2014 is nearly at an end – and boy, where did the time go? We’ve got high hopes for next year, but if you’re looking to make a New Year’s resolution, start by choosing a great place to welcome in 2015. We’ve tracked down the best Sydney hotspots to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and asked them all about just what’s going down.

SKY TERRACE AT THE STAR

Venue Name: The Star’s rooftop bar, Sky Terrace

It’s called: New Year’s Day at Sky Terrace

What to see and do: Sitting alongside The Star Event Centre, Sky Terrace takes advantage of expansive water views with Sydney city as the background. Expert bartenders are on hand to serve your favourite drinks, offering a range of cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. Complementing the beverage menu is a range of bar food options to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds including spiced corn chips with pea guacamole, Philadelphia cheese steak, chicken quesadillas and sushi.

For our ears: Listen to tunes from DJs Albie Smilies and Yogi from 2pm.

Bevvy of choice: Enjoy an expertly prepared cocktail or share a Lychee Tree jug with friends – Midori, pomme verte and coconut served with fresh lychees and pineapple.

What’s the highlight: Watch the sun go down over the city skyline whilst enjoying the sounds of summer with the ultimate summer playlist.

Cost: Free entry

Where: The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. For direct access to Sky Terrace, arrive at The Star’s Pirrama Road entrance and take the elevator to level three.

When: Thursday January 1, 12pm till late

CHERRY BAR AT THE STAR

It’s called: New Year’s Eve at Cherry Bar

What to see and do: Visit Cherry Bar for a Monte Carlo-themed New Year’s Eve. Cherry DJs will be mixing 2014’s biggest hits.

For our ears: Mo’Funk is headlining, supported by Kali and Tikki Tembo.

Bevvy of choice: Enjoy a glass ofMoСt & Chandon champagneor sip on a cocktail prepared by Cherry Bar’s expert bartenders.

When the clock strikes midnight: Take in views of Sydney Harbour and dance the night away.

What’s the highlight: A permanent fixture in the biggest clubbing playground of them all, Ibiza, Mo’Funk will take charge of the dancefloor.

Cost: First release tickets $90, second release tickets: $120. A post-dinner package is available from 11pm, which includesa glass of MoСt & Chandon champagneat midnight and selected dessert canapОs for $60 per person. VIP tables and champagne packages are available upon request. Bookingsvia Jemma Huggins, (02) 9657 8913 [email protected]

Where:The Star,, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont

When: Wednesday December 31, from 7pm

CARGO

It’s called: Cargo NYE on the Harbour

What to see and do: We house a full-scale festival stage set up in the middle of the venue with the beautiful harbour as your backdrop.

For our ears: Main headliner is Hermitude (live), Yolanda Be Cool, Crooked Colours (live), Hayden James… plus more to be announced in our second announce.

Bevvy of choice: Anything Smirnoff-related is what we will be sippin’.

When the clock strikes midnight: We stop the music and embark on the wharf to see the fireworks in all their glory, then we reignite the party with some dancefloor bangers.

Cost: $99+BF GA or $180 Platinum VIP

Where: 52-60 The Promenade, King Street Wharf

When: Wednesday December 31

NYE15 BY THE LAKE

It’s called: Liverpool’s NYE15 by the Lake

What to see and do: Justice Crew play live, and there’ll be fireworks at 9pm. This is a drug and alcohol free event.

For our eyes and ears: Live music, acrobatics, DJ, a chill vibe, rides, fireworks, Justice Crew, Team 9 Lives and more.

When the clock strikes midnight: This is a family-friendly event so there will be fireworks at 9pm with an early countdown. The event finishes at 10pm.

What’s the highlight: Justice Crew, acrobatics, fireworks on the water, free shuttle bus (park and ride, train and ride options).

Cost: Free entry, rides $2 a ticket, food and other stalls to purchase snacks and soft drinks from.

Where: Ascot Drive, Grand Flaneur Beach, Chipping Norton Lakes

When: Wednesday December 31, 5pm-10pm

RED RATTLER

It’s called: Red Rattler NYE Party

What to see and do: An awesome night of amazing unique DJs, performers and lovely people!

For our ears: MicahTron, Adonis, Daddy Banga, Tracksuit Pants and more.

Bevvy of choice: Cheap drinks for cheap thrills and our famous Rat’s Piss flowing on tap.

When the clock strikes midnight: Dance it in with MicahTron to fresh, fat sexy beats out of the international queer rap revolution.

What’s the highlight: It’s the first time MicahTron from San Fran comes to Sydney, after a successful stint in Berlin. It’s the most friendly, down-to-earth and affordable NYE party for the Inner West. A night of tunes and beats to keep everyone on the dancefloor.

Cost: Concession $27, full price $32. Some of the cheapest prices in the Inner West. We’re all about the people, not the prices! Head onto the Rat’s website – redrattler.org – or book at trybooking.com. Early bird tickets are $20+bf until Monday December 8.

Where: 6 Faversham Street, Marrickville

When: Wednesday December 31

CAFÉ DEL MAR SYDNEY

It’s called: White Glitter Ball

What to see and do: Partnering with fellow Ibiza powerhouse, Hed Kandi, Café del Mar Sydney’s New Year’s Eve party will reach new heights this year, with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and an exciting stage show.

For our ears: Hed Kandi’s signature sexy deep house and Café del Mar’s famous Balearic beats will set the scene while guests settle in and watch the summer sun set on 2014. The sounds of international DJ Southlight and local acts Scott Pullen, Adrian Benedrek, Alex Taylor, Liam Samparas and Charlie Jo will provide a pumping soundtrack worthy of welcoming the New Year.

Bevvy of choice: Standard drink package (beer, wine, champagne) included in ticket purchase.

When the clock strikes midnight: Wave goodbye to the old and say hello to the new with the hottest entertainment from Hed Kandi, first-class service from Café del Mar Sydney and a front row seat to Darling Harbour’s fireworks spectacular.

What’s the highlight: With a White Glitter Ball announced, Café del Mar Sydney is set to be the ultimate 2014 New Year’s Eve destination, featuring entertainment from some of the hottest international and homegrown talent.

Cost: Second Release ON SALE NOW $200. Final Release $250.

Where: 35 Wheat Road, Rooftop Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf

When: Wednesday December 31, 6pm

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