Up In Smoke

As the smoke haze continues to linger over Sydney the New Year’s Eve fireworks have come under much public scrutiny.

Just last week the City Of Sydney council officially unveiled their plans for this year’s NYE celebrations. As always there is a heavy emphasis on fireworks. A decision which has frustrated many thousands of Sydneysiders.

As of writing over 149,000 people have signed the, Say NO to FIREWORKS NYE 2019, online petition. Asking for the money which is set to be spent on the annual fireworks display to instead be reallocated to bushfire relief and farming aid.

According to the City Of Sydney, the expected cost of this year’s NYE event is set to top out at approximately $6.5 million dollars. A figure which covers all aspects of the event from crowd control, lighting, staff, clean up and of course the fireworks display itself.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore explained that the revenue raised far exceeds the expenditure though.

“Sydney’s world-renowned New Year’s Eve fireworks have become a major tourist attraction and each year, they generate more than $130 million for the NSW economy.”

Of this revenue, the City Of Sydney Council has thus far donated $620,000 to drought and bushfire relief. Whilst also encouraging everyone “who visit our city on New Year’s Eve and those watching at home to donate to the Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund via our online fundraiser.”

For many though this is simply not enough and they will be seeking alternative options to celebrate the New Year. As such City Hub has put together this list.

NYE 2019 Soirée

Celebrate NYE where no one has celebrated before, in the most sought after destination in Sydney, the Yallamundi Rooms at Sydney Opera House.

Exclusively yours and right next to the ABC NYE Concert, you can live the ultimate New Year’s fantasy as you dance the year away. 

Wine and dine on a sumptuous array of tantalising canapés, whilst grazing from a series of live food stations, curated by Ambassador Chef Karen Martini. Feast on a selection of bite-sized hot food, through to a selection of substantial items, delicious desserts, cheeses and fresh fruit platters.

Escape the city crowds and be part of this private, glamorous party for $650.

Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

NYE at Fratelli Fresh

After the madness and feasting of Christmas why not get out of the house on NYE and treat the household chef to a night off and some wonderful Italian food.

All Fratelli Fresh venues will be offering up a special four-course share style Italian feast and two hour drinks package for just $79 per person. The feast has been carefully curated to include only the freshest seasonal ingredients and Italian dinner favourites.

Over at the Darling Harbour venue, they’ve also put together an extra special seafood feast which includes prawns, octopus, mussels, crab and scallops alongside their signature antipasti boards with cured meats, marinated olives and cheeses for just $89 per person.

For bookings: www.fratellifresh.com.au

NYE At The Sydney Opera House

Opera Australia will again take over the Sydney Opera House this New Year’s Eve, presenting two spectacular performances. This unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience includes either Puccini’s popular La Bohème in the Joan Sutherland Theatre or the Opera Gala in the Concert Hall, which promises a full program of impressive arias by Australia’s finest singers and musicians.

In addition to the performances, guests can start the night with a pre-performance dinner or finish with a bang at the midnight party or do both!

Tickets & Info: www.opera.org.au

New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party

Commemorate the end of one epic year and celebrate the arrival of a fresh start this NYE above the skyline of Sydney’s CBD.

The Republic Hotel’s Rooftop Drinks & Canapés Party kicks off at 6pm with two hours of drinks, food, and a glass of bubbly upon arrival for just $99 per person. Afterwards, from 8pm a FREE night of live DJ’s slinging the very best house, disco and techno tunes will carry the party on long into the early hours of the morning.

Tickets & Info: www.republichotel.com

NYE in the NSW National Parks

Whilst it seems like much of the State’s bushland is currently burning there are still a few picturesque locations to take in the grandeur of mother nature this New Years’s Eve.

Firstly you could head up to the grounds of the heritage-listed manor Strickland House in Vaucluse. While not open on the night the manor will provide an elegant backdrop for a relaxed NYE. Strickland House’s lush green lawns lead down to water lapping at the sand of Milk Beach, making it a stunning setting and all surrounded by the beautiful bushland of Sydney Harbour National Park.

The event is BYO food and drinks, with guests encouraged to bring a rug or folding chairs, pack their own festive picnic goodies and pop a bottle of champagne to ring in the New Year.

Another option is to party it up on Clarke Island.

The exclusive Clark Island Garden Party is situated right in heart of the harbour and provides attended with plenty of uncrowded grassy spots to relax and soak in the festivities. 

Guests will receive a cocktail and canapes on arrival, followed by a variety of fire-roasted meats and seafood served with gourmet sides, salads and indulgent desserts. The on-site bar will have a range of wine, beer, cider and specialty cocktails.

Enjoy sunset tunes and the island atmosphere and then dance the night away to party tunes by DJ Paul Guy.

Tickets & Info: www.nationalparksnsw.gov.au