Mixing it up with pirates, rock ‘n’ rollers and the Cancan in Mackay
Themed parties, family nights and fireworks are all part of huge plans to farewell 2022 in style across the Greater Whitsundays. See the full list.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hundreds of people are expected to ring in the new year on the streets and in the clubs of the Greater Whitsundays, as the world gets ready to say goodbye to 2022.
There will be evening and midnight fireworks over the river as the NYE River Party returns to Bluewater Quay, with events for both families and those looking to party hard.
QUIETER NIGHT OUT
LADIES NIGHT
When: 7pm-11pm, Saturday
Where: 24 McIntyre St, Calen
What’s happening: Imagination Music and Samantha Alison Marshall are offering an evening of gentle pampering and social gathering at the Imagination Music Studio.
There will be live acoustic entertainment, a foot spa, foot scrub and essential 0ils massage. Cost: $120 (to be confirmed).
If you want to assist or to be a special guest, contact Samantha on 0487 173 210.
Themed parties
MOULIN ROUGE BURLESQUE PARTY
When: 6pm Saturday to 12.30am Sunday
Where: Palace Hotel MC’s Bar.
What’s happening: Photos with Cancan dancers, prizes for Moulin Rouge-inspired outfits, and a show by Boutique Burlesque by Bailey. There will be hot canapes and a DJ. Limited tickets available.
NEW YEAR’S EVE TOGA PARTY
When: 6pm Saturday to 3am Sunday
Where: The Gallery Lounge and Bar, 83 Victoria St, Mackay CBD
What’s happening: Dress in your best toga to win prizes on the night. The Gallery Lounge and Bar has a guest DJ from 8pm with canapes and platters. A footwear dress code applies and a cover charge of $20 will apply after 10pm.
PIRATE PARTY NYE
When: 9pm-11pm, Saturday
Where: 6/390 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach
What’s happening: Corsair Sound presents a New Year’s Eve pirate party. Join in for a night of bass, drum and bass, techno and psytrance featuring Dystracted, Morice, Badshore, Vsoundz, Exeltek, Speacial k and MZ. Tickets: $11 (click here for pre-sale) or at the door $15.
EGYPTIAN NEW YEAR’S EVE
When: From 8pm, Saturday
Where: Palace Hotel, corner of Sydney and Victoria Streets, Mackay
What’s happening: Get dressed in your best Egyptian pharaoh and queen costumes to win prizes at the “epic” New Year’s Eve themed party. Guest DJ Naboth kicks off from 8pm with canapes from 7-8.30pm. Entry is free before 10pm. Cover charge after 10pm is $20.
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL NEW YEAR’S EVE
When: From 7pm, Saturday
Where: Souths Leagues Club, 181 Milton St, Mackay
What’s happening: Enjoy an evening of rock ‘n’ roll entertainment with Ron and Deb playing live from 7pm. The children can also ring in the new year, with a free disco and face painting from 6pm.
There’s also almost $36,000 in prizes to be given away. Entry is free.
Bistro bookings are essential, click here. For more information, phone 4957 2166.
GEED UP FOR NEW YEAR
When: 2pm to 5.30pm, Saturday
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel, 16 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach
What’s happening: Geed UP Music hailing from the Gold Coast and are a regular feature at venues like Eat Street and Miami Marketta and have toured nationally and internationally. Their music is influenced by all genres of music and their New Zealand culture. Bookings here
POOLSIDE COCKTAILS BY THE OCEAN
When: From 5.30pm, Saturday
Where: Cape Gloucester Resort, 128 Gloucester Ave, Cape Gloucester
What’s happening: Kick up your heels and indulge in poolside cocktails and live entertainment to ring in 2023. Bookings are essential, phone 4945 7242.
REBELQUIN AT GRAND VIEW
When: From 8pm until late, Saturday
Where: Grand View Hotel, 5 Herbert St, Bowen
What’s happening: Practice your dance moves as Rebelquin plays live from 8pm. Entry is free.
