Looking for great stuff to do? Get the latest events info here in our what’s on guide.
Rather than ringing in 2011 alone at home, waving a single sparkler and popping champagne for one, Same Same gives you a comprehensive guide to the biggest New Year’s meeting spots all over the country.
Yes – we’re here to help you make NYE plans and hopefully increase your prospects of a random midnight pash in the process!
SYDNEY/NSW
NYE 2011 Crash
Every year Arq plays host to one of the biggest queer New Year’s celebrations in Sydney, and 2010 will be no exception. With a huge bill of local and international musical acts spanning two levels, Darlinghurst’s gay superclub is expected to be a NYE hotspot.
Featuring a bunch of local talent, including Scott Tanner and Alex Taylor joined by special guest DJ Paul Heron from the UK with his brand of dirty, progressive house music, Crash will be pumping from 9pm. Ticket info/ Full line-up here.
Nude Year’s Eve
For those who want to welcome in 2011 the same way they were welcomed into the world, The Oxford Hotel presents Nude Years Eve. Beginning at 9pm, the four-floor bash sees partygoers bearing all in a cheeky (pun intended) celebration complete with a huge line-up of DJs, performers and strippers.
With appearances by Sirens, Perfect Snatch, Kato, Cassette, Dangerous Dan, Sex Azza Weapon, National Treasure, Titty Tassels, Matt Vaughan and more, Nude Year’s Eve encourages guests to get their kit off and get their fiercest dance moves on for the last party of 2010. Tickets here.
Big Gay Party
For a celebration that claims to be the ‘biggest’ and ‘greatest’ on New Years Day, the Big Gay Party at the Exchange Hotel, Sydney, is certainly creating a lot of hype.
This Oxford Street building, home of Phoenix, Spectrum, 34b, Q Bar, and Vegas will host a massive multi-level gay bash in the early hours of 2011, opening its doors at 5am. With the hotspot’s resident clubs joining forces, the party showcases elements of the Exchange’s Disgraceland, Gay Bash DJ’s, Hard On!, Girl Thing, Hot Rod and Snatch & Grab club nights.
With an international guest DJs Bobby Blaze and JD Samson and drag shows all morning, the Big Gay Party is a perfect kick-on after a big messy evening. More info here.
NYE Party Under The Stars
With world-class acts and prime positioning beneath Darling Harbour’s famed fireworks display, NYE Party Under the Stars presented by Bungalow 8 and The Loft, allows partygoers to do just that. Headlined by ‘Godfather of House’ Frankie Knuckles, the harbourside party gives us a sneak preview of the dance music legend’s set before he hits Mardi Gras in March 2011. Also playing are Crazy P DJs, Mo’Funk and Mobin Master teaming up with Karina Chavez. Tickets here.
Tropical Fruits
Hundreds of gay and lesbian punters camp out at Lismore in sub-tropical northern New South Wales each New Year, and 2010/11 looks to be no exception, with the massive Gold NYE Party confirmed, along with a New Years Day Pool Party and Recovery Party on January 1.
Well-known disc-spinners on the Tropical Fruits line-up include Kitty Glitter, Murray Hood, Seymour Butz, Sveta, Sammy Gee and Pete Underwood.
The event will also include a cabaret, ‘freak show’, fireworks, an art exhibition and a crew of radical faeries. Tickets and more info here.
Pacha
For ivy’s second year hosting Pacha NYE, organisers have provided all the bells and whistles of a usual ivy night… and then some. Complete with a crowd of glitterati, glamorous poolside cocktails and plenty of cool house beats, this year the CBD’s chic Merivale complex pulls out all the stops, showcasing sets by international dance music legends Basement Jaxx and DJ Bob Sinclar, and supporting acts by the likes of Flight Facilities, Matt Nugent, DJ Mo’Funk and John Glover.
Always the cream of the crop at throwing a quality New Years bash, ivy will not disappoint in 2010, whether you’re part of the VIP Pool Club, The Den, or simply have a standard Pacha ticket. More info here.
Get Together
Same Same’s very own Tim Duggan had a hand in planning this daytime dance party, as the boys from FagTag and Bitch unite for the first-ever Get Together on New Years Day. The outdoor gay and lesbian event running across three levels of Circular Quay’s Overseas Passenger Terminal promises a day of bangin’ beats, with the sounds of DJs Adam Love, Kate Monroe, GI Jode and Garry Tee to listen to while soaking up the summer rays. With a cocktail in one hand while overlooking the quay, Get Together is perfect start to the New Year. And it’s already sold out!
