New Years Eve Ideas For Gold Coast

Looking For Ideas For New Years Eve In Gold Coast Australia?

New Years Eve Gold Coast Australia 2011 To 2012

New Year's Eve is celebrated in Australia on 31 December each year. The next day (1 January) is a public holiday*, so it is a great excuse to party the night away, countdown to the new year and generally have fun!

The Gold Coast is fabulous at New Year because it has a good selection of :

• family friendly entertainment and fireworks
• strictly adults only entertainment and parties
• formal New Year Celebrations or New Year Balls
• dinner, music, dancing and parties
• traditional pub or tavern based celebrations
• 2011 NYE weather forecast - Updated 30 December 2011 6.50pm: Expecting mostly fine conditions with a top on 31st of 26C, before an overnight low of 18C on NYE and a fine New Year's Day expecting 26C mostly fine. Should be clear for the fireworks and festivities - but you never know with our CRAZY weather! Enjoy your evening, Annie.
• 2011 New Years Road Closures

As it gets closer to Christmas and New Year there will be more information about the general celebrations. But if you are looking to join one of the more formal events then I highly recommend booking in early. You may also find some other special events such as party cruises.

You may find that the hotel or accommodation you are staying in offers special events but only for hotel guests. I know that is true at Paradise Resort.

Aussie's love to party - so New Years Eve is the biggest party night!

There are also New Years events in Brisbane including fireworks and various NYE parties and balls. 

* Sometimes if 1 January falls on a weekend there are holidays in lieu or additional holidays. This changes each year. Check out the official holidays for Queensland. In 2012 since 1 January 2012 is a Sunday you will find that Sunday is a holiday for New Years Day and Monday 2 January 2012 is a also designated a public holiday in Queensland.

Family Friendly New Years Eve Options

Update: Updated as many events as I can find still waiting on some information about 2011 NYE events. Here are the family friendly events for this year and at the bottom those that were held in 2010 as a guide.

There are many great options for families with children in the Gold Coast for New Year's Eve. Here are a few:

• Wet n Wild Water Park - Have held family based New Years event for the last 10 years! The Gold Coast water park gears its festivities around the kids with lots to do. Water rides are usually open until around 8.30pm and at 5pm they turn their clocks forward 3 hours so the kids can enjoy the countdown to the 9pm! They also screen a Dive in Movie.
  
  In 2011 it is billed as a Splashtacular New Year's Eve Party on the Gold Coast. Biggest n Best family NYE party! Free entertainment and activities plus watch The Smurfs on the big screen!

• Sofitel Gold Coast (Broadbeach) Bistro On3 2011 New Years Eve Dinner from 6pm $99 per person $65 Children 12 ot 17 year, $39 Children 5 to 11 years and Children Under 5 dine free. Buffet including seafood, roast meats, salads and sweets with a wine buffet for the adults. New Years Eve fireworks on Kurrawa Beach at 8pm and midnight. Great for the family.
• RACV Royal Pines Resort - Kalinda Restaurant hot and cold seafood buffet and amazing desserts. Live entertainment, prizes, dancing and more. $80 adult, 12 to 17 years $65, 5 to 12 years $50 under 4s free
  
• RACV Royal Pines Resort - Trattoria Amici 3 course dinner with glass of sparkling wine - join in Kalinda Restaurant for live entertainment $65 adult, 12 to 17 years $45, 5 to 12 years $35 under 4s free
• Club Banora - 2011 TBC - 2010 New Years Eve celebrations are for all the family, with entertainment starting from 5pm Qld time, including great value buffet dinners, kids entertainment including two movies - Bolt at 7.30pm (NSW time), The Spy Next Door at 9.30pm (NSW time), fireworks at both 9pm and midnight (NSW time) and other entertainment in this very large venue.
• Dreamworld - In 2008 Dreamworld opened its gates to families for New Year's Eve. Unfortunately there seems to be no family party here anymore. In 2009 they threw an Over 18s party with lots of bands. It's not looking like they will be holding any kind of New Years Eve Party at DreamWorld in 2011 at all.

