourne

in partnership with

If you think it's too soon to start planning your New Year's Eve, you are sorely mistaken. There is no time to waste because nothing is as hot a commodity as a good view for NYE. You might think you have another week or two, but time is running out.

So no more hesitation, no more delay. We have some inspiration for you right here, 13 venues, each with its own New Year's Eve celebration, each on sale now. Have a read to find the one for you, then get booking quicksmart.

RIVERSIDE — YARRA BOTANICAL, HOPSCOTCH, THE WHARF HOTEL

Should you fancy an evening by the river to close out 2023, there are three great picks by the Yarra we can recommend. First up is Yarra Botanical, the two-story eatery that quite literally rests upon the river. Book here and you'll get to enjoy four hours of bottomless bevs, canapés, charcuterie boards, live music and front-row seats to the fireworks. Tickets from $295pp.

Tucked just behind Yarra Botanical is your second riverside option. Urban beer bar Hopscotch is also in a prime position to enjoy the explosive celebrations up close. Here you'll find a circus-themed soirée, with roaming canapés and charcuterie boards alongside bottomless drinks available from 8pm to midnight alongside roaming entertainment and live DJs. Tickets from $170pp.

Our final pick for reveries by the river is The Wharf Hotel. Here, you'll find a truly epic riverside New Year's Eve shindig. Enjoy free-flowing drinks alongside the Yarra with a three-hour beverage package, plus roaming bites to snack on throughout the night. Feast your ears with live DJs from 9:30–12:30pm while being in a top spot to watch the fireworks. Tickets from $135pp.

CBD — GARDEN STATE, STATE OF GRACE, MORRIS HOUSE, IMPERIAL BOURKE ST

Away from the water but deeper into the heart of Melbourne lies institutions like Garden State — which is hosting a retro-themed party in the Rose Garden to close out 2023. With your outfit set to decades past, you'll enjoy bottomless bevvies, 90s-inspired canapés, live music and plenty of room to dance. Plus, once the fireworks have finished, you'll get VIP re-entry to boogie well into the new year. Tickets from $115pp.

Head west on Flinders Street to the corner of King Street, and you'll find the State of Grace, a buzzing venue with a street-level restaurant, cellar bar and a rooftop space. The rooftop is where you'll find the celebrations. And what good is a NYE spent inside a cellar? With your ticket to festivities here, you'll enjoy a four-hour beverage package, roaming spritzes, complimentary canapés and roaming entertainment. Tickets from $170pp.

Tracking northeast to Exhibition Street, you'll find Morris House, a multi-storey space that has reserved its leafy green rooftop for the evening. Doors open at 7pm, then DJs will bring the tunes all night, and free-flowing drinks will pour from 8pm. With the retractable roof, you can dance beneath the stars as the celebrations unfold. Your ticket includes four hours of selected drinks, plus a Bellini Hour from 8–9pm. Tickets from $180pp.

Across the block at the Imperial Hotel is a similar arrangement. This is pub central, after all. The beloved Bourke Street pub is inviting guests to the rooftop for a front-row seat to the fireworks, a four hour drinks package of beer, wine and spirits with roaming canapés from 8pm–midnight. Listen to live music from 7–10pm, then a DJ from 10pm–1am to party like it's 2024. Tickets from $179pp.

ST KILDA — HOTEL ESPLANADE AND VILLAGE BELLE

Hopping across down into the bay, there are two great picks for NYE found within St Kilda that are perfect if you'd prefer to steer clear of the CBD crowds. First is Hotel Esplanade, where every corner is transforming into a haven of gourmet delights, craft cocktails, and endless entertainment. From 8:30pm to midnight, enjoy roaming snacks and unlimited drinks with the Main Bar Bites & Bevs package. Keep the night going with a stellar lineup of DJs and hit the dance floor. Tickets from $150pp.

Across St Kilda is The Village Belle, the old-school bistro packed with 2020s charm. Here you can indulge in a three-hour beverage package that promises to keep your glass full and spirits high, complimented with delectable roaming canapés. And well suited to the spirit of the occasion, DJs and live entertainment will keep you partying all the way to 2024. Tickets from $89pp.

RICHMOND AND SOUTH YARRA — THE SMITH, HARLOW, TERMINUS HOTEL, FARGO AND CO

Heading east back into the heart of town, twin riverside suburbs Richmond and South Yarra have quite the list of offerings. The Smith on High Street might be hosting the sassiest event of the day with performances by the fabulous drag performers Jawbreakers & friends. The shows will happen in two-hour sessions at 2pm and 5pm. Enjoy a 2023-themed cocktail on arrival, then indulge in bottomless bevs and tasty tapas into 2024. Tickets from $85pp.

Across the Yarra on Church Street is The Harlow, where you'll find four levels of fun for NYE. You'll get access to four hours of endless bevs and roaming canapés on the rooftop. The uninterrupted city vistas make this a top viewing spot for the fireworks. And of course, the DJ is spinning decks until 3am in the basement. Tickets from $179pp.

Up on the north end of Richmond is a spot that's as classic as Melbourne pubs come. The Terminus has been serving the festive season since 1866. That celebratory spirit hasn't lost its shine over the years. Dive into 2024 with a three-hour drinks package and delicious roaming canapés from 8–11pm, sing along to live music from 7pm–10pm, and dance your way into the new year with the resident DJ. Tickets from $89pp.

Finally, in the heart of Richmond, Fargo and Co, a cocktail bar with a crime caper aesthetic and killer attitude to match its namesake film (and television series). The offering to end your year with a bang stands tall at Fargo with a four-hour drinks package available from 7–11pm, giving you the chance to sip your way through the standout offering of tap beer, wines and cocktails. Tickets from $89pp.

For more information on venues and events with Australian Venue Co, visit the website.