It's almost time to send off 2021! Here's a list of where to eat, drink and dance the year away across Cairns and Port Douglas.
Whether you're up for all-inclusive dinners, day-long parties or evening soirees, there's plenty on across Far North Queensland to bring in the new year.
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New Year's Eve
Hemingway’s Cairns is home to Splash Off this New Year’s, an all-day, tropical themed party. Food stations will serve paella, seafood and suckling pig from midday to 5pm, while Justin Wellington kicks off the live music at 2pm. Free entry, with prizes for the best dressed.
Get Lei’d at Flamingos Tiki Bar, with a relaxed night featuring the usual Flamingos fun. No bookings, no cover charge and back to full capacity – with exotic cocktails, rum, good tunes and great vibes. 4pm start.
A stone’s throw away, you’ll find Wolf Lane and Three Wolves’Laneway Party. Again, no entry fee, but plenty of cocktails, tapas, craft beer and spirits. 4pm to 2am.
The Taipans’ traditional New Year’s Eve match is returning to the Convention Centre, with the team set to battle the New Zealand Breakers. The game kicks off at 7pm, allowing spectators to get to their next stop for midnight festivities.
Bring in the new year with dumplings, DJ beats and delicious cocktails, in signature Miss Chief style. Their Dim Sum Disco party includes six courses of dim sum, a welcome cocktail, and disco house, soul and funk ‘til late. Dress code: 70s, with a Studio 54 spin. 7pm start, $69pp.
Edge Hill Bowls Club and The ‘Kings & Queens of FNQ’ present the biggest Drag’d Out Late event of the year, ABBA - A Very Drag Arrival. Doors open at 6pm for an 8pm show start. $90pp to include dinner or $60pp for the show alone. It’s also the only Auslan-interpreted drag show in Far North Queensland!
The Conservatory Bar is hosting a special Champagne Flight event featuring Moet, Chandon, Veuve and Dom Perignon. $199pp includes caviar and a cheese board too. 7pm start.
Havana Nights New Year’s Eve at Salt House has three separate parties on the go. Pick between a luxury three-course set menu, at $139pp with a glass of Moet or $189pp to also include matching wines. Sittings at either 6 or 8.30pm.
For those who are looking to move and shake around the room, head to the Salt House Sailing Bar for two hours of premium canapes and Mount Uncle cocktails. 7 to 9pm, $129pp.
General entry is $30pp at the door (but cheaper if pre-booked) and include a Havana-themed cocktail if you arrive between 6 and 8pm. There’s also fireworks kicking off at 8.30pm and of course, at midnight!
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Crystalbrook Flynn’s Whiskey and Wine is the place to celebrate the new year in elegance, with its Starry Nights New Year’s Eve Soiree offering a four-hour beverage and canapé package. $179pp tickets also include a welcome Starry Nights cocktail on arrival and a glass of champagne to toast the New Year. Cocktail dress code.
You can also join the crew at Crystalbrook Riley's CC's Bar and Grill – recently awarded Restaurant of the Year North Queensland and the NT – for a sophisticated evening of good food, fine wine and great company. $199pp includes a four-course set menu and a welcome champagne followed by a three-hour beverage package and live music. 8.30pm ‘til midnight.
For some 80s glam and a luxurious all-inclusive event head to The Benson Hotel. Starting at 8pm, there’ll be bottomless Veuve Clicquot, canapes, fresh seafood and charcuterie, alongside live music by Sydney-based 80s tribute band Never Ending 80s, plus local DJs. $299pp on the main floor, or $269pp for a banquet ballroom ticket, both including a beverage package ‘til midnight.
The Reef Hotel Casino is hosting Aviator, a huge costume party with the dress code, as the name suggests, all things aviation. The night features live music from the Funhouse Aviators and Jet Pilot across two bars, DJs, costume prizes and a big balloon drop at midnight, plus free entry. 6pm start.
Head to Macalister’s for its NYE Vikings Party, where all things Nordic will be front and centre, alongside quality craft beer. $60pp includes live music from local legends The Bluebottles, a drink on arrival and a bus home (as far as Palm Cove, Redlynch and North Cairns). Smok N Steel will be on-site slinging great grub, and there’ll be prizes for the best dressed. 8pm start.
Pullman Port Douglas is offering a three-course dinner, a fire and drum show, and sparkling wine on arrival to its New Year’s Eve Dinner. $129pp, 5 to 11.30pm.
Gilligan’s is welcoming the new year with a huge guest DJ and an all-out Heroes v Villains theme. Presenting global chart-topping sisters NERVO, who have produced sounds for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Steve Aoki and David Guetta, as well as a midnight fireworks display, tickets are $45 at the door.
Dance your socks off at P.J. O’Brien’s with the Irish pub’s 80s and 90s Throwback Party, featuring live band Flavour and DJ MC Syntax. Free entry till 8pm, before a $10 cover charge. The bar’s open ‘til 5am!
New Years Day
Tropical Sounds at the Oaks Resort Port Douglas is our pick of the pack for New Years Day kick-ons, with international artists, DJ Andy Van and DJ Safage on the bill, and pool party antics the name of the game. Think tropical candy land attire, fruity cocktails and a photo booth to capture the colourful day. Early bird tickets are currently $79pp. 12pm to 6pm.