These options below may be suitable for some families, it will depend upon the age of your children and what you want to see and do this NYE! Check out these options:

• Circle on Cavill - 2011 TBC Live entertainment from 8pm to 1am in the Circle. If you want to eat, make sure you book into your favourte Circle on Cavill restaurant.
  
• The Hard Rock Café - 2011 TBC Families can enjoy the a-la-cart menu and parents can treat themselves to the selection of cocktails. Cnr Cavill Ave & Surfers Paradise Blvd. You will need to book.
  
• Chevron Renaissance 2011 info TBC. In previous years there has been entertainment. Many of the restaurants are open, however you will need to make a booking at your favourite restaurant to be sure of a spot.
• Southport Sharks Club - 2011 TBC. 2010 NYE Hollywood Glamour Party in Frenzy with a Seafood buffet and enterainment from The Zookeepers. Kids under 5 eat free with every full paying adult.
  
  Function Centre has entertainment, 3 course dinner (their food is fantastic) and a DJ to dance the night away. Southport Sharks can be found at the Cnr of Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport - though closer to Parkwood! Members and non-members prices.

Gold Coast New Years Eve Fireworks Locations Map

Update: - Updated as many of the details about the different fireworks events as I can find still waiting on some information about some of the 2011 NYE events. I have noted where the information is still to be confirmed along with the 2010 details.

Here is a map of the Gold Coast with the approximate locations of NYE fireworks and family entertainment. Updated for 2011.

List of locations and times, click on the map to get more details and to discover where they are.

Some locations you will need to be close to get the most out of it, others you can find viewing points around the Gold Coast.

Listed from North To South Gold Coast locations:

Coomera 2011 fireworks at 9pm and midnight Viney Park, Beattie Road. Entertainment from 5pm until 12.30am including kids carnival, live music and dancing. Food and drink available for purchase.

Paradise Point 2011 fireworks at 9pm at Paradise Point Parklands, North Esplanade. Family entertainment from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

Southport 2011 fireworks at 9pm at Broadwater Parklands, Southport (opposite Australia Fair). Plus family fun entertainment from 6pm to 9pm including stage entertainment and free kids rides.

Surfers Paradise 2011 fireworks at Surfers Paradise Beach 9pm show and midnight show with the Countdown. The midnight fireworks are supposed to be one of the largest firework display in Queensland I cannot vouch for the accuracy of that, but it will be the biggest on the Gold Coast this New Year's Eve!

Broadbeach 2011 fireworks at 8pm and midnight Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach and free entertainment on Broadbeach Mall stage from 8.00pm to 12.30pm.

North Kirra Fireworks Spectacular 2011 - at the North Kirra SLSC on Pacific Parade (end of Lang Street). New Years Eve Nippers Fireworks at 8pm. Sausage sizzle and drinks at Surf Club from 6pm.

Robina Town Centre 2011 - at The Promenade with entertainment from 6pm, and short firework display at 10pm.

Coolangatta 2011 fireworks at 9pm and midnight at Coolangatta beachfront. Note this is Queensland Time for these fireworks.

Tweed Heads 2011 TBC. In 2010 there were two sets of fireworks at Club Banora in 2010 to celebrate NYE 9pm NSW time (8pm Qld Time) & Midnight NSW time (11pm Qld Time. Club Banora has a few things on see family section for more information about their activities. Also fireworks at midnight NSW Time (11pm Qld Time) at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads.

Adult Only NYE Options

Update: - Updated as many events as I can find still waiting on some information about 2011 NYE events for Adults. Here are the Adults events for this year and at the bottom those that were held in 2010 as a guide.

NYE options for adults abound. Some options give partygoers the ability to flit from one place to another, whilst other options are more based around spending the night in the one location. In the mix here you will find nightclubs as well as pubs and taverns and a few other options. Take your pick.

