New Years Eve Illawarra Style
Say sayonara to 2023 with a fab night out this NYE
The Illawarra is a pretty epic spot to spend a New Year’s Eve. There are loads of great options for places to celebrate bringing in 2024.
We’ve searched from the top to the bottom of town to bring you some super fun ideas for all ages.
So, if you’re after family fireworks, champers and canapes, party-party-party, or chill bar vibes, the Illawarra has got you covered.
Here are some of our top picks, and don’t forget to check out our events guide for even more ideas.
“For Auld Lang Syne”.
1:: New Year’s Eve at Bóveda Thirroul
Head over to Boveda in Thirroul to see out the year with a cracker. DJ and dance floor, live entertainment, margaritas, canapes and 6 hours of fun!
Don your best ‘Studio 54’ themed gear and prepare to boogie-oogie the night away. Entry is free but we recommend RSVP-in your spot so you don’t miss out on the good times.
It’s well known with locals that North Gong goes OFF on New Year’s Eve, and this year it’s gonna be doubly wicked. Windang lads turned international rock legends Hockey Dad will be headlining the night, along with other popular Aussie acts like Mallrat and Mansionair.
There’ll also be DJs and plenty of space to bust a move… or two. Tix are on sale now and they’re likely to sell out so grab yours stat.
We love this firework show that happens every year over Kiama Harbour. With the fun kicking off at 4pm, there’s the ‘circus drop zone’ live music and DJs, kids’ carnival, food stalls, games and roving performers to keep the whole gang entertained.
The fireworks spectacle lights up the harbour at the family-friendly hour of 9pm. We absolutely adore this timing because let’s face it, keeping the little ones up until midnight [or even the parents] isn’t ideal, and now you don’t have to.
If you’re wanting to see the Kiama fireworks but also looking for something a little more ‘treat yo’ self’ then book a spot at Diggies Kiama.
There are two sittings to enjoy:
‘The Sunset Sitting’ runs from 5-7 pm with cocktails, canapes, and a three-course dinner, followed by petit fours to take away and munch on whilst watching the fireworks.
Or go all out for the ‘NYE Dinner Party’ from 7:30 pm, with all the same goodies plus top-notch views of the fireworks at the venue and DJs for dancing into 2024.
5:: NYE 2024 at Penny Whistlers Cafe
Another excellent spot for those front-row views of the Kiama fireworks. Local legend James Burton will be providing the tunes and there’ll be an excellent selection of food, wine and cocktails.
Penny Whistler’s is already in our top spots of places to be this summer and now it’s in our top spots for NYE too. Places are limited so book your seat asap [if they haven’t sold out already]!
6:: New Year’s Eve at Headlands Hotel
Head out to the lovely Sundowner Terrace at Headlands Hotel on New Year’s Eve for stunning coastal views and yummy snacks, grazing platters and tasty cocktails.
There’ll be live music from 4pm and picnic rugs and outdoor seating to stretch out on. We think this is a fab way to ring in the New Year with just the chillest of vibes.
7:: ForHealth New Year’s Eve Wollongong
Another gorgeous fireworks display, this time over Wollongong Harbour. Head down to Belmore Basin from 5pm for food trucks, street entertainers and a 9pm fireworks display.
They send those fireworks way up high in Wollongong, so you’ll have loads of awesome spots to catch a great view. And they’ve got a free park-and-ride service, so no need to stress about finding a spot to park.
This one’s set to be a biggun’. The Illawarra Hotel is bringing its Block Party back and they’re promising a hit.
Their biggest Silent Disco ever, right in the middle of Market Street! Plus, live acts on the courtyard stage and live viewing of the Wollongong fireworks at 9pm.
There’s free entry before 7pm and all general admission tickets will be available at the door.
Let’s take it back to the old skool at Wests Illawarra this NYE. Get down to some of those iconic 90’s hits with this funky tribute show. Whip out your double denim, your parachute pants and your butterfly clips and make it an NYE that’s da bomb!
Tickets are only $20 and come with a cocktail on arrival, so we think this one’s a pretty good deal.
10:: 80s vibe – The Shellharbour Club NYE
Wanna take it back another decade further?
Then the Shellharbour Club will be giving us the 80’s all night long. Push it to some 80’s tunes and get ready to whip it! This one’s free entry, but for sure you’ll need your best 80’s gear, we’re thinking fluro, we’re thinking legwarmers and we’re definitely thinking big hair.
11:: New Year’s Eve at Dicey’s
Rock in the New Year at Dicey Riley’s in Wollongong. There’ll be live music until late and prizes for best dressed. The brief is to come dressed as your favourite vinyl record, how fun?!
Entry is $20 or you can upgrade to the full package for $40 and enjoy some bubbles and a tasty platter for snacking. Grab your tickets at the bar or give them a buzz.
Well, that should be enough to start the countdown.
And your event guide has even more ideas so keep checking back as more and more local businesses share their events.
Happy New Year everyone!
