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Ring in the New Year with style!

Say goodbye 2024 and hello to an unforgettable New Year’s Eve at HOTA.

New Year's Eve at HOTA (image supplied)
New Year's Eve at HOTA (image supplied)

Ready to ring in 2025 in a way that’s anything but ordinary? HOTA, Home of the Arts has an incredible lineup of New Year’s Eve events to ensure your farewell to 2024 is filled with good vibes, amazing food and unforgettable fun. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a dancing queen (or king) or a foodie fanatic, there’s something for everyone. Read on for a rundown of the night’s dazzling offerings.

View from The Exhibitionist Bar, HOTA (image supplied)
View from The Exhibitionist Bar, HOTA (image supplied)

The Exhibitionist Bar
Say goodbye to 2024 in the chicest way possible at one of the GC’s most stunning bars, The Exhibitionist Bar. This exclusive celebration boasts an all-inclusive package with mouth-watering canapés and bite-sized treats. We’re talking karaage chicken sliders with slaw and wakame mayo and beef tartar, with toasted brioche, grated egg yolk, crispy capers, parsley and black garlic mayo. Pair that with four hours of premium wine and beer, DJs to keep you grooving and a ticket price of $160 and you’re on to a winner.

The luxe rooftop location provides spectacular views of the night sky as you mingle, sip, and savour. As the clock strikes midnight, prepare for a magical surprise to make your New Year’s Eve truly unforgettable. Simply unmissable!

NYE Salsa on the Lawn, HOTA (image supplied)
NYE Salsa on the Lawn, HOTA (image supplied)

Salsa on the Lawn Party
Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family or looking to meet new people, HOTA’s all-new Salsa on the Lawn Party promises a soul enriching night filled with laughter. Get ready to move to the Latin beats of El Camino Collective, featuring singer Jojo Zamora, as they blend your favourite Latin sounds with soulful 90s hits.

Not a salsa expert? No problem! GC Salsa will guide you through the smooth moves. Tickets are $25 and include a complimentary glass of sangria on arrival. Fuel yourself with an array delicious street food available for purchase. You may be preoccupied playing senorita on the dance floor, but you’ll need to replenish at some point! From the vibrant music to the midnight surprises, this outdoor fiesta is perfect for those who want to shimmy into the new year with flair!

Dinner at Palette, HOTA (image supplied)
Dinner at Palette, HOTA (image supplied)

Palette
If it’s an all-class affair you’re seeking, then a multi-course dinner at Palette it shall be! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with exquisite flavours and an unforgettable dining experience. The award-winning fine dining restaurant by HOTA will be hosting two seatings, an Early Seating from 5:30pm-8pm and a Late Seating from 8.30pm-12 am (both age-restricted 18+).

Early Seating patrons will enjoy an extraordinary four-course dinner, starting with an Australian Bay Lobster steam bun with Anna Dutch caviar, followed by Rocky Point aquaculture blue grouper and Margra Lamb with cutlet, belly and minted lamb sauce. For dessert, spiced pumpkin pie, white chocolate crumb, and dulce de leche. A curated drink beverage package will accompany.

Dinner at Palette, HOTA (image supplied)
Dinner at Palette, HOTA (image supplied)

For guests of the Late Seating, your last meal of the year is set to be your best. You will be indulged in a gourmet five-course dinner, the menu will follow as above with additional premium courses including blue grouper with velouté, tomato and fennel and Sanchoku Wagyu sirloin mb7 with witlof, dry-aged carrot, winter truffles, brandy sauce and puff. With every course paired with premium wines, your taste buds will be on cloud nine.

Diners at Palette will also gain access to Salsa Party  pre and post dinner to see out their NYE night with complimentary sangria on entry.

View from The Exhibitionist Bar, HOTA (image supplied)
View from The Exhibitionist Bar, HOTA (image supplied)

 HOTA’s NYE offerings are more than just events; they’re experiences designed to leave lasting memories. Whether you’re toasting with a rooftop view, dancing under the stars, or indulging in gourmet delights, every moment is filled with joy and celebration. Don’t let 2024 end without a bang – grab your tickets now or simply walk in on the day.

