Your Essential Guide to New Years' Day 2023

Looking for more ways to dance your way into the New Year? Here are my top picks for New Year’s Day events on the Gold Coast.

It’s four in the morning on New Years’ Day 2014; my mouth is dry from one too many glasses of cheap bubbly.  I’m hungry, tired and stuck in a lineup waiting for taxis that are shockingly absent, alongside many other New Years’ Eve casualties, many of whom are looking a little worse for wear.

Is this the way to start a new year? is there another way?  Since then, for the most part, I have been tucking myself into bed at a reasonable hour for New Year’s Eve, sleeping peacefully through the fireworks, confetti, countdowns and awkward kiss attempts and starting the new year fresh, energized and ready for action.

Cue the New Year’s Day party; whether you’re taking it easy on NYE or you’re eager to keep the party going right through into the new year, here’s a downright delicious assortment of New Year’s Day events on the Gold Coast.

Top of the Morning Presents New Years Day Summer Soirée (18+)

Local independent record label Top of The Morning are kicking off 2023 with their New Year’s Day Summer Soirée party as the first of their event series of the year. Featuring a predominantly Brisbane and Gold Coast-based line-up of premium quality Techno, Tech House, Dark Prog and Drum and Bass artists at the amazing live music venue Mo’s Desert Club House, the team has thought of everything to get you cruising into the new year with style – including a pool! As tickets are strictly limited, the team at Top of The Morning recommends pre-purchasing to avoid disappointment.

When: Sunday, 1 January 2023, 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Entry: $15 + BF or $25 on the door.

So Cal Party @ Hound & Stag Brewing Co (18+)

The Gold Coast’s newest brewery Hound & Stag in Arundel knows what’s what when it comes to New Years Day parties, enlisting local superstar Little Fritter as well as Jordan Burns and their own resident DJ’s for their much anticipated “So Cal” New Years Day event.

When: Sunday, 1 January 2023, 1:00pm- late
Where: Hound & Stag, 13 Wrights Place, Arundel, 4214
Entry: $34.70 – $66.30 +BF

Skin Deep One Last Dance ft. Go Freek & Shimmy Disco (18+)

Skin Deep presents their final event as they go on hiatus, and it’s going to be a big one with Go Freek, Shimmy Disco and locals Noah DeVega, Chunky n Carter, Dea Nova and more, bringing Tech House energized vibes all while overlooking the gorgeous Gold Coast skyline from luxe rooftop bar, Nineteen at The Star.

When: Sunday, 1 January 2023, 1:00pm- 11pm
Where: Nineteen at The Star Casino Drive Broadbeach, QLD 4218
Entry: $30 -$55

Initiation Arts and Lifestyle Festival (18+)

In its second year, Initiation encompasses the entire New Year period from 29 December right through to January 2, meaning you can go at your own pace while you celebrate amongst the trees at this outdoor camping event. With a diverse range of music genres, ranging from world music, Jazz, Reggae and Funk, right through to Peak Techno, there’s also something musically for everyone, alongside a range of workshops, art, market stalls and performance art. With an impressive line-up including Taya, Doppel, and MC Sureshock, as well as Gold Coast local favourites Damo Cox, Graham Dunn and many more, Initiation is a great option for those looking to get out of town and into the wilds.

When: Thursday 29 Dec, 12:00 pm AEST – Tuesday 3 Jan,
Where: 388 Swan Gully Road, Bromelton, QLD 4285
Entry: Starts at $450.