• Melbas On The Park - 2011 Glitz and Glam Cocktail Party to bring in 2012. Great value drinks and nibbles package plus entry to nightclub.
  *     4 hour all-inclusive package from 7pm-11pm
  *     Basic Spirits, Draught Beer, Wine and Champagne
  *     Hot Platter Food Selection of cocktails
  *     Entry that covers downstairs and the nightclub (normally $30 for NYE)
  Melbas on the Park is at 46 Cavill Ave, Surfers.
  Limited tickets be quick.

• Skypoint New Years Eve - Party in Skypoint on Q1, overlooking Surfers Paradise and right in the heart of the fireworks. Great place to be. 7.30pm to 1am. Canapes and dessert buffet, plus entertainment. Over 18s only. Limited numbers bookings essential $120 per person.
• Jupiters Gold Coast - At Jupiters in Broadbeach there is so much going on at New Years Eve it is hard to put it all in here. The place rocks for New Years Eve! All the eateries have dinner packages - you will need to book for Andiamo, Charters Towers, Spinners, The Prince Albert (The PA), Food Fantasy and Zen. There's also the Atrium Bar. Plus there is live entertainment all over the place, 24 hour casino and a balloon drop at the stroke of midnight. Some of these venues may be suitable for Children.
• Sofitel Room 81 2011 NYE Celebrations - A French Caberet Affair from 7pm $250 per person. Black Tie or Burlesque! Stylish celebration with 5 course tasting menu paired with a selection of Australian and International wines. Enjoy live entertainment and a champagne countdown and cabaret finale.
  
• 2011 White Paradise New Years Eve Event - Luxury boats, 2000 guests, music and a secret island hideaway location with partying from dusk to dawn! Yup definitely for those who can handle the pace and are over 18! Luxury transfers from Marina Mirage to your NYE Party location leaving at set times between 5.30pm and 8pm New Years Eve.
• The Arts Centre Gold Coast in the Paradise Showroom. Saturday 31 December 7.00pm to 1.00am. $150 per person includes 3 course dinner, beverage package and entertainment. 2011 New Years Eve Event entertainment Generation X, The Final Countdown and Da Vinchi's. Strictly 18 years Plus event.
• Gold Coast Turf Club is holding a Glitz and Gangsters New Years Eve party in 2011 from 7pm. You've seen Underbelly? Well party like a Gangster! Enjoy dinner in Skyline Restaruant overlooking Surfers skyline, try your hand in the gangster run casino or dance the night away! Cocktail or sit down dining options, 5 hour beverage package, live music, casino and dress 1930s to win prizes! $99 per person stand up cocktail, $149 seated 3 course dinner.
• QT Gold Coast - Miami Disco Party NYE 2011. DJ Drewdown from USA, DJ Andy Benke from Sydney and a variety of other entertainent in the Stingray Lounge and at the illuminated poolside venue! At $55 per person this is a good value event, enjoy complimentary canapés and drinks from 7-9, and stay late to bring in the New Year. Additional packages including accommodation and/or pre-party dining in Bazaar are also available. Contact events team (Rory or Briony) on 5584 1241 
• RACV Royal Pines Resort - Videre Restaurant Fine dining to bring in the new year on the 21st floor with Gold Coast skyline views. 5 course degustation menu with bottle of french champagne for each couple. $250 per person.
• 1two3 Mediterranean Dining & Lounge Bar at Broadbeach. 2011 they have 3 packages on offer. Still waiting to hear final details. In 2010 New Years Eve Party options for all, with a party option for adults with dining from 8pm to late and Casino Royale dress theme. Prizes and fun!
• The Coolangatta Hotel - New Years Eve Party 2011 - Live music from 5pm to 3am. Bands including Dead Letter Circus, Rushmore, Jericho and DJ Stu. Only limited tickets available check with them directly or through oztix
• East Restaurant Lounge Bar and Nightclub in Broadbeach - Entertainment and light show themed NYE party, prepare for music, dance and feasting! Are you ready to party through until 5am? Who will still be standing at sunrise? Very affordable packages with lots of variety to cater to different budgets. $35 to $135 per person or private booths at $800.