Celebration
The only official gay and lesbian party on Sydney Harbour for New Years Eve will offer unrivalled views of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
This event is happening on the roof-top of the Museum of Contemporary Art, high above the crowds at Circular Quay. Guest are asked to glam it up and enjoy canapés on arrival, buffet tables and food service throughout as they enjoy the fireworks – and music from DJ talent Adam Watts.
Stonewall’s NYE Masquerade
Oxford Street’s campest bar Stonewall can be relied upon to rain down the glitter as 2011 begins with a bang.
Starting at 9pm, the NYE Black and White Masquerade Party will feature smokin’ hot performances by Natasha Knowles, Christina Dior and Tora Hymen. All three levels will be open, featuring DJs Tom Kelly, Scott Tanner and Jimmy Dee. The dress code is strictly black and white – think ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. Get your tickets early from the Stonewall bar office and receive your mask to wear on the night.
Tickets and more info:
Day One
If you spend the first day of 2011 at home this year, at least make it the nightclub later. Day One is a massive dance party at Home on Darling Harbour, headlined by internationally acclaimed acts, including UK mixmasters The Freemasons and Bimbo Jones member Katherine Ellis.
Welcoming over 2,000 guests and featuring sets by locally renowned DJs Alex Taylor, James Tobin, Kitty Glitter and Dan Murphy among a long list of entertainment, Home welcomes in 2011 with a bang and a waterfront rooftop view to boot. Tickets here.
Daywash NYD
Daywash at Chinese Laundry by Darling Harbour is a sold out day party guaranteed to get your New Year started with a bang! There’ll be four dance spaces, a huge collection of local and visiting DJs, and hundreds of hot men. Beg, steal or borrow a ticket?
Details here.
Chunky
Comb your chests bears, we’re going out! The bears will be out to play from 8pm on New Year’s Eve upstairs at Oxford Street’s Midnight Shift, with DJ Sean Mac coming from Atlanta to spin discs along with locals Mark Alsop, Matt Effect, DJ Man and DJ Rob. New New Year bears!
Tickets here.
MELBOURNE
Gay Abandon NYE party
Sydney’s not the only capital celebrating a queer New Year. The hybrid venue, Thousand Pound Bend in Little Lonsdale, which houses a café, bar, cinema and gallery is leading the charge of Melbourne night spots guaranteed to throw a huge NYE party.
Kicking off at 8pm guests will be greeted with an onslaught of indie alternative sounds, relaxing telemovies in the upstairs cinema, canapés and plenty of drinks. Not only does this not-for-profit celebration promote an entertaining start to 2011, but also positive karma for the year ahead, as all proceeds go to charity. Tickets here.
Supermarket NYE
The Market is always a popular NYE choice for out Melbournians. In line with previous years, guests can expect a night of dance and pumping house beats, a midnight countdown performance by Paris and the Dancers, and a follow-up 3am show. Ideal for the seasoned club-goer, the Supermarket will feature DJs Kista, Carmine Romano, James Fraser and Courtney, and maintain the club’s reputation for throwing a killer NYE bash. More info/Ticketing details.
Armin Only NYE
While we’re sorry to see the Sensation White Party end after it dominated NYE plans over the past two years, a new contender has emerged that is sure to knock the dance music event off its pedestal. In an attempt to once again secure Melbourne’s position as the nation’s dance party mecca, Future Entertainment is launching Armin Only for NYE 2010. Considered one of the world’s top DJs, Armin Van Buuren is venturing down under for his biggest visit yet: a one-night-only extravaganza at the massive Ethiad stadium (previous home of Sensation White). Expected to be the biggest party this New Years, Armin Only attendees can expect all the excitement and spectacle of Buuren’s live shows to support his epic trance sounds. On the off chance that party people survive the Buuren lovefest perhaps a kick-on at Melbourne’s Summadayse festival is in order? More info here.
Shebar
For its sixth year running, Shebar presents a New Years Eve celebration exclusively for Grrrlz. Held at Melbourne’s Glasshouse Hotel, the ladies-only event, catering especially to the Lesbian and Bi-women’s community is offering a night of podium dancers, live music by Phoebe Timmermans and pop beats spun by female DJs Trish and Catriona Constance across two dance floors.
