New Year’s Eve Qld: Best places to see in 2022

As the embattled hospitality industry looks forward to a better 2022, here’s where you can show your support on the night of nights.

The embattled hospitality industry is cautiously optimistic about a more successful year ahead as venues gear up for New Year’s Eve celebrations across the state.

Restaurant and Catering Australia CEO Wes Lambert said New Year’s Eve and the holidays are the busiest period for the hospitality industry which has been clobbered by Covid-19 restrictions.

He said it was critical the State Government continued to improve consumer confidence to allow the industry to recover from the pandemic.

“Ultimately consumer confidence is driven by how the government reacts to case numbers. Queensland needs to live with Covid and not just say we are,” he said.

“If the Government stands behind living with Covid and high vaccination rates then consumers will be able to enjoy with no fear the hospitality industry as they did pre-Covid.”

Coolangatta Surf Club general manager and Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce committee member Steve Edgar said when it came to NYE celebrations “if you’re open, you’re open”.

Mr Edgar said it had been difficult for the hospitality industry to plan events like NYE because a staff member could test positive at any point.

“It’s important for the industry to get on with things but we are also aware that there is a little bit of a dark cloud looming and it could start raining on us at any time,” he said.

Luca Bricchi and Claudia Jocumsen are geared up for New Year’s Eve at Rothwell’s Bar and Grill in Brisbane City. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Mr Edgar said “tradies week”, which normally ran for two weeks from Boxing Day, was traditionally their busiest time of the year.

“I think we will have an extended period of business, outside of the school holidays once there is a bit more free movement between the southern states and Queensland,” he said.

“February and March are traditionally quiet for the hospitality industry but I think those months could be abnormally busy this year.”

Venues across the state are gearing up for a night of frivolity, including in Brisbane where the city will be lit up with fireworks.

Festivities on the Brisbane River will start with a bang at 8.30pm with a 10-minute display, followed by the main event at midnight, with a number of free vantage points at parks across the City.

Brett Lethbridge, December 31, 2021.

After being cancelled last year due to Covid-19, fireworks will be launched from three barges and two pontoons.

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said: “This year, more than six tonnes of fireworks and more than 60,000 pyrotechnic effects will be launched.

“A highlight of this year’s show will be a special aquatic effect for the 8.30pm display – it will create a sea of red and green on the surface of the river.

“There will also be several Queensland-first fireworks including a special type of gold, cascading glitter waterfall and a gold comet-effect firework.”

She said South Bank Parklands would be zoned alcohol-free unless dining at one of the designated restaurants and bars.

QUEENSLAND HOT SPOTS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

BRISBANE

A Showgirls NYE at the Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba
The Princes Theatre is putting on a jazz, burlesque and showgirls event. 1920s attire.
Brewhouse. $49. DJ music all night. Optional cocktail, champagne, charcuterie board package. $250pp, including champagne, drinks package, canapes, six-piece jazz band, musical performances. 

The Countdown is on at the Lion in Richlands
Entertainment throughout the venue with Duelling Pianos kicking off in the Sports Bar from 7pm till late. The countdown to midnight will go off with a bang from confetti cannons all throughout the club. 
Free event.

‘A Gatsby New Year’ at Algester Sports Club
Celebrate NYE with ‘A Gatsby New Year’ at the Club. Live entertainment by Leo & Lloyd from 8pm, Gatsby theme, photo booth, money draws and a Member’s draw at 7.30pm. Plated entree and main, $55 for Members, $60 for non-members. Tickets at reception or call 3273 7022.

All you can eat at Spanish Centre, Acacia Ridge
An unlimited  NYE buffet from 7pm featuring fresh prawns, roast turkey, chicken and pork, steaks, pasta, stir fries, waldorf and Russian salads paella and more. DJs to get the punters on the dance floor.
Social member $85, non-member $95, children’s tickets from $20. 

New Year’s Eve Karaoke Glow Party, Runcorn Tavern
Kick off NYE with a Glow Party at the Runcorn Tavern with the Karaoke Kings. Come in anything that will glow under black lights. Glow in the dark UV body/face paint, glow sticks, neon clothes. The Tavern will have black lights to make you glow in the dark. There’s no better place to party and sing in the New Year. 
Free event from 9pm.

Hollywood Glam at The Regatta Hotel, Toowong
The Regatta Hotel will put on its own fireworks on the Brisbane river while inside rages a Hollywood glam attire party from 8pm to midnight. Includes beverage package, food stations, canapes, multiple live music acts & DJ’s, roaming entertainment.
Tickets $150. 

Fancy some tunes at QPAC
Queensland Pops Orchestra will play a NY Gala at QPAC, at 5.30pm and 9pm, featuring renowned tenor Rosario La Spina, mezzosoprano Milijana Nikolic and dramatic soprano Elizabeth Lewis. Drinks, canapes, rooftop views. 
Tickets $95-$190.

TOWNSVILLE

2021 NYE Masquerade Ball at the Banquet Centre 
Celebrate a New Year’s Eve like no other as The Banquet Centre welcomes you to a night you won’t forget with a live band, DJs and burlesque performance!
Enjoy canapes and a 5-hour drinks package including basic spirits, beers brewed on site and fine selection of wines.
Tickets $139 

Mad Cow Tavern’s 2022 NYE White Party
NYE White party with a 3 hour food & drink package, DJs, specialty cocktails, a private photo wall and plenty of giveaways!
Tickets $130-155

Just Feed Me Before The Party - New Year’s Eve at Shorehouse
Join the Shorehouse for dinner before the party with their New Years Just Feed Me! Feast on their grazing menu featuring all their well loved favourites to share. What better way to celebrate than a view over the Strand!
Tickets $69

CAIRNS

Rocco New Year’s Eve
Get your New Year’s Eve celebrations off to a roaring start with a festive dinner cruise on board Spirit of Cairns!
At 9pm, you’ll have the best seats in town to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks and bid ‘auld lang syne’ to 2021.
Tickets essential.
 
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Resolution Fun Run at the Cairns Esplanade
Council’s New Year’s Eve firework displays will be at the family friendly time of 8:30pm and the traditional midnight fireworks and The New Year’s Eve Fun Run is back, lighting up the night with a glow in the dark 4km. 
Free with registration 

BUNDABERG

Karaoke at Yandaran
Anyone who is a fan of singing - not on a professional level - can hit up the Yandaran Hotel for special NYE karaoke. 
Tickets not essential.