• Picture Lounge Bar & Dining is at 26 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise and they are having a MASQUERADE - New Years Eve 2011! Dress to impress and find yourself a mask. Tickets are $250 for two or $135 for one. This includes EVERYTHING! Beer, spirits, wine, champagne, Picture's famous platters and of course, Alizé ! Loads of giveaways and surprises, a best dressed competition and some super secret guest DJS! Tickets are on sale directly from Picture.

• Billy's Beach House - 2011 NYE Party TBC - In 2010 held the Reveillon 2010 Pool Party The White Affair at Billy's Beach House Hotel. A Pool Party, wear white, bring a friend! Offering free breakfast beside the pool as the sun rises after you party the night away with Sydney DJ crew Blunt. Gals get in cheaper, boys you have to fork out more! Billys Beachhouse is at Cnr Hanlan St & Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.
• Clock Hotel - 2011 TBC. Clock Hotel is near Chevron Renaissance at 3282 Surfers Paradise Blvd.
• Club Helensvale - 2011 TBC. Typical club NYE. Enjoy dinner and entertainment. Club Helensvale is at 20 to 28 Discovery Drive, Helensvale.
• Cocktails & Dreams Nightclub 2011 TBC. In 2010 party at one of the Coast’s largest multi-level commercial dance clubs. Bookings on the door on the night, be early! Cocktails and Dreams is at The Mark, Orchid Ave, Surfers.
• D’Arcy Arms - in previous years they had a set menu and of course the best Guiness around! D'Arcy Arms is at 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Cnr Fredrick St. Not sure if you need to book, check it out.
• Elsewhere Bar - 2011 TBC. 2010 they partied away 2010 to start 2011 as you intend to continue! Entertainment by Brothers. Elsewhere is at 23 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise. I understand there are no bookings but you probably have to be there early to get in.
• Shooters Lounge Bar & Nightclub 2010 TBC. Bookings required. Shooters is at 26 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise.
  
• The Avenue - 2010 TBC. Great Surfers venue to celebrate New Year’s Eve good food and live music. The Avenue is at 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
• The CourtHouse Hotel 2010 NYE Singles Party at The CourtHouse Hotel in Southport.
• The Drink Nightclub - 2010 NYE TBC. Bookings required. The Drink Nightclub, 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers
• The Ruby Tramp - 2010 NYE TBC. The Ruby Tramp 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers
• Titanium Bar - RSVP Singles New Year Eve Party - Bling in the New Year 2010. Bookings required for Titanium Bar 30-34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise.
• Southport RSL - New Year's Eve with Rock n Soul artists Atmosphere and Route 66. Entertainment starts at 7pm, dinner specials from 5pm to late. Southport RSL is 36 Scarborough Street, Southport near Southport Central.
• Southport Workers Club - 2010 NYE TBC. Southport Workers Club is on Scarborough Street, Southport next to Transit Centre.
• Surfers Paradise Beer Garden - 2010 NYE TBC. Surfers Beer Garden is at cnr Cavill Mall & Orchid Ave.
• Surfers Paradise RSL - 2010 NYE TBC. Surfers RSL is at 9 Beach Road Surfers Paradise.
• Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club - 2010 NYE TBC. Surfers SLSC is at Cnr Hanlan St & The Esplanade. Make sure you book. (07) 5531 5966
• Wicked Club Crawl New Years Eve 2010/11 - Party with people from around the globe with the largest New Years Eve party on the Gold Coast, or so they say! You will visit various nightclubs and bars in and around Surfers Paradise.
• Plan B Party Tours - entry to six nightclubs including Melbas, Sin City, Cocktails and Dreams, pizza, nibbles and hosts. Join the party animals this new years eve!
• DreamWorld - In 2009 they threw a real Over 18s adrenalin pumpin' Rock n Ride Party dubbed AMPED. Gates opened 7pm 31 Dec 2009 and closed at 1am 1 Jan 2010. Transfers from Gold Coast or Brisbane. More information about DreamWorld New Years Eve Party 2009. No word yet on whether they are holding one in 2010, will keep you posted. Perhaps they are putting all the energy into the QDeck (Skypoint Observation Deck) NYE celebrations this year as they are now owned by the same group.
  

