We know what you’re all thinking. Traditionally New Year’s Day has been reserved for sleeping in, nursing hangovers in bed and contemplating resolutions but—this is the start of a brand new decade and thus it deserves to be celebrated. So depending on how badly your head is ringing right now, we’ve got an event for you.
Whether you’re looking for a hefty recovery meal or for somewhere to keep the party going, here are the best things to do on New Year’s Day in Sydney.
Yum Cha New Year’s Day At Chin Chin Sydney
Surry Hills
Chin Chin Sydney is bringing back their popular yum cha banquet just for New Year’s Day. The perfect way to combat the hangover from the night before, Chin Chin’s famous $49 three-course shared menu combines a delicious selection of yum cha favourites including sticky Wagyu beef bao, prawn spring rolls or, to start the year off with a bang, there are mud crab dumplings with hellfire chilli oil. And, of course, there will be DJs on deck to keep the 2020 party going! Head over here for more info.
When: Wednesday 1 January, bookings from 12pm - late Where: Chin Chin, Surry Hills
NYD At North Bondi Fish
Bondi Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend New Year’s Day, looking over the sand and surf of Bondi will surely be pretty hard to beat! Grab the gang and head on down to North Bondi Fish for soothing DJs, good vibes, a great view and a delicious a la carte menu of some of the city’s freshest seafood. Head here for more info and to book.
When: Wednesday 1 January, From 12pm Where: 120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Watsons Bay
To mark the turn of the decade Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is teaming up with cult-eyewear brand SODA Shades to throw an epic waterfront party. Providing the tunes for the day will be headliners electro trio Mansionair, who will be supported by Naations, the ever-cool Kinder and a selection of local DJs.
After tearing it up on the dancefloor, guests can duck out to the recovery room for a little pick-me-up with MAC make-up bar and hairstylists offering touch-ups and angels offering foot massages. A two-hour food and drink package is included within the ticket price—expect delicious canapes and a selection of drinks from Byron Bay Premium Lager and Bertie Cider, as well as classics like Espresso Martinis, Aperol Spritz and Rosé sangria. You also get a free pair of SOADA Shades with your ticket, so—what are you waiting for? More info and tickets are here.
When: Wednesday 1 January, 12pm - 10pm Where: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay
Manly Wharf Hotel’s Two-Day New Year Festival
Manly
The geniuses at the Manly Wharf Hotel decided that for a date as significant as 2020 we’d need two full days to celebrate it properly. On New Year’s Eve, they’ve got DJ sets, cocktails and a killer view—and they’re backing up this great vibe with an equally good party on New Year’s Day. Head on down from 3pm for a little "hair of the dog" in the form of free-flowing Chandon and Heineken and some canapes on the house aiming to get you fed and watered and ready to party by the time homegrown heroes Set Mo take to the decks ready to have us dancing into the night! Tickets are just $35, so go on, head here for more details.
When: Wednesday 1 January, 3pm -12am Where: Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly Wharf
Sackville Hotel’s New Year’s Day Recovery
Rozelle
The team at the Sackville Hotel know that there are two sorts of people rocking up to brunch on New Year’s Day: the people pushing into the new decade with a list of resolutions as long as their arm and the people who broke half their resolutions an hour earlier and still haven’t been to bed. This brunch caters for them both. With two split menu options, "So Fresh So Clean", and "Diet Starts Tomorrow", you can take this day at your own pace. As well as offering both comfort food and healthy eats there will be fresh juices and home-made kombucha, and a Bloody Mary menu for those looking for some hair of the dog. More info is here.
When: Wednesday 1 January, 12pm - 11.30pm Where: Sackville Hotel, 599 Darling Street, Rozelle
New Year’s Day At Kirribilli Hotel
Milsons Point
The Kirribilli Hotel will be open this New Year’s Day from 11am with a full recovery menu and an acoustic artist playing quietly in the corner from 3pm because, whilst we’re usually big fans of pumping tunes, acoustic music is a better accompaniment for hangovers. On top of their full menu they will also have $12 cocktails and $8 craft beer schooners all day—which is definitely a deal we'll be happy to kick off the new decade with. More info is here.
When: Wednesday 1 January, 11am - 10pm Where: Kirribilli Hotel, 37 Broughton Street, Milsons Point
New Year’s Day At Coogee Pavillion Rooftop
Coogee
One of the best views in town, DJs, drink deals and free entry—we reckon if this is how you start the year, then the sky’s the limit for the number of good times you can manage this decade. This one is a collaboration between Coogee Pavillion Rooftop and Red Bull, so there will be speciality drinks on offer like a Red Bull Tropical Spritz for $15 and $10 Absolut Red Bull. On the decks will be Riton from 4 - 5pm before Murray Lake hits the floor from 5pm. Head here for more.
When: Wednesday 1 January, 12pm - late Where: Coogee Pavilion, Coogee
Still trying to sort your New Year's Eve out? Head over here for our list of the best parties, festivals and feasts happening in Sydney to ring in 2020.
Image credit: Manly Wharf Hotel