Providing its patrons with the perks of free finger food, a glass of champagne on arrival (9-10pm only), giveaways and drinks at bar prices, all we can say is Grrrl Power! More info here.
Rogue Revolution NYD
One big gay party that everyone is talking about in Melbourne is Rogue Revolution. Rogue (who are also the instigators of the Daywash parties) are taking over the awesome South Melbourne club Neverland this New Years Day. Rogue Revolution features an incredible line up of 5 international and 15 Aussie DJs headlined by none other than the UK’s Freemasons. Tickets are now all sold out!
Nurse Betty
There are people who know how to party… and there are people who KNOW how to party. The fabulous and seasoned party peeps behind Nurse Betty’s REHAB sessions definitely fall into the latter category and that is why they throw the best bloody parties in Melbourne.
This time Nurse Betty’s gang takes over the Precinct Hotel in Richmond on New Year’s Day afternoon from 2pm till midnight.
Pre-sale Tix $40 ($50 on the door, unless sold out). Email: nursebettysays@optusnet.com.au. The party is nearly sold out so hop to it if you want your ticket.
CANBERRA
NYE Black, White And Pink Party
Everyone’s favourite queer Canberra spot, Cube nightclub is hosting your not so ordinary Black and White New Year’s ball. Get set for Cube’s glam gala inspired by the illustrious New York Plaza Hotel masquerade party in Truman Capote’s novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Add a splash of popping pink to your best Holly Golightly get up and dance the night away as DJs Mattand and Pete play Canberrians into 2011. More info/Ticketing details here.
PERTH
College Toga Party NYE 2011
Perth’s Court Hotel is encouraging partygoers to strip their bed sheets for a NYE College Toga Party. Twist your own Roman robes, don your most collegiate outfit or pick up a pair of pom poms for this fraternity-style New Years celebration. The Court’s fancy dress will see guests liaising between four rooms, including the Cheerleader Change room, Jock Locker, Dance Party, and Frat House Games, with the added bonus of DJs and shows all night long. More info/Ticketing here.
Sahara NYE 2010
Inspired by the steamy African desert, Connections is hosting Sahara NYE 2010, a tribal themed extravaganza guaranteed to inspire some big booty bumping.
African drumming groups and a bunch of Perth beat masters will support house music superstar DJ Wayne G, while Perth’s biggest drag-stars and divas including Barbie Q, Sheila Mann, Swish Eveready and more, take to the stage. To complement the afro beats blaring all night long, guests are expected to wear their finest native costume. Whether you’re a safari hunter, witchdoctor or sun goddess, you could win $1000 cash prize and be crowned the Best Dressed 2010. Ca-ching! More info/Ticketing here.
BRISBANE
I Feel Love NYE
Brisbane’s premiere gay and lesbian hotspot, The Wickham, never fails to impress with its NYE party plans. This year their 2010 I Feel Love bash is expected to be one of the country’s biggest gay dance events on the last day of 2010. With uplifting trance/techno sets by DJs Coxy and Matt Steer, and shows featuring Miss Soft Touch Synthetique, the Wickham will definitely have party people feeling the love. More info/Ticketing details here.
Neon NYE
Along the golden strip, Escape Bar is turning neon for a night, as punters ring in the New Year wearing their shiniest, most radiant and glowing gear. Continuing the theme of all things bright and beautiful, Leasa Mann and Jackie Brown lead their band of merry ‘Glitter Bitches’ in a stellar NYE dance show, while resident DJs mix it up on the decks. With champagne, canapés, goodie bags and a fireworks display out front, Neon is simply luminous this NYE. More info/Tickets here.
ADELAIDE
Mars Bar NYE
Down in Adelaide the place to be for a ripping New Years shindig, whatever your sexual orientation, is Mars Bar. With local guest DJs spinning all night, cheap drinks and three party areas, full of flashy décor and flamboyant personalities, Adelaide’s only gay nightclub is set to surprise this NYE. A standard Friday night at Mars Bar sees resident drag divas out in full force, and we can expect special surprises from their New Year’s celebrations.
Prepare to mingle with plenty of South Australian eye candy for a fun and sweaty start to 2011. More info/Tickets here.
Going to any of these parties? Or do you have other New Years Eve plans? Let us know below.
Hit it, Mariah!

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