New Years Eve Balls & Formal Parties

Palazzo Versace probably has the most famous of New Years Eve ball on the Gold Coast. In 2010 the theme was Pop Couture! In 2011 the theme is 24k GOLD! To get the most out of this party you are best to make a real night of it and stay at Palazzo Versace!

24K Gold New Years Eve Party 2011 is decadence at its peak! Interactive art, culinary creations, gold and Moet and Chandon plus international DJs and live entertainment. Dinner options include entry to the Gold Party in the Lobby, or you can just go to the party from 10pm to 2am. It sounds like an exclusive affair.

Other potential options are balls at:

• Jupiters Casino
• Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast.

I'll keep you posted!

New Year's Eve Parties and Dinners

Note: At the bottom of the list are those that were held in 2010 as a guide.

There are several options for enjoying a good dinner with great company in a fabulous location here are some ideas for your New Year's Eve 2011:

• Hotel Watermark & Spa, Surfers Paradise - New Years Eve 2011 Celebration Sunday 31 December 2011 Various packages including:
  
  Early Reveller dinner package at Waves Buffet Restaurant, buffet from 5.30 to 7.30pm including 3 international cooking stations, seafood, dessert and the chocolate fountain! Adult $59 Child (4 to 12 years) $29.50
  
  NYE Dinner 8pm to 10pm buffet dinner including seafood, dessert and chocolate fountain. Live entertainment from 8pm to midnight to bring in the NYE in style Includes food and beverages plus bubbly at midnight. Adult $89 Child 2 to 12 years $44.50 - Bookings 5588 8321
  
• Sofitel Gold Coast (Broadbeach) Bistro On3 New Years Eve Dinner from 6pm $99 per person $65 Children 12 ot 17 year, $39 Children 5 to 11 years and Children Under 5 dine free. Buffet including seafood, roast meats, salads and sweets with a wine buffet for the adults. New Years Eve fireworks on Kurrawa Beach at 8pm and midnight. Great for the family.
• RACV Royal Pines Resort - Videre Restaurant Fine dining to bring in the new year on the 21st floor with Gold Coast skyline views. 5 course degustation menu with bottle of french champagne for each couple. $250 per person. ADULTS ONLY.
• RACV Royal Pines Resort - Kalinda Restaurant hot and cold seafood buffet and amazing desserts. Live entertainment, prizes, dancing and more. $80 adult, 12 to 17 years $65, 5 to 12 years $50 under 4s free
  
