Overview
You can ring in New Year's Eve from the fancy fancy Opera House, you can crowd underneath Millers Point, there'll inevitably be a hectic mass heaving on Barangaroo Point this year. But there's a brand new harbourside NYE party throwing its hat in the end-of-year ring, a brand new event called New Years Eve Above the Harbour. Think Young Henrys, picnic rugs, smoked meats, massages and an entire dessert garden by Anna Polyviou.
Taking place at the south-eastern side of Circular Quay in the Tarpeian Precinct, NYEATH will take over a spacious site adjacent to the Royal Botanical Gardens, with a big, green, rolling lawn and those highly Instagrammable views, perfect positioning for those multi-million dollar Sydney fireworks. The team is positioning the event as a more laidback NYE party on the harbour, with picnic rugs, frolicking and a lavish outdoor dining experience from the culinary team behind the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.
Ticketholders can feast all evening, with four pop-up food stands planned for the night. There'll be Asian-inspired street food, American-style smokehouse meats, fresh seafood and salads, and (the clincher) an entire dessert garden by the hotel’s celebrated executive pastry chef Anna Polyviou.
Of course, you'll be after a bev or two to ring in the new year, and everyone's favourite Newtonian brewers Young Henrys are on board with their beloved craft beers. The YH crew will be serving a special batch of 'Above the Harbour' Lager, exclusively available on the night. If you're after something a little more bubbly, there'll be top tier Australian wines and bubbles available, and arrival cocktails to get you all festive.
The event's meant to take the stress out of hectic Sydney NYE parties, so you don't have to get there early, fight crowds, pack picnics or smuggle booze. There'll be a hair and makeup station for both ladies and gents, alongside masseuses available all the way until midnight. You'll probably see midnight more invigorated than when you arrived — instead of drunkenly, tiredly missing the whole bloody thing.
For the big midnight clock strike, you can either nab a good spot on a picnic rug or book a spot in the premium seating area (armchairs, drink tables, sounds pretty baller). The night will be hosted by Smooth FM's Cameron Daddo and there'll be DJs all night — of course there's an openair dancefloor.
New Years Eve Above the Harbour is happening at Tarpeian Way, The Domain on December 31 from 6pm - 12.30am (doors open 5.30pm). Tickets (on sale Tuesday, September 22) are $395 +BF (GA), $495 +BF (reserved seating), children under five get in for free (limited to 200). Capacity is strictly limited so book your tickets early here.