Ask Auntie Kate: How do you celebrate New Year’s in Canberra
Oh… New Year’s Eve! That wonderful night spent whooping it up while the clock counts down.
I’ve come to realise that when it comes to New Year’s Eve, people are usually in one of two camps – they’ve had this planned for months and have it all locked away – tickets to an event, a night away with friends, fireworks viewing at some cool place – OR they’ve done nothing and go for the mad scramble on 31st to see what everyone else is doing and how they can be a part of the action.
Whichever way you find yourself in, Canberra is great for New Year’s celebrations. Here’s my top picks:
- New Year’s Eve in the City. Ring in the New Year and celebrate the start of 2019 with family-friendly celebrations in the heart of Canberra. There will be music, food, entertainment and more with fireworks hitting Canberra’s skies at both 9pm and midnight. More info
- New Year’s Eve Party Bollywood Style at The Arboretum. Live entertainment, glitz and glamour Bollywood style – and can you get a more fab venue than The National Arboretum?! What a view! Tickets from $190 per person which includes a three-course dinner and beverage package with local wines. More info and tickets
- Midnight NYE Fireworks Cruise on the MV Southern Cross. Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin for this two-hour party celebration taking in the midnight fireworks. Cruise includes hot and cold gourmet canapes and beverages. Tickets are $100 per person. More info
- Pack a picnic and go Lakeside. If you’re after a quieter, more relaxed and family-friendly spot away from the parties, grab a picnic blanket, some food and a spot anywhere on the lake’s foreshore. Commonwealth Park and Kings Park are a couple of options; fireworks are typically launched from City Hill, the grass where Northbourne Avenue becomes Commonwealth Avenue.
- Dinner at the SCC Yacht Club Restaurant. Enjoy live entertainment with The Old 45s, a superb five course dining experience and beverages to welcome in the New Year at the Yacht Club. Tickets are $150 per person, and children under 12 are just $45. More info and to book
And if all else fails, I’m also a quite partial to catching up with friends and family at a home party – I just need to figure out who’s hosting!