• RACV Royal Pines Resort - Trattoria Amici 3 course dinner with glass of sparkling wine - join in Kalinda Restaurant for live entertainment $65 adult, 12 to 17 years $45, 5 to 12 years $35 under 4s free
• Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort & Spa - No formal parties or NYE balls in 2011 but dinner in Citrique International Restaurant from 6pm buffet style Adults $95 per person. Benihana Japanese Teppanyaki and Steakhouse open for dinner but will need to book. There will be some entertainment in the Lobby lounge, but check directly with the Marriott as they were unclear what exactly the entertainment was when I spoke to them.
• Four Winds 360 Restaurant Crowne Plaza - Revolving restaurant in Crowne Plaza with awesome views and a fabulous buffet. Masquarade theme New Years Eve Dinner in two sittings. 1st sitting 5.30pm to 7.30pm Adults $110, children (5 to 12 years) $55 includes seafood buffet and traditional options. Second sitting 9.00pm to 1.00am. Adults $225, children (5 to 12 years) $100 includes seafood buffet, traditional options, drinks package, entertainment and DJ.Prizes for best dressed and more fun. Should have a good view of the Surfers Paradise fireworks at 9am and midnight. Bookings call 07 5592 9906
• Relish Restaurant at Crowne Plaza - Offering New Years Eve dinner from 6.00pm to 9.00pm for set menu, entertainment and glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Adults $49. Bookings call 07 5592 9906
• Hyatt Sanctuary Cove - Best way to enjoy this is combine a stay at the hotel and relax into 2012 at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove NYE celebrations from $140 per person four course dinner at The Fireplace.
• SeaWorld Resort Shoreline Restaurant - NYE 2010 dinner in The Shoreline Restaurant with International Seafood Buffet Dinner from 6 to 9pm. Adults $85 Children $1 per year from 4 to 13 years. Live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge by Relish from 7.30pm to 12.30am.
• Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa at Willow Vale - New Years Eve Dinner 31 December 2010 from $140 per person. Very civilised and very limited numbers.
• Sofitel in Broadbeach - New Years Eve Dinner at Bistro On3
• Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast - Spend New Year's Eve 2010 partying Brazilian style. Entertainment in Breakers Bar with Mark Watson and Bahia Alegria, a Brazilian cultural dance group, at Breaker Bar. Fun from 7pm to 1.00am, Tapas menu to 10pm and the Sheraton Mirage beach fireworks at midnight.
• Jacques Restaurant at Tamborine Village - 2010 New Years Eve Dinner at Jacques Restaurant at Bungunyah Manor Resort in Tamborine Village (down the mountain!)
• Lauxes Lounge and Bar at Broadbeach - Bring in the New Year 2011 at Lauxes Lounge Bar and Restaurant celebrations and dinner from $150 per person
• Broadbeach restaurants Sage Cafe and Yellowfin Seafood Restaurant will be serving their regular a la carte menu on NYE.

Gold Coast New Years Eve Fireworks Video

NYE fireworks in Gold Coast are held in several locations and at different times to enable the younger children to enjoy them before midnight. Main fireworks are at Surfers Paradise. Great viewing options include the beach and high rise buildings. Here is a video of 2009 NYE fireworks at Surfers Paradise - I like this one, great video quality and the music is really good too!

New Years Eve Brisbane

If you are not going to be on the Gold Coast, or if you want to find something else, here are some options in Brisbane or you can read below to get a bit of an idea about the options.

Family Friendly Fireworks at Brisbane South Bank Parklands.

The entire South Bank precinct is transformed for the Streets New Year's Eve Party. Celebrate from 3pm. Live music, an all-ages dance party, free movies, a fairground and two spectacular fireworks displays at 8:30pm and midnight on the Brisbane River. The most popular locations to view the fireworks and enjoy the party throughout the Parklands are:

• Streets Beach - bring your cozzie
• Clem Jones Promenade - get in early for the best viewing position.
• Little Stanley Street - featuring live bands playing jazz, gypsy, samba and more.
• Suncorp Piazza - be prepared to dance!
• Cultural Forecourt - carnival rides, fairy floss, competitions for the kids and family-friendly movies

Brisbane New Years Eve Balls and Parties

Update: 17 November 2011 - Rather than trying to keep two sets of information about Brisbane, I have just created a page on Brisbane Australia Travel Tips website to cover events in Brisbane for new year.

The following events are a selection of the adult new years eve party options in Brisbane.

• New Years Eve Ball at RNA Showground 2011 / 2012
  Where: RNA Showgrounds, The Avenue, Bowen Hills, Brisbane.
  This event was at City Hall in previous years, but has moved to RNA Showgrounds. Theme is Prom Night and dress is formal or nerdy school! Doors open 7.30 pm closes 1.00am. All Inclusive Buffet Food and Drinks (RSA applies).
• No Years New Years Eve Festival 2011 / 2012
  Where: Brisbane Powerhouse Centre for Arts, New Farm.
  Something different and away from the crowds at the Valley. From 2pm to 1am.
• New Years Eve Gala 2011 / 2012
  Where: QPAC, South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane.
  Concert by the Queensland Pops Orchestra. A 2 hour feast of good music for those who enjoy a little culture with the new year celebrations.

More NYE Events in Brisbane

Please note, that whilst all care is taken to ensure the details are correct, things change. So please double check with the venues to ensure you are not disappointed or miss out on booking.

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