This New Year’s Eve, HOTA is where magic happens.

Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: Various times, 31st December, 2024

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY HOTA

14 next-level Gold Coast rooftop bars

Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport (image supplied)
Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport (image supplied)

If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.

So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 14 next-level rooftop bars (listed north to south) you should prioritise visiting this weekend, next weekend, and the weekend after…

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizzas, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)

Mr PP's Deli & Rooftop Bar (Image: © 2017 Inside Gold Coast)
Mr PP's Deli & Rooftop Bar (Image: © 2017 Inside Gold Coast)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene, Mr PP’s is a multi level pizzeria and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards, the ideal scenario. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport

Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Which maybe isn’t the point of Southport’s Last Night on Earth but a good intro nonetheless. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew. It’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport 

Cali Beach Club, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Cali Beach Club, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

Cali Beach Club
Cali Beach Club is not just a rooftop bar, it’s Australia’s largest Beach Club! This Gold Coast classic is the ultimate beachside party destination that’s never known a dull moment. The 2L spritzer and cocktail jugs may have something to do with this… One minute, you’re lounging on your dedicated daybed by the pool. Next, you’re sipping a Cali Colada in the pool. What’s that? The DJ set has begun?! Off to the dancefloor with you!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA Gallery (image supplied)
The Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA Gallery (image supplied)

The Exhibitionist Bar
News flash: HOTA isn’t just for the arts and culture, people, it’s also for cocktails. Speciality cocktails- each inspired by and changed to reflect the art centre’s current major exhibitions. We feel more cultured already. Enjoy it all while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up the bar and cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Lulu Rooftop & Bar, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Lulu Rooftop & Bar, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Say hello to one of GC’s newest editions- the lovely Lulu. Think Miami’s art deco scene meets laid-back tropical Gold Coast, with lush greenery, plush booth seating and marble-topped bars, it’s a vibe! Throw in the fact it’s on a rooftop and we’re sold. Okay, that’s a lie, our booths were booked when we got word of a Frosé Wall! Choose from six boozy frosé flavours (or try them all) and garnish your icy creation with an array of lollies.
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

The Island Rooftop
It’s the largest open-air (and much adored) rooftop on the Gold Coast, perched on top of The Island in Surfers Paradise. This spot is kind of a unicorn, being part nightclub, part bar and part live music venue. And now, they have taken things up a notch, launching Above Sundays. where killer beats meet delicious eats and craft cocktails. From 11am every Sunday, find a line-up of DJs playing, a specially curated summer cocktail menu, and indulgent share-style eats. Think of it as your new Sunday ritual.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Nineteen at The Star poolside (image supplied)
Nineteen at The Star poolside (image supplied)

Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Be sure to take a snap on the runway stretching out into the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 

Opening night at JuJu, Mermaid Beach (image supplied)
Opening night at JuJu, Mermaid Beach (image supplied)

JuJu
The GC’s newest rooftop bar has serious “it’s a vibe” energy. JuJu in Nobby Beach delivers upscale dining with a side of cheeky fun. Split across two levels, this new venue is perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night revelry. Expect Euro-summer vibes, lush greenery, and after-hours parties that feel straight out of Mykonos. With a sleek rooftop bar featuring a retractable roof, tequila carts, and live DJ-saxophonist duos, JuJu is where you go when you’re ready to keep the night alive.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tropic Vice, Nobby Beach (image supplied)
Tropic Vice, Nobby Beach (image supplied)

Tropic Vice
Tropic Vice is one of (if not, the) hottest bars on the Gold Coast, and for excellent reason. Go from dinner to disco, and dance the night away under the neon lights. The Nobby Beach venue is ideal for a weekend catch-up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Sunday. Do yourself a favour, find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous hinterland view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Justin Lane (image supplied)
Justin Lane (image supplied)

Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite among locals and visitors alike, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftops on the Gold Coast and was actually the coast’s first official rooftop bar opening in 2011! Hard to imagine.  The space is intimate, with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Once you’re done slinging back bevvys with the gang, head downstairs for some fair dinkum pizza (it’s so damn good).
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective in Palm Beach, boasts a sweet rooftop bar with epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset over the ocean while you’re at it. We HIGHLY recommend it.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Burleigh Pavilion (image supplied)
Burleigh Pavilion (image supplied)

Burleigh Pavilion
This one is straight-up iconic and the vibe is a match. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get with a cocktail before it becomes a safety hazard. You may be closer to Earth for this one, but the view here is arguably the best on the Gold Coast. Soak in the stunning sunshine while mulling over which epic cocktail to try first.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Salty Fox rooftop (image supplied)
The Salty Fox rooftop (image supplied)

The Salty Fox
Made for those who are “here for a good time, not a long time”- literally. The Salty Fox can be found on the 7th floor and rooftop of Rydges Gold Coast Airport and is the perfect destination for your pre-departure or post-arrival drinks. Catch uninterrupted views of the stunning Bilinga Beach from the rooftop as you get ready for takeoff, or settle into the Gold Coast spirit with a cocktail (or a few). You may even snag some live music and DJ sets if you’re lucky.
Where: Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

9 epic NYE events, one party playground

New Year's Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
New Year's Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Gather the gang- it’s officially time to lock in some epic New Year’s plans! Thankfully, this year, deciding on ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’ and ‘where’ will be a much easier task. In usual form, The Star Gold Coast has it all laid out for us.

This year’s NYE lineup is shaping up to be The Star’s biggest yet– with no less than nine options on offer, we are well and truly spoiled with a multitude of ways to countdown and celebrate in style. Let’s get this thing started; hey, party animals?

New Years Eve at Isoletto Pool Club, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
New Years Eve at Isoletto Pool Club, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

NYE Masquerade Ball
Slip away, if only for a night, for an evening of mystery and masquerade! It’s a ball that calls for your best black and gold attire and a mask, of course. Be treated to a Grey Goose cocktail and canapes on arrival before a decadent 3-course menu and 4.5-hour beverage package (7.00pm – 11.30pm).

Guests will be chauffeured into a stunning night of glittering gold with roaming performers, including golden fire dancers, living statues, a birdcage aerialist, and more. Headlining the entertainment is 42 Band, who will have all your favourite hits pumping on the dancefloor. To keep the party kicking on through midnight, we have DJ Charlie and DJ Libre. Then, as the clock almost strikes midnight, head out to The Lawn for a magical fireworks display.

New Year's Eve at Garden Kitchen & Bar (image supplied)
New Year's Eve at Garden Kitchen & Bar (image supplied)

Garden Kitchen & Bar
Get the party – and 2025 – started right, at the Star’s time-tested party playground and purveyors of good vibes, Garden Kitchen & Bar. Rock and roll into 2025 with Liam Bowditch on The Deck.

For those seeking a place to dine amongst all the dancing, you can tuck into a 4-course menu and 3-hour drink package up at the restaurant, with a side of NYE fireworks on The Lawn. If you have little ones tagging along- no problem! Before toooo much fun begins, a kid-friendly first Seating is available, 5.00pm – 7.30pm. Second Seating: 8.00pm – 12.00am (over 18s only).

New Year's Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
New Year's Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Cucina Vivo
If you seek a slice of La Dolce Vita to end your year, then it’s Cucina Vivo for you. End your year with a mouth-watering Italian set menu and bask in stunning firework views from Cucina Vivo’s poolside balcony. Sway to the sweet sound of singer-songwriter Eleea before turning things up a notch with Gold Coast’s very own DJ Libre!!

