The Silly Season.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Melbourne

Here are four of the biggest New Year’s Eve street parties to jet yourself to for a night of fun.

Melbourne: It will be one long celebration along the length of the Yarra River, from Birrarung Marr to the Docklands. Festivities kick off from 5pm at six locations. With fireworks going off twice during the night – 9.15pm and midnight – it’s just a question of which place to party. Call the City of Melbourne hotline at +61 (3) 9658 9658 for details.

Perth: Party on the streets of Perth, head south for an hour to the Mandurah foreshore or catch a ferry to Rottnest Island for live entertainment, games and fireworks at all three locations.

Sidney
Photo: Shutterstock/Ilya GenkinGold Coast: The beach of Surfers Paradise will be lit up with fireworks going off every hour starting at 8pm, so stake your picnic spot and make the most of the free spectacle!

Sydney: Soak up the free entertainment at Darling Harbour from 6pm–1am, with fireworks at 9pm and midnight; Luna Park will be heaving with Australia’s own Sneaky Sound System, Cut Copy and Pnau, 100 street performers plus unlimited rides; or enjoy Taronga Zoo at night with live jazz – bring your own picnic. Call Ticketek 132 849 for tickets to Luna Park and Taronga Zoo events.

CELEBRITY TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE PARTY SEASON

Lucy Durack, musical theatre actor currently in Respect – the Musical Girls, invest in a comfy pair of heels and a handbag that can fit a pair of thongs inside if the situation gets dire.
Dean Piazza, celebrity personal fitness trainer Christmas parties and events can be a stressful time; busy schedules can make it hard to balance work and play. Try not to miss breakfast after a big night out.
Julia Morris, comedienne and host on The Singing Office Pace yourself with the brandy butter. It’s the only time all year that one should get into the brandy but, in the classic butter form, it’s a little too easy to overdose giving the skin a yellow/browny tinge. Euh. Not only does it make you fat but highly flammable.
Linda Catalano, producer, entrepreneur and performer Bring a friend who can make you laugh, stop you drinking one too many (or encourage you to drink just one more if the party demands it) and who you can gossip with afterward at your favourite bar over wine and cheese.
Giaan Rooney, Channel 9 presenter Choose low-alcohol beers and wine instead of the full strength ones so you can still have a few glasses at a barbecue or party, but with a reduced amount of pain the next day!

BARS TO BEND IT IN

Charlie Ainsbury, 2007 Australian Bartender of the Year, gives us his recommendations for great bars where you can welcome in the New Year in his three favourite Australian cities. He’s currently shaking it up at Bayswater Brasserie in Kings Cross, Sydney.

Sydney
The Argyle (12–18 Argyle St, The Rocks, tel: +61 (2) 9247 5500) will be hosting a huge party with international DJs including Miguel Migs and Julius Papp. Tickets are AU$99 pre-sale or AU$150 at the door.

Byblos

Melbourne
Cherry (103 Flinders Ln, enter off ACDC Ln, +61 (3) 9639 8122) will feature leading rock DJ Paul Miles spinning from 9pm–6am to ensure a cranking night of fun. Call for ticket details.

Brisbane
Byblos (Shop 7.13 Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules St, Hamilton, +61 (7) 3268 2223) is expecting a huge crowd of 400 guests at their glamorous riverfront cocktail party with live bands. Call for ticket details.

HANGOVER CURES

Hair of the Dog or an orange juice with raw egg? Here are some hangover cures from around the globe:

The Japanese have a word mukaezake (mukae means “confront” and zake is Japanese Sake!) which means “a little bit of sake can be a pick-me-up to treat a hangover”.

New Zealanders believe in energy drinks so have one before bed and when you wake up. Some swear by chocolate milk the morning after.

A big steaming bowl of pho (noodle soup) will set things right, say the Vietnamese.

The Thais head for a steam room or take a hot bath to sweat the toxins out. A massage works wonders too.