Celebrate NYE in Style on the Coast
It’s the biggest night of the year and to help you end 2017 with a coastal chic bang, we’ve compiled some of the hottest and hippest things happening on the Central Coast this New Year.
Seaside restaurants are putting on exquisite meals, beachfront bars are teeing up epic parties and for something a bit racey, there’s Gosford’s annual NYE race day.
The best part is the pricing, some of it’s free, and some of it’s ridiculously good value – especially considering it’s New Year’s Eve.
There’s absolutely no need to leave the Coast to ring in 2018 in style – here’s our annual wrap up of the must-attend NYE events.
NYE races at Gosford. Photo: The Entertainment Grounds
GOSFORD: Punt and party into 2018 with the Entertainment Grounds annual NYE Race Day at the Gosford track. Gates open at midday for an afternoon of racing action, live entertainment and plenty of free activities to keep the kids happy. There will be VIP marquees with DJs, food and drink packages and fashions on the field is always a highlight for chic ladies, and fellas. The race day doesn’t cost a thing for locals – visit this link to get your free pass. Anyone doing the ultimate Coastie NYE double header and backing up with the Mariners match afterwards, can also gain free entry with their game ticket.
Cocktails at Crowne Plaza, Terrigal. Photo: Crowne Plaza Terrigal
TERRIGAL: December 31, 2017 will see the long awaited return of fireworks to Terrigal and Crowne Plaza offers an idyllic location to watch the sun set on 2017 and light up for 2018. The hotel’s fine dining Seasalt Restaurant, which overlooks Terrigal Beach, is putting on a five course degustation with drinks and live entertainment from 7.30pm to 12.30pm (fireworks are scheduled for 9pm) for $169 per person. Bookings essential: 4384 9209
Retro Terrigal bar Rhonda’s is hosting an 80’s inspired party with international musos Ali Love & Garry Todd (UK) set to rock the joint. Get your 80s steeze on and enjoy roving canapés and cocktails in one of the Coast’s coolest bars. Purchase a pre-sale ticket for $15 from the website or pay $25 at the door.
At Terrigal’s intimate fine dining restaurant, Yellowtail, NYE diners will be treated to a six-course chef’s pick menu. Chef Scott Price uses local, seasonal produce to create flavourful dishes with influences ranging from the Middle East and the Mediterranean to Asia, so you know you’re in for a treat. The meal costs $85 per person and for children under 12, it’s $25 including bread, meal and ice-cream. Bookings essential: 4384 6656
Feasting at Bombini
AVOCA: To end 2017 on a culinary high, Bombini is putting on a four-course Italian feast starting with antipasto of beef battuta, prawn cutlet, oysters and confit duck. Entrees include spanner crab cannelloni, grilled Freemantle octopus, potato gnocchi or grilled quail and for mains, there’s a selection of scotch fillet, barbecued duck breast, or swordfish with green olive and pistachio salsa. The mouth-watering dessert line up features chocolate mousse, grilled peaches with vanilla sponge, Bombini’s famed house-made gelato or their signature raspberry and cream dolci. The NYE feast runs from 5pm to 11pm and costs $120 per person, including a welcome glass of Champagne. Bookings essential 4381 1436
Dart and Feather bar, Davistown
DAVISTOWN: One of the newest restaurants on the Coast, The Dart and Feather is putting on its first NYE dinner on Dec 31. Offering live music on the waterfront, an unlimited three hour drinks package from 7pm to 10pm, and a seven course tasting menu, it’s a great way for residents to ring in the NY without having to venture into Terrigal or Avoca. It’s $149 per person and includes tasty treats such as sesame crusted tuna, sweet potato gnocchi and black Angus striploin – mention Coastal Chic for a 20 per cent discount! Bookings essential info@thedartandfeather.com.au
Sardinia at Ettalong. Photo Lisa Haymes
PENINSULA: The champagne won’t just be flowing in glasses at Ettalong restaurant Sardinia this NYE – it’s even making a cameo on the menu. The rebranded Italian restaurant at Ettalong Markets (formerly Trattoria da Vito) is offering a tantalising menu packed with sustainable seafood including trout fillet with chickpea crème and salmon caviar; risotto Champagne with sea urchins and honeydew melon; paccheri with braised beef cheek, sautéed mushrooms and pecorino; and dark chocolate and amarena cherry truffles for dessert. It costs just $60 per person including matching wine and there will be two seatings from 6pm – 8pm and 8.30pm – 10.30pm. Bookings essential: 4304 9670
Frankies rooftop bar above the Bayview at Woy Woy is hosting its inaugural NYE cocktail party this year. $150 gets you three premium cocktails plus unlimited beer, wine and first pour spirits from 7pm to 10pm and roving canapés. The DJ starts at 7pm and the venue will stay open til 2am. Bookings essential via fun@frankiesrooftop.com.au or 4341 2088
Fireworks at the Entrance. Photo Mac.Snaps
THE ENTRANCE: For a flapping good time, swing into The Entrance Hotel for a NYE Gatsby dress up party. There will be prizes for the best flapper outfits and live music all afternoon and evening at the stunningly located lagoonside hotel.
Celebrate the beginning of a new year with free entertainment, activities, a wishing well and live music on stage at Memorial Park as part of Central Coast Council’s annual NYE event at The Entrance. Kicking off at 6pm, the family-friendly festivities will include yummy bites at ‘food alley’ and conclude at 9pm with a spectacular fireworks display.
NYE at the races. Photo: The Entertainment Grounds
Just as important as what’s on is what’s not. There are a few fine establishments who are taking the night off to celebrate so just in case you were hoping to dine at your fave local on NYE, here are a few places that will NOT be open on December 31: Osteria A’Mano, Donnie’s Eatery, Young Barons, Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf, The Springs, Gracelands.
There are also a few places which have already booked out including Reef at Terrigal and Pearls on the Beach.