Get the good times rolling asap with a First Seating feast starting at 5:30pm. Enjoy a glass of Chandon on arrival and a 3-course menu for just $75 per adult (13 and above)! A kids menu is also available.

Second Seating will be best dressed on this occasion, with a 3.5-hour drink package and a 3-course menu starring house-made arancini, local and seared Goldband snapper and, drum roll please, Italian meringue bombe with raspberries, popping candy and dark Valrhona chocolate! Then, to top it all off, live entertainment and NYE fireworks- all for just $199 per adult. Cin cin!

New Years Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
New Years Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Harvest Buffet
Our family-friendly hero for all manner of special occasions, Harvest Buffet, is ready and willing to host our nearest and dearest as we farewell the year that was. Offload the entertaining stress (*cough* in-laws onslaught) and gather for the famous smorgasbord spread with two seatings available for New Year’s Eve.

Good luck seeing midnight after you’ve feasted on hot and cold seafood, live shucked fresh oyster stations, carvery stations, salads, cheeses and desserts.. #foodcomaimminent. Adults (13 and above) are $120 pp, children 5 – 12 years $40, and 4 and under free – how good!

Nineteen Bar, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
Nineteen Bar, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Nineteen at The Star
Set the tone for your 2025 by starting it in style, sophistication and on (roof) top of the world! We believe it’s called manifesting. Go for a bar package or settle into your choice of two seatings, emboldened by knockout views and stellar vibes. Make a bunch of ambitious ressos you’ll definitely keep this year (wink wink).

For $220pp, the Sunset seating kicks off from 5.30pm–8.00pm, with a four-course set menu. For anyone looking to ring in the new year in timeless, tasty luxury (and we mean luxury with a capital L) – the Moonlight Seating runs from 8.30pm–late for $260pp.

For live entertainment, we have killer beats by DJ Charles Oliver and DJ Dezastar to ensure an unforgettable end to 2024. Side note: this year’s theme is a white party, so dress to impress!

Melbourne Cup at Kiyomi, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
Kiyomi, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Kiyomi
For those of us who firmly believe at the heart of every epic celebration should be exquisite food –farewell 2024 with the kind of fanciful feast only Kiyomi could pull off. This December 31, our Japanese eats darling is offering two seatings, with full rein of the sumptuous a la carte spread. The prospect of saying cheers to New Year with stacks of Sushi, Chilli Ponzu Oysters, Miso Ceviche Kingfish – and, of course, crafted cocktails – will surely be a popular one, so be quick to book out before you miso out. San, Ni, Ichi…Happy New Year!

Uncle Su, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
Uncle Su, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Uncle Su
If a crowd-pleasing taste bud party is in your flavour, look no further than one of the GC’s favourite (honorary) uncles – Uncle Su. Gather the friends and fam to tuck into some time-honoured celebratory fare: Cantonese-style classics and a selection of signature Beijing and Szechuan favourites. Take your pick of the two seating choices and tackle an a la carte menu fit for a king, including abalone, lobster and crab, every way you can imagine.

New Years Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
New Years Eve at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Atrium Bar
The ultimate cheat code for a no wukkas NYE? Book a booth and guarantee you and the crew a prime possy to cosy up and bid adieu to 2024. For groups sized 6–12, $399 gets you a bottle of Domaine Chandon to get into the swing of things, dibs on one of the Atrium’s booths and a $250 bar tab.

DJ Brent, Electro Disco and DJ Soundvibe will be there to keep you entertained while you kick it back, carve up the DF or people watch the night away. Let the good times (and woo’s) roll.

Fireworks at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
Fireworks at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Spend the last hour of 2024 in a state of euphoria- dancing the year away to the hits of Touch Sensitive (currently supporting San Cisco’s tour), live and loud on The Lawn! What better way to close out, than jamming to next-level remixes and collabs by one of Australia’s top DJs?! Catch it all from 11pm on The Lawn and from the Garden Kitchen & Bar for free!

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various times, Tuesday 31 December 2024

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the Casino and Atrium Bar. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

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