Ring in 2018 at one of these New Year's Eve parties

Come New Year’s Eve when half the city is heading to the nearest rooftop bar, go against the crowds and head down to the river. Down by the water Pilgrim Bar are offering an all inclusive food and drinks package for the last night of 2017. If you’ve been to Pilgrim before you’ll know how proud they are of Australian produce – your NYE menu will include canapés, beer and wine more Aussie than Russel Coight’s dusty boots.  

Vaults 15-19 Federation Wharf Federation Square, Melbourne 3000. $150. 8pm-1am

Assemble down at South Wharf for the General Assembly’s New Year’s Eve bash. All night you’ll be treated to a full drinks package and live music for $120. The package includes beer, wine and spirits as well as canapés and some fantastic view of the fireworks over the Yarra River. Plus if it rains the party carries on thanks to the Assembly’s all-weather, Melbourne-proof facilities.

29 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf 3006. $120. 8pm-1am.

Maybe rivers aren't your thing – in that case over in Elsternwick Bang Bang at the Rifle Club will be hosting its very first New Year’s Eve party. Instead of going into the city for NYE save your uber money for Bang Bang’s food and drinks package. For $130 your ticket will get you a night of beer, wine, spirits and snacks as well as DJs to dance you into 2018 in Bang Bang’s jungle-chic surrounds.

294 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick 3185. $130. 8pm-1am.

The best part about spending New Year’s Eve by the river is you get to see the fireworks twice: in the sky and reflected in the water. Settle in at the waterside Riverland Bar where your ticket gives you a cracker night of music, food, drinks and views of the fireworks. If you want a table make sure you’re ready when the venue opens – its first in best dressed and they’re sure to go fast at this event.

Vaults 1-9 Federation Wharf, Melbourne 3000. $150. 8pm-1am.

The team at the Boatbuilders Yard are good at two things: building boats (probably) and throwing killer New Year’s Eve parties. Join them down at South Wharf to ring in another year. The Boaties’ NYE shindig includes beer, bubbly, wine and spirits as well as a hearty dose of canapés and food stations with more substantial offerings from the kitchens. Dance along with DJs until 11:59:59 when you’ll want to take advantage of the view to watch the fireworks.

23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf 3006. $150. 8pm-1am.