Count down to midnight with the help of our short list on the best place to be when the clock strikes 12.

From the wow factor of the inaugural Paradise NYE, NYE Party at the House  and the Island Lounge we’ve scoured Sydney for the three best parties providing you with the super star treatment you deserve. Happy NYE 2013 Sydney!

Paradise NYE

For the first time in Sydney’s history, the Overseas Passenger Terminal will swing open its doors, hosting a unique celeb-line up of talent to create an event like no other. Just to prove anything the Opera House can do, the Overseas Passenger Terminal can do better it’s out to show great things happen in threes; On The Decks it’s Norman Jay, Aeroplane & Russ Dewbury. On the ‘Plates’ it’s a show-stopping cheffy line up of Pete Evans, Adam D’sylva (Coda & Tonka, Melbourne) and Justin North. If you throw in unrivalled views to the Opera House, a range of packages to suit your purse including our pick for getting the VIP treatment with balcony views on the 4^th level including Veuve, Moet and more gourmet canapés than a David Jones food hall, there are more than a few reasons to make this spot feel like paradise.

Paradise NYE
Details: $145 General Admission, $295 Silver Includes standard canapés and beverage package, $395 VIP with balcony access, Veuve and canapés. 

NYE Party at the House

If there’s one ‘House’ party you want an invite to, it’s this one. To top it off she’s turned fabulous and 40 this year. You’ll be the first in a decade to see fireworks launch from the tops of her four sails. Matt Moran will delight with Aria inspired hand-rolled sushi cones, salt and pepper quail, mushroom and asparagus risotto with the odd duck and pea pies thrown in. You’ll be thankful for such delectable morsels with free flowing Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and Belvedere Vodka cocktails throughout the night. But don’t think for one moment there’ll be a chance to lull into a mini food coma with 14-time ARIA–nominated Sneaky Sound System kicking up a storm. The upper concourse of the Opera House will morph into a waterside resort-lounge delivering one of the best NYE vantage points.

NYE Party at the House
Details: $550 per person and includes all food, Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV Champagne, Belvedere cocktails, Robert Oatley wines, Crown Lager.

NYE Island Lounge 

Let’s go au naturel! If a picnic rug, a hamper of gourmet goodies and a private island are your idea of a great NYE event, then jump aboard for an evening at the beautiful Clarke Island. Just one ticket price and it’s all yours with a few food stalls and beverage stations to keep you topped up. A relative newbie to the hosted party scene Clarke Island is only in its second year so step aboard to enjoy the  fireworks with sparkling views of the harbour, Bridge and the city skyline.

NYE Island Lounge
Details: $440 per person. Adults only event. Ticket price includes ferry transfer to and from the island, entry fee, entertainment, food and beverage package including a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages