It's edging closer to New Year's Eve, you've read about what the impossibly airbrushed celebrities will be doing on December 31 (aka, something you can't afford) and you're trying to wrangle a group of friends together to see in the new year in style.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
By this point, many restaurant and venues will have sold out. But if you're quick, there's still a few options – from luxurious to less – to help you say goodbye to the year 2014.
CBD
The city rarely looks anything but stunning as the backdrop of the annual fireworks display. It's free and in the words of Seinfeld, "they're spectacular". Melbourne City Council has planned four official live sites – Kings Domain, Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens and Treasury Gardens, where DJs and food outlets will be stationed for the alcohol-free event.
Details: thatsmelbourne.com.au
ST KILDA
Weather permitting, thousands of people will flock to the beach for a sandy new year. No activities or fireworks have been planned, so it's a good option for those looking for a low-key venue close to the city. You can still pack a picnic and bring a cricket bat and ball for entertainment. It's worth noting that Port Phillip Council has banned alcohol being consumed on the foreshore and police will patrol to area to enforce the bylaw.
LORNE
The Falls Festival is an annual ritual for many, so it's no suprise that this year's event has sold out. For those lucky enough to have scored a ticket, 2015 will be welcomed in with Kram, who is tasked with counting in the new year on the main stage. And if you're keen on securing your 2015 Falls tickets, organisers have announced a "bin to win" competition. All who hand in a bag of recyclable rubbish or camping equipment go into the draw to secure a double VIP pass to the 2015 event.
Details: http://lorne.fallsfestival.com.au/
HANGING ROCK
The annual New Year's Day races are an institution, with punters hoping the new year will bring new luck. Entry starts at $25 for the relaxed, picnic-style outing, with plenty of race-goers including a visit to some of the local galleries on the way home.
PHILLIP ISLAND
The first day of the new year is also host to the Woolamai Picnic Races✓, at Woolamai Race Course. The laid-back affair is a classic country race, with picnics and shady trees.
Details: countryracing.com.au/hanging-rock✓
The new music festival, Beyond the Valley, makes its debut on December 31 and wraps up on New Year's Day. A diverse range of acts will perform, such as hip-hop, dance, electronic and rock. You can go regular camping or "luxury" camping and all the usual amenities including food stalls.
Details: beyondthevalley.com.au✓
FOOTSCRAY
If you have small children, you can have an early celebration at Footscray Park, which is hosting a family-friendly NYE from 6.30pm. TV personality Denise Drysdale will host and acts including Asanti Dance Theatre and 100% Kylie will perform. Fireworks will start at 9.30pm.
Details: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/page
GEELONG
If the idea of attending a music festival packed with thousands of people isn't your cup of tea, the intimate Bluestone Festival, at Geelong's Sleepy Hollows Blues club, might be a good alternative. The two-day event is expected to attracted about 500 people, many of whom will camp overnight. National and local acts set to perform include Geoff Achison, Rockbottom James & the Detonators, Jeff Lang, Phil Manning, Stringybark McDowell, Chain, and Kate Meehan.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
After years of alcohol-fuelled violence and disturbances, the Mornington Peninsula has decided to continue its successful "no entertainment, no nonsense" policy, which includes a ban on alcohol in public and no planned activities. Instead, local restaurants and venues will fillthe party hole, with plenty of options, from upscale wineries, to casual pubs, offering NYE specials.