DREAMS AT AIRLIE BEACH
When: Doors open 5pm Saturday, show from 8pm
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel, 16 The Esplanade, Airlie Beach
What’s happening: Dreams is a tribute show to Fleetwood Mac and the solo career of leading lady Stevie Nicks. The show will be followed by the KUSH party band playing covers from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Ticketed event only. Adults: $120 per person pre-sale (seat and show only). Tickets, click here.
FIESTA ON WOOD
When: From 9pm Saturday to 2.30am Sunday
Where: Moss on Wood, 64 Wood St, Mackay
What’s happening: Party 2022 away with a Mexican Street Party at Moss on Wood. G-Force and Viva provide the entertainment from 9pm with street party games, prizes for best dressed, and El Jimador Tequila-inspired drinks. Entry is free.
NYE UV Party ft Fooni
When: 9pm Saturday
Where: 105 Victoria St, Mackay
What’s happening: Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed. Culture Kings is the resident DJ while one of Brisbane’s finest FOONI will join the party. To grab a ticket, visit www.facebook.com/rabbitholepartybar
TUCKSHOP NYE FESTIVAL
When: From 4pm Saturday until 4am Sunday
Where: McGuire’s Hotel, Wood St, Mackay
What’s happening: Ring in the New Year with a 12-hour music marathon. From chill beats for prinks in the arvo to the dungeons of 4am, head along and wriggle your limbs.
The line-up includes Dirtyphonics, Chopz, Macey Cherry, Mvung, Hickdead, Xenosis and more. Tickets are $30 via Eventbrite.
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE GARDEN BAR
When: 6pm to 10pm, Saturday
Where: Harrup Park Country Club, Juliet St, Mackay
What’s happening: Celebrate the new year with DJ Lambstar spinning tunes in the Garden Bar from 6pm. Entry is free.
NEW YEAR’S EVE RIVER PARTY
When: 6pm to 9pm, Saturday
Where: Bluewater Quay, 25 River St, Mackay
What’s happening: SpongeBob SquarePants and his starfish best friend Patrick will entertain the whole family, alongside Mackay region musicians Tiffany Grace and Matt Tandy. There’s also amusement rides, face painting and myriad food vendors with fireworks at 9pm and again at midnight. Entry is free.
NY COUNTDOWN AT THE SEABREEZE
When: 6pm Saturday
Where: Seabreeze Hotel, 72 Pacific Esplanade, Slade Point
What’s happening: Bookings are essential 4955 1644.
ALL THAT GLITTERS (karaoke)
When: 6.30pm Sunday to 12.30am
Where: Souths Suburban Bowls Club, 39 Wardrop Street, Mackay
What’s happening: The club is hosting a karaoke celebration and competition at its NYE Family Celebrations Party. Kids are allowed to join in the fun and a courtesy bus is available. Call 4957 3233 for more information.
BLACK AND WHITE PARTY w/ JORDAN MAGRO
When: 8pm Saturday to 5am Sunday
Where: Boom Nightclub, Main Street, Airlie Beach
What’s happening: Celebrate the new year at a black and white party featuring special guest Jordan Magro and supported by resident DJs Sticks, Dirty Treble, IN2TH3AM and DFAZ. Tickets: $30, only available at the door, no presales.
NYE FIESTA!
When: 1pm Saturday to 2am Sunday
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, 11 Ocean Rd, Airlie Beach
What’s happening: Join Airlie Beach’s biggest New Year party at the Balerica Beach Club. There will be two stages set up with five DJs, four musicians and dancers, food outlets, four bars and prime viewing for the fireworks at 9pm and midnight. The mix of DJs, musicians and dancers includes the likes of Jamie Porteous (from Groove Armada) and Austin King (Snoop Dogg), as well as Nina Sinclair, DJ Madison, Gloria Ansell and Skye Walker. Tickets: $75. Group Sunlounge tickets available by email to info@balearicabeachclub.com.au
Driver rescued after hours trapped on flood-swept ute’s roof
A driver, whose ute was swept away in fast-moving floodwaters, has been rescued after more than two hours trapped on the sunken vehicle’s roof. LATEST.
Airport ‘evacuated’ and shut down amid fresh flood fears
A North Queensland airport has been closed with reports waiting passengers were being evacuated from the building amid flooding concerns as the region is battered by rain.