Where to go to bring in the New Year across Cairns
There is still time to organise your New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Far North, with some last-minute options available. SEE THE LIST
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LATEST: There is still time to organise your New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Far North, with some last-minute options available.
The Reef Hotel Casino are set to have a massive balloon drop, two live bands, 2 DJs and an aviator theme party. This is a free event where people can just turn up.
Executive marketing manager Carol McFarlane said it was expected to be a fun night even with the Covid requirements.
“We do invite people to dress up and get into the spirit of the celebrations. We are planning a fun night for all,” she said.
“There’s always a fun nice atmosphere on New Year’s Eve in the place. Everyone is having a good time.”
What is still available:
Havana Night New Year’s Eve at Salt House
While the cocktail party and the set menu has sold out. General admission tickets will be available on the dor for $30 per person. Arrive between 6pm and 9pm to receive a Havana themed cocktail on arrival.
NYE Champagne Flight at Conservatory Bar
There are still spots available for the luxury Champaign tasting that will include Chandon, Veuve and Dom Preignon. There will also be caviar and a cheese board. Tickets are $199 per person.
Whiskey and Wine New Year’s Eve
Whiskey and Wine by Crystalbrook still has available spots for the canape package. It is $179 per person that include a four hour beverage and canape package from 8pm including a starry night cocktail on arrival.
CC’s Bar and Grill
CC’s Bar and Grill still has availabilities for the four-course set menu, a glass of champagne on arrival, a three-hour beverage package and live music from Chris Lloyds for $199 per person.
80s NYE Party at the Benson
There will be a live 5-piece tribute band from Sydney and local DJs. General admission is $49 and all inclusive starts at $169.
NYE Lane Way Party
Head down to Wolf Lane from 4pm to enjoy cocktails, tapas, craft beers and spirits. The party will be until 2am in the morning.
Splash Off NYE Cairns Wharf
Hemingway’s Brewery will host a tropical festival event with free entry and walk-ins welcome. There will be food stations from 12pm and live music.
New Year’s Eve Drag & Dinner Show
Edge Hill Bowls Club and The Kings and Queens of Far North Queens present a drag show. Tickets to the dinner are sold out but there are still some available for the show at 8pm.
Boardwalk Social:
People can watch the fireworks from Boardwalk social for free.
EARLIER:
(Note, some of these listed events are now sold out)
Punters will be spoiled for choice when it comes to ringing in the New Year with venues across the Far North gearing up for glittery end of year celebrations.
The Cairns Esplanade will be one of the best places to say goodbye to a tough and frustrating Covid-ravaged 12 months and welcome new beginnings in 2022.
Thousands are expected to pack their picnic basket and head out to watch the fireworks displays at 8.30pm at Palm Cove, Edmonton and Cairns Esplanade. There will also be midnight fireworks on the Esplanade.
A glow in the dark fun run is also planned from 7pm for all the big and little kids among us.
The Esplanade’s many pubs, bars and restaurants are all expected to be teaming with patrons, with Crystalbrook Collection general manager Joel Gordon said the festive vibes will be palpable.
“With Christmas over for another year, our teams are now all systems go across our six bars and restaurants preparing for what is going to be a huge night across our venues,” he said.
“From rooftop cocktail events, sophisticated dining experiences and party vibes on the esplanade, there’s something to suit all tastes.
“And all fitting for the occasion – giving 2021 the send-off it deserves.”
Crystalbrook's three hotels will host a whopping six NYE events on December 31, with Riley, Flynn and Rocco all set to dazzle patrons with gourmet food, wine and live music.
City favourites the Salt House, Gilligan’s, the Reef Casino, Flamingos Tiki Bar and the Novotel are also holding flashy parties sure to cater for everyone.
The Benson on Grafton Street will also host it’s very first New Year’s event, an 80s glam party, after opening its doors in June.
WHERE TO CELEBRATE
Cairns Esplanade
WHAT: The Esplanade will also play host to a live DJ from 6pm as part of the New Year’s Eve Resolution Glow in the Dark Fun Run from 7pm, and then Fun Run participants can listen to the DJ for the live simulcast of the fireworks soundtrack thanks to Hit FM. here will then be traditional midnight fireworks
TIME: From 6pm
COST: Free
The Salt House
WHAT: Celebrate the end of 2021 with Havana Night at Salt House.
TIME: From 6pm
COST: From $129
Crystalbrook Riley
WHAT: New Year’s Eve at Paper Crane. Views, vibes and culinary delights with a Paper Crane feast to delight all the senses.
TIME: Sunset seating from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Settle in for the evening from 8.30pm until late.
COST: From $69 per person.
Rocco
WHAT: Shaken Not Stirred event. Enjoy a four-hour beverage package with the best views in town.
TIME: From 8pm
COST: Tickets are $229 per person. Dress code: Black Tie with a nod to 007.
Crystalbrook Flynn
WHAT: A Whiskey and Wine night by Crystalbrook.
TIME: 8pm
COST: $179 per person. Dress: Cocktail
Flynn’s Italian
WHAT: Both sittings include a five-course Italian-inspired menu, with the later sitting including a glass of champagne on arrival.
TIME: 5.30pm and 8.15pm
COST: The early sitting is $95 per person and the second sitting is $115 per person and includes a glass of Champagne.
Boardwalk Social
WHAT: New Year’s Eve at the Social.
TIME: All day
COST: Free
Crystalbrook Bailey
WHAT: New Year’s Eve at CC’s Bar and Grill. A sophisticated evening of good food, fine wine and great company.
TIME: 6pm
COST: Enjoy a three-course set menu from with a glass of champagne on arrival for $129 per person. Or, settle in for a four-course set menu, a glass of champagne on arrival, a three-hour beverage package and live music from 8.30pm for $199 per person.
Hemingway’s Brewery
WHAT: New Year’s Eve at Hemingway’s is a free event. From noon to 5pm there are food stations with paella, seafood and more. While there will be live music til 10pm. There is a tropical beachy vibe dress theme.
TIME: 12pm
COST: Free entry
Cairns Pullman Hotel
WHAT: Coco’s Bar
TIME: 6pm
COST: 3 hours $65 pp | 4 hours $70pp | 5 hours $80 pp
Barassis Restaurant – Cazalys
WHAT: A Gatsby style New Year’s Eve party with a seafood tower and live music from Steve Williams.
TIME: 6pm
COST: $65
Reef Hotel Casino
WHAT: Fly into 2022 with a massive balloon drop, two bands including Funhouse Aviators and Jetpilot and 2 DJs.
Time: 6pm
Cost: Free
Brothers Leagues Club Cairns
WHAT: Lexi Grey will be bringing in the new year at Brothers League Club. There will be music, dancing and great company.
TIME: 8.30pm
COST: Free
The Benson
WHAT: 80s Glam Party
TIME: 8pm
COST: General admission $49 and all inclusive starts at $168.
Cairns Novotel
WHAT: Poolside BBQ at Moku
TIME: 5.30pm-8.30pm
COST: $39
Gilligan’s
WHAT: Choose your side and unleash your inner hero or villain at Gilligans this New Year’s Eve with special guest artists, DJs and competitions.
TIME: 11am
COST: $45
Miss Chief Bar and Eatery
WHAT: Dim Sum Disco
TIME: 7pm
COST: From 69pp
Flamingos Tiki Bar
WHAT: Get Lei’d NYE party
TIME: From 4pm
COST: Free
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