Bris-boring?  Puh-lease! Nowhere parties like Brisbane and when it’s New Year’s Eve, that’s when we really shine.

Highgate Hill

You could go to South Bank and brave the crowds there for your yearly smush of crying sticky kids and views of the back of people’s heads, or you could amaze and astound your friends with your super-secret(ish) insider knowledge and head to Highgate Hill. The cosy little park behind South Bank on the corner of Dornoch Terrace and Hampstead Road offers a stunning elevated view to take in all the action. And yes, mocking all the poor souls stuck in the crowd below is permitted.

Summer Nights at Riverlife 

On the river at Kangaroo Point is a stylish boathouse-style venue, the twinkling Brisbane lights reflecting in the water as the entire city skyline spreads out before you. This is Riverlife, baby. New Year’s here is spectacular and Summer Nights is really bringing something special this time around. Dress up in your finest cocktail attire, gather the crew, enjoy cocktails, a two-course meal plus ice-cream, DJ, live entertainment, and a glamourous party vibe – it’s truly the place to be to ring in the new year in style. Find out more

Captain Burke Park

Another one of our favourite and soon to be not-so-secret spots for catching the fireworks is Captain Burke Park. At the bottom of the cliffs and around the corner near the Story Bridge is a park tucked out of the way but with an incredible riverside location and stunning views. As with anywhere in the city for New Year’s, it’s always worth getting there early to bag yourself a prime spot for when the action happens, and Captain Burke Park is no exception. However, the crowds aren’t as intense and the view is excellent so it’s a great place to take the whole family.

Mt Coot-tha lookout

As the highest peak in Brisbane at 287 metres above sea level, you can imagine what kind of insane panoramic views the Mt Coot-tha lookout offers. On any day of the week, this is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon in the sun, but on New Year’s Eve, this place is something truly spectacular. Get there early and snag a spot on the grass, or class it up at the Summit restaurant that’s offering a gourmet multi-course dinner, drinks package, and even kids’ menus for the little ones. Find out more

Queensland Pops: New Year’s Eve Gala Concert

If that doof doof doof pumping out of every bar, club, venue, and vehicle past isn’t exactly your idea of a good time, why not go for something just a little bit classier with the Queensland Pops Orchestra? Acclaimed entertainer Silvie Paladino will be singing a variety of tunes from stage and screen and will be joined by opera and music theatre’s leading man Jason Barry-Smith as well as young virtuoso violinist Cherin Lee. Get your tickets early and splurge on the black tie package for the chance to mingle with the stars, sip on fancy French champagne, nibble on gourmet canapés and watch the fireworks from the QPAC rooftop. Find out more