Concrete Playground’s Guide to New Year’s in Sydney 2013/14

Spending New Year's Eve without a plan is not cool. Do it, and you'll be the person with no taxi to hail (I dare you to try); do it, and you'll be the person left wondering how it's 2014 already, cursing yourself for all the things you haven’t done.

Know what else you haven't done? You haven't listened to Concrete Playground and headed on out to one of the events we've lined up for you. Don't be that person. Here are some of the ways we thought you might like to spend your last moments of 2013 and first of 2014.

New Year's Eve

The Island Lounge on Clark Island

We all know how crazy Sydney can get on New Year's Eve. With everyone trying see the amazing fireworks, it can be quite a pain to find a decent spot. So why not get out of the city for a better view? Clark Island is the perfect location to watch the city shine from afar. With plenty of seating areas, guests at the Island Lounge won't have to fight for a spot. Cosy up and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour in a relaxing atmosphere of live music and entertainment. You won't have to worry about anything because at this luxury event, food, cocktails, entertainment and ferry transfers are all taken care of and included in your ticket.

Tickets are priced at $440 per person. The event lasts from 5.30pm-12.30am. 18+

NYE On The Harbour

If it's firework views you’re after with the chance of a good boogie (join the queue, pal), the King St Wharf’s Cargo Bar a better destination at NYE than at any other time of year. Art vs Science, Van She, Gold Fields and DJ sets from Alison Wonderland and Bag Raiders will bring in 2014 with cheer — and with no screaming children in sight. The event sells out year after year, so nab your tickets and BYO flippers in order to get down.

Tickets range from $89-$180 per person. The event starts at 7pm. 18+. Image from Cargo Bar's NYE 2011 party

NYE Festival at Wet'n'Wild

Northern Hemisphere residents will lament their white Christmas when they see what we’ve got going on Down Under. While they’re putting on their earmuffs, we’ll be sipping a cold cider down a water slide in style to 'We No Speak Americano.' You heard me. Sydney’s newly opened Wet'n'Wild theme park is throwing an NYE party away from the harbourside crowds. So put your hands in the air from a water slide, or dance to Will Sparks, Yolanda Be Cool, Uberjackd, Faydee, Gtronic, Haezer and more on Australia’s largest artificial beach. Dayum.

Tickets cost $110-$200 per person. 7pm till late. Image via Wet'n'Wild Sydney

Animal House Toga Party at The Vanguard

If paying $500 to live like a sardine just ain't your thang (we feel you), try out The Vanguard this New Year's. Because the resident movie buffs are chucking an Animal House-themed do, togas and all. To keep us and our garlands entertained, The Vanguard have curated an all-star soul band that includes Mojo Juju, Jeremy Davidson of The Snowdroppers and three of the guys from Gay Paris.

Price: $63.80. Time: 7pm till late.

Image via University of Wisconsin Archives

Harbour Fireworks

The Sydney Harbour fireworks are iconic, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is iconic, and this year’s creative ambassador Reg Mombassa (or the ‘Mombassador’) is iconic. Okay, it's safe to say that the annual event will once again be, um, iconic. The Sydney Harbour foreshore is visited by 1.6 million visitors each NYE, this year themed 'Shine'. Sure, nobody likes a crowd, but if you can't beat them, join them. So make like a sardine and head to Embarkation Park, Arthur McElhone Reserve, Mrs Macquarie Park or one of many less congested suburban parks (do we need to draw you a map?) to catch a glimpse of the fireworks. They set off at 9pm for the youngsters and then again at midnight.

Price: free. 9pm and midnight.

NYE Party at the House

This is the ultimate. Combine New Year's with the 40th birthday of the country's most iconic landmark and you've got a massive banger on your hands. Located in the heart of the NYE action, this waterside resort-lounge setting on the western boardwalk of the upper concourse of Sydney Opera House is the perfect backdrop to celebrate. Partygoers will have a front row seat to the illustrious Sydney Harbour fireworks as well as to this year’s most extravagant light show, designed by artist and musician Reg Mombassa. Entertainment will be provided with live music from 14-time ARIA–nominated Sneaky Sound System, all-girl DJ duo The Faders and DJ RobKAY. Also, be sure to come hungry, because celebrity chef Matt Moran is putting together a special menu just for the event. As SSS' Connie Mitchell says, "Opera House – check. New Year’s Eve – check. Fireworks – big check. Banging new party outfit – definite check! Killer set? You bet.” Sounds like quite the bash.

