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New Year's Eve 2015 -- You Actually Need To Start Organising It Now

We Know It's Early But You Need To Organise NYE
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australasia
Andrew Watson via Getty Images
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australasia

Before you say anything -- we know, we know. It's October. New Year's Eve is aaaaages away. Except -- it's kind of not.

Unless you are planning on heading to a mate's place or even having a quiet one in, you actually need to start organising your plans right about now. Things book out, people.

So to help you get around what is bound to be one of 2015's biggest nights, The Huffington Post Australia has compiled some of the best things to do in each of Australia's capital cities. Here's to a ripping night and an even better 2016.

SYDNEY

Anyone who has spent a New Year's Eve in Sydney will know it's all about the harbour and fireworks. In case you have been living under a rock and don't know what we're talking about, check out this video from last year.

See? Much fire. Many bang.

Understandably, most people want to organise their night around the spectacle, and tend to choose their event venues based on the view on offer.

Those wanting to be right in among the action can do so at Opera Bar's New Year's Eve party, which has been a sold out event for the past 13 years.

On the other side of the bridge, Taronga Zoo offers the choice of a speakeasy cocktail party or roaring 20’s five course degustation dinner -- but you'll have to be willing to wear your fancy pants, because tickets aren't cheap. At least you can comfort yourself with the knowledge some of the funds go towards supporting wildlife conservation -- and if that isn't a justifiable excuse, we don't know what is.

For those looking for a more budget and family-friendly option, why not check out the newly opened Barangaroo Reserve?

Boasting views of Balmain, Goat Island, Balls Head Point and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, revellers at Barangaroo can also enjoy projections on the west side of the bridge pylons -- a New Year's Eve first.

The full list of vantage points will be available on the Sydney New Year's Eve website later this month.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne also has its own New Year's Eve firework extravaganza, with venues at the Yarra and the Docklands booking up well in advance.

Events "with a difference" this year include Little Red Pocket's Masquerade and a Hawaiian-themed event at Aer Rooftop Bar.

Fireworks explode over Melbourne in 2014.

Federation Square proves to be a popular spot to watch the fireworks as well as The Main Stage at Docklands, or, for earlier in the evening (9.30pm fireworks, anyone?) Yarra Park is a good choice.

Many Melburnites also choose to swap the city for the coast, heading down to The Mornington Peninsula. This reporter has it on good authority New Years Eve at the Portsea Hotel makes for a memorable (or not) night out.

BRISBANE

The Story Bridge fireworks are the main New Year attraction in Brisbane and suitable for both families and revellers alike.

Head to South Bank and pick a vantage point anywhere along the river after meals to get a prime position. Alternatively, you could book a private gondola for the family at the Wheel of Brisbane, to get up close and personal.

Those wanting to wine and dine can book waterfront dining at Eagle Street Pier to get front row seat, with Madame Wu, Jellyfish Restaurant, and Pony Dining all being excellent options.

Riverlife also has a great vantage point at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

There's something so cleansing about fireworks. A lovely display tonight! #BrisbaneNYE #Southbank

A photo posted by Joe De Luca (@jay_dielle) on

ADELAIDE

Elder Park is where it's at in Adelaide, with live music, food and spectacular fireworks on the Riverbank. The event is so popular, in fact, it's recommended to get in early in order to bag a good viewing spot.

Other wallet (and family) friendly options include the Semaphore Summer Carnival and the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

NYE fireworks after the Big Bash League in 2014.

For those wanting to see in the new year in a bit more style, the Adelaide Intercontinental is offering a market fresh buffet or a seven course teppenyaki meal at the award winning Shiki restaurant.

Alternatively, you can signal whether you plan to be naughty or nice in 2016 with The Stamfords Angel and Demon's Ball, or if that's not your cup of tea, you can get your Gatsby on at a themed cocktail party at Horizons.

DARWIN

Each year Darwin throws a big party at the Darwin Waterfront, and 2015 is no exception. Hailed as a "pocket rocket" of NYE enthusiasm, Australia's northern-most capital city boasts its own spectacular fireworks display. Don't believe me? See below.

In terms of dining out, Wharf One is hosting its first New Year's Eve Party while The Precinct Tavern boasts fantastic views -- promising to make the transition from 2015 to 2016 an unforgettable one.

PERTH

While Australia Day is the big day in Perth for fireworks, it doesn't mean this West Coast city doesn't know how to throw a good NYE bash.

Now in its sixth year, NYE on the foreshore proves to be a popular event, while Bib and Tucker threw a bash last year complete with beach fireworks.

Can we do this every night? Photo by @halbus #fireworks #perthnye #bibandtucker #leightonbeach

A photo posted by Bib & Tucker (@_bibandtucker_) on

Themed parties also seem to be all the rage, with The George holding an Old Hollywood style soiree while The Aviary choosing to go with a jungle theme.

Those wanting to enjoy some family time can head down to Swan Hill to watch the fireworks or, if you want to take out the Coolest Parents Ever Award, spend your New Year's Eve with the animals at Perth Zoo.

HOBART

Heading south to Tassie, there are plenty of options to keep party-goers entertained on the biggest night of the year. One of the most popular is Taste of Tasmania. Held at Princes Wharf 1 -- the event offers the best views of the Hobart fireworks as well as providing full access to the fantastic food and wine stalls along with entertainment.

Recently opened restaurant The Glass House will also throw their first big NYE celebration and while, at $490, it's not exactly cheap, it will include fine food and a selection of great wines.

If it's free entertainment you're after look no further than the Hobart Waterfront and Parliament House Lawns. This fantastic and family friendly event normally runs in conjunction with Taste of Tasmania and Hobart City Council and is located right near the Taste of Tasmania event.

New Year's Eve 2015 #hobartnye #tastefestival #nyefireworks #nye2015

A photo posted by Mick (@mick_baker) on

CANBERRA

Last but not least, we come to our nation's capital. Canberra has a number of family friendly options including two firework displays over City Hill, a concert in Civic Square that is open to all ages, and a dance party to be held in Garema Place.

The Civic Square entertainment will kick off at 7pm, complete with pyrotechnic displays at both 9pm and midnight.

Canberra's most glamourous party is said to be held at the Canberra Hyatt or, for a more intimate affair, The Canberra Yacht Club is your best bet.

Canberra fireworks on New Years Eve.

So there you have it folks -- some ideas to get your NYE brains ticking. While it might be hard to decide exactly where you will spend the last moments of 2015, don't dawdle too long. Missing out on an epic party would not be the best way to start the brand new year.

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