A Guide to New Year’s Eve 2012/13 in Sydney

December 31: it’s the date that divides the forward-planners and the party crashers, the prepared and the procrastinators. Each year, there are those who are ready months in advance of the big day, planning each minute of their NYE celebrations, then – dragging our feet in anticipation of the same old midnight anticlimax, or fear of commitment to the wrong party – there’s the rest of us.

Luckily, last-minute friends, there are still days to finally make that NYE 2012 decision. Pat yourselves on the back for not rushing into house party #6709, or resigning yourself to watching the fireworks on the TV, as Concrete Playground has rounded up the ten best places to party this New Year’s Eve.

Sydney Harbour Fireworks

Why? Because they’re the best in the world.

Aerial acrobatics, light projections, synchronised crowd ‘fireworks’, and the big ones – those world famous Sydney Harbour fireworks. If there’s one we couldn’t leave off the list, it’s this one. Be clever about it; pick a vantage point, (according to the Sydney NYE website there are 71), plan your food, drink and toilet options (usually no BYO alcohol), and be prepared for the crowds. The action starts at 6pm, and this year creative ambassador Kylie Minogue has chosen the pretty colours and things. Download a free smartphone app to be part of the mobile phone ‘fireworks’ on the night.

Peats Ridge

Why? Because NYE should be a four-day festival.

As Concrete Playground’s Music Editor puts it, “You could spend one hour trying to get a cab to some party trying to hear some fireworks, or you could spend it heading up to the beautiful Glenworth Valley for Peats Ridge”. And from previous lack-of-taxi experience at NYE, we’re sold on that statement. From Saturday Dec 29 to Tuesday Jan 1, the mega line-up includes John Butler Trio and a DJ set from Friendly Fires. Pack fancy dress for the Peats Ridge tradition, an NYE masquerade party.

Shore Thing

Why? Because it’s a massive dance party on the beach.

Put your hands up for... Fedde Le Grand, The Chemical Brothers DJ set, and Knife Party – two of the guys behind Pendulum. On Dec 31, tens of thousands of people will make their way to Bondi Beach for an epic dance party, plus as midnight strikes Bondi gets its own firework display over the ocean. Tickets are still available ($145-$232).

Boom Boom NYE

Why? Because it’s like a house party with international DJs.

US DJ Marcellus Pittman (Unirhythm, 3 Chairs, Detroit) is headlining Boom Boom NYE – a secret, underground party for those in the know. There are a limited number of tickets to the Boom Boom parties, featuring the Paradise Lost ensemble and DJs Daniel Lupica and Karim. The party starts at 9pm, tickets are $50 including champagne and canapés and details of the secret underground CBD oasis are revealed to partygoers only.

Field Day 2013

Why? Shake off that NYE hangover with an awesome festival in the Domain.

Hot Chip, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Mark Ronson (DJ set), Django Django, TEED, Erol Alkan, Jaguar Skills, AC Slater, Future Classic DJs, and mother-flippin’ Coolio! Need we say more? Field Day takes place in The Domain on January 1. Tickets are $135-$237.

NYE at Bar at the End of the Wharf

Why? Stellar views with a live blues soundtrack.

Pull up a pew at the Bar at the End of the Wharf on December 31 for perfect, up-close views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. There will be live music from the charismatic Rockabilly-country maestro Pat Capocci Combo and bluesy-folksy singer-songwriter Lucky Luke (Webb), as well as food and a glass of champagne for $185 per person.

NYE Player Haters Ball

Why? Old skool tunes, excellent DJs and only $20.

The Left Eyes, featuring Milan Ring, will be covering all those R‘n’B classics from R Kelly to TLC, at this special Player Haters night. DJs Smart Casual and Daniel Darling will be spinning a mix of garage, soul, rock and blues in the front bar at Sydney’s favourite small club, and there’ll be plenty of hip-shaking tracks at the Danceteria. The party starts at 8pm on Dec 31, and entry is just $20.

The Sailor’s Club

Why? For glamour, Harbour views, boaty folk and good times!

Rose Bay’s Harbour-side restaurant is boasting three great options for New Year’s Eve. There’s a Sunset dinner, from 5-8pm, for those early birds who want to catch the last sunset of 2012 then head into the city; the Captain’s Dinner Party, from 9pm to 2am, is the main shindig, including a three-course dinner, fireworks and dancing ($350 pp); and on New Year’s Day there’s a tempting, chilled out Deckside Recovery lunch from midday.

Glenmore Hotel

Why? Exclusive rooftop views and a tasty food and drinks package.

It’s all about location come NYE, and the newly renovated Glenmore Hotel has that and then some, with exclusive views from the hotel’s rooftop bar. So what does the $275 price tag include, bar that money-can-buy vista? A tasty-looking list of food and drink throughout the night, is what, including a three-hour drinks package, Sydney rock oysters, mini wagyu sliders, Nigiri sushi, and champagne at midnight.

Glam Fest at Sydney Opera House

Why? Because if you’re gonna spend it, there’s no better spot.

If you’ve got the cash, why not go big guns and spend NYE in the city’s prime location, right at Sydney Opera House. Sure, most of us don’t want to spend $495 each on any old fireworks – so SOH have called in non-stop entertainment, including The Big Hit Orchestra, DJ Stephen Ferris, and a glam rock themed night of hula hoopers, tattoo artists and food trucks so smoking that Matt Moran is proud to put his name to them. The night is strictly over 18s, from 7pm-1.30am.