Tickets are priced at $554.95 per person and include all food and select cocktails. 7pm-1.30am. 18+.

End of Year Party at The Bar at the End of the Wharf

This event isn't only a verbal mouthful. For those of you who enjoy stuffing your faces on your day off, this NYE party is a feast of delicacies by the talented team from Fresh Catering. There will be heaps of canapes and champagne on hand when you need a break from all the dancing. Oh yes, there will be lots of dancing, with live entertainment from The Kundalini Experience (DJ Marc 'Kundalini' + live sax & percussion). On top of all of this, you'll have a bird's eye view of the Sydney Harbour fireworks display. Get ready for a spectacle of the senses.

Tickets are priced at $350 per person. The party kicks off at 7pm. 18+

Image via Fresh Catering

NEW YEAR'S DAY

Field Day

Have a field day and show 2014 who’s boss with a New Year's Day marked by dehydration, selfies and shared sweat from a mosh pit. Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky, Flume, Solange, The Wombats, London Grammar, Ta-ku, Hermitude, Chet Faker and Flight Facilities will be playing into the night at the Domain event. Neatly tucked between the city and the Botanical Gardens, Field Day is one of the best for New Year's Day. So make use of your public holiday and put your hangover on the backburner.

Price: $118-185. Time: 12noon till 10:30pm.

NYD at Newtown Hotel

If you're still functioning after the previous night's festivities and craving some more action, then head over to the Newtown Hotel on New Year's Day. With a wacky lineup of unique performers such as human cannonball/'One Man Guitar Party' Bob Log III and Italo funk disco poster-boy Donny Benet, it's safe to say this will not be a dull event. The party kicks at 3pm, so grab a bloody mary and shake off that hangover.

This free event is 18+. Free entry.

Image via Voodoo Rhythm

Soul of Sydney: Secret NYD Block Party

This exclusive New Year's Day event is keeping the party going, literally. With a variety of tunes including soul, funk, disco, boogie and house house, DJs and friends of Soul of Sydney will keep you movin' and groovin' into the new year. That's all we can tell you about this hush-hush event. You'll have to find out the rest for yourself if you're lucky enough to get an invite to this limited capacity event. Hopefuls can sign up on their waitlist and RSVP for more information.

Image via Soul of Sydney.

You Am I Ramblin' Gamblin' RoadStop Revue

If you've been looking for a New Year's event that won't break the bank, you owe You Am I big time. The Aussie rock outfit are staging a car park takeover at The Vic for a free one-off gig coined The Ramblin' Gamblin' RoadStop Revue. Aside from welcoming the New Year, the day is for You Am I and the Addison Road venue to cheers their fans and patrons for their support. And cheers them you shall, because Young Henry's limited-edition Brew Am I pale ale will be on offer with a spit roast barbeque to line your stomach. Snowdroppers, Abbe May, Courtney Barnett, Phil Jamieson, Love Junkies and The Mountains will also be taking to the stage.

From noon. Free.

Sneaky and Icebergs present NYD 2014

Sneaky and Icebergs Dining Room and Bar are being ultra sneaky, keeping their NYD 2014 party very hushhush. The star-studded event — now in it’s 12th year — is back for one last time in this form. There’s no invitation for this one, you have to be a friend of a friend for the Maurice Terzini (Icebergs), Angus McDonald (Sneaky Sound System) and Dan Single (Ksubi)-founded event. We’re told there’ll be a few surprises on the day while you’re partying to Sneaky with celebs and drinking Belvedere by the glass. Holla at me, 2014.

By Madeline Milani and Rachel Eddie.