How to Have an Awesome New Years Eve On the Gold Coast

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Posted 2013-12-12 by Sarah Says ⇒ follow

Tue 31 Dec 2013

I have had many a different New Years Eves over the years ranging from dinner parties, club nights out, bar nights out, house parties, balls, dinner dances and more... There seems to be so much pressure to have the best night ever that often it can fall flat and end up being more stress than celebration. I have found that less is usually more, and often the unplanned evenings are much better and more fun than over planned nights.

Here are some top tips to ensure a wonderful night is had by all and you see in the new year in style.

Leave expectations at home - this is key for me, the nights where I have placed high expectations such as "this will be the best new years ever" often is a recipe for exactly the opposite. I find treating as just another night out takes away those expectations, so if things don't turn out as you hoped, it isn't the big disappointment it could be.

Research - now don't get too obsessive, as that moves into expectations and too much detail, but it's certainly worth looking into what is on offer that suits your budget, taste and life. Keeping things casual is great but of course you don't want to traipse around venues and not be able to get in, it might be too expensive or not be what you want. You can research areas, venues and local generic event websites to find happy hours, cover charges and times. That way you know what to expect - the beauty of the Internet is that all this information is available at the touch of a button, so you can find somewhere that meets your needs, also it is certainly important that you book any restaurants in advance so you don't miss out. Loads of them up and down the coast have special events on so you will be spoilt for choice.

Websites:
www.surfersparadise.com
broadbeachgc.com
www.visitgoldcoast.com
New Years Eve Fireworks

Where - I personally recommend three places on the gold coast. Any of the surf clubs up and down the coast (especially Northcliffe , Nobbys Beach ) - they are reasonably priced, free to enter, family friendly, casual and relaxed plus you are in prime position on the beach to take in one of the many firework displays. I went to The Star Gold Coast last year and thought it was great - again reasonable drink prices, no cover charge, lots of different bars for different tastes and music styles and free entertainment throughout, plus you can either dress up or remain casual, and the decking at the back is perfect to watch the broadbeach fireworks. Finally you could head down to one of the free BBQ's and open spaces along the coast, grab a blanket, meet family and friends and enjoy a cheap night done your way.

Keep it simple - when it comes to planning new year, trying to please and organise everyone can feel like a chore. When you over complicate with too many venues, people or details things are more likely to go wrong - so often I have been frustrated as people drop out or plans crumble. So I have learnt to keep things simple and small - just focusing on a few selected mates and my partner - that way there is less chance of disappointment and really most often bigger is not necessarily better. Small and intimate is usually much more fun, plus the less people, the less chance of drama and issues.

Put your phone down - in this technology focused world we can often miss what is right in front of us because we a trying to send and capture the best photo, video, text, update or checkin. I love my iPhone and I can often be on it too much, but I also believe that enjoying the moment is much more important than texting, updating a status or taking a photo. The sure fire way to see if someone has had a fabulous night is when they are not constantly telling you they are on social media. How often have you missed midnight because you cannot get a signal or send a message as everyone is doing the same thing? Enjoy the countdown, kiss and hug loved ones and dance and sing - enjoy the night and put down the phone.

Be careful - a little boring ok, but safety is so important. So drinking wise, pace yourself, now I am usually the one to peak too soon, sometimes the night before, so it's important to not miss everything and have a few waters and food before you head out, plus it may save the hangover slightly in the morning. Make sure you don't walk home alone or get in cabs that aren't registered, and be sure to stay with your mates and know where your drink is at all times. I usually have a secret $50 note kept in a safe place at home so if I spend up I can still afford a cab home.