Overview
We know there can be a silly amount of pressure to do something on New Year’s Eve, and let’s face it, some of you just don’t give a flying fig about another year ticking over. But that's no excuse for not taking full advantage of a perfectly good public holiday, and so we've perused our soon-to-be-hungover city and found the best New Year's Day parties Melbourne has to offer. Get 2015 off to a great start with great music, delicious drinks and tasty treats.
LET THEM EAT CAKE
If you're citybound and missing out on New Year's Eve festivals like Falls and Beyond The Valley this year, don't fret. Let Them Eat Cake is your inner city solution to satisfy those festival urges. Held for one day only at Werribee Park, LTEC is not only great for the music, but also plays host to installation art, openair exhibitions and some killer foodie offerings. But back to the music, this year's lineup includes the likes of Hudson Mohawke, Todd Terje, Cashmere Cat, Carl Craig and many others. Have your cake and eat it too guys, you've earned it this year.
Werribee Park, 11am – 10.30pm
ANIMALS DANCING
The Animals Dancing collective are responsible for some of Melbourne’s best club nights out, so it makes total sense they'd be throwing an excellent day rave for New Year's Day. This is their fourth NYD party, so rest assured you're in safe hands when it comes to all-day partying. The lineup includes the hugely influential DJ Alfredo, Maxmillian Dunbar (one half of Beautiful Swimmers), the Australian debut for Pender Street Steppers, and Glaswegian Scott Fraser Tornado Wallace, Otologic and Andee Frost will be supporting, so get down to South Wharf and get your dance on.
Mycelium Studios, 255 Johnston Street, Abbotsford; 2 - 11pm
DEFECTED IN THE HOUSE
UK label Defected Records throw epic dance parties worldwide all year round. This time around, Melbourne is the target; with Defected In The House set for New Year's Day. International DJs Oliver Dollar, Franky Rizardo, Sonny Fodera and Crazy P are among the special guests, as well as supports from Simon Digby, Steve Bleas, APAP and more. Considering Defected In The House hosts regular nights at London's Ministry of Sound, Singapore's Zouk and Pacha in Ibiza, if House music is your thing you couldn't get 2015 off to a better start.
Peninsula, Shed 14 Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands; 3pm - 1am
ST KILDA SEA BATHS
Ain't no party like a New Year's Day beach party, especially when three venues come together to put on an epic bash. Captain Baxter, Encore and the Sea Baths Rooftop are all joining forces for a day of music, food and festivities. Full cocktail bar and restaurant facilities will be available in Captain Baxter and Encore, and there will be complimentary canapés from 1pm-3pm. International acts for the day includes DJ Spen, Poolside, James Curd, as well as local players Prequel, DJ Peril and Anyo also on the bill.
10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda; 1-11pm
DERRICK CARTER AT NEW GUERNICA
Chicago house DJ Derrick Carter will be bringing his legendary skills to New Guernica for New Year's Day, and we’re pretty pumped. This one may be a little more ideal for those who plan to party on NYE as well, seeing as the event doesn't kick off until 6pm. The evening will start with a laneway party of sorts in Chuckle Park, with DJs cranking and food available for those who need to build some strength before dancing all night. As well as general admission tickets there are also drink packages available for the organised, so if you're keen to kick off 2015 in a fairly colossal way, check it out.
New Guernica, 2/322 Little Collins Street, Melbourne; 6pm