The early bird’s guide to New Year’s Eve boat hire around Australia
By Adam Bub | Posted 25 May, 2021
We’re barely halfway through 2021 and we’re already talking about New Year’s Eve boat hire.
Does it feel a bit premature? Yes. Is it though? Not at all.
With international borders still closed for now (apart from New Zealand), Australians are discovering – and rediscovering – the unforgettable experiences we can have here.
So when it comes to boat hire NYE 2021/2022, it pays to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the most spectacular way to see the fireworks in your city.
As Australia’s leading boat hire specialists, Floatspace has a few tips to share for early bird New Year’s Eve party planners...
1. The earlier you book, the more chance you’ll get the best boat for your group size and budget.
2. You don’t have to pay upfront – Floatspace offers flexible payment options so you can split it with your mates nice and easy.
3. Floatspace private boat charters come with an experienced captain and crew and they’ll do your wharf pick-up and drop-off. Just drink (responsibly) and be merry.
4. Most of the boats offer BYO food and drinks, BBQs and full catering and drinks packages (at an additional cost).
5. Some boats will only take bookings for earlier in the evening (like the 9pm fireworks on Sydney Harbour). Check the hours the boat is available using our Australian-first live-pricing availability system or make a quick enquiry.
Here's a mini guide some of the most popular locations where we have NYE boats available:
New Year’s Eve Sydney boat hire
If you want one of the best seats in the house for New Year's Eve around the world, you can't do better than a spot on Sydney Harbour. Set down your anchor with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Sydney skyline lighting up all around you, with their technicolour reflections rippling along the water.
Whether you’ve got a party of 10 or a party of 200, Floatspace has the catamaran, yacht, motor boat or superyacht to fit your group's needs and budgets. As a heads-up, NYE boat hire rates in most states are higher than usual to meet the peak demand, so get in quick if you want the right boat for the right price.
Prices, based on a five-hour booking: From $2250 in total for 20 guests on an open-plan catamaran like Seabbatical. That’s $112.50 per person (BYO food and drinks). Sydney Seabird caters to up to 40 guests and starts from $9300. For the ultimate VIP moment, Element has room for up to 36 guests for $55,000.
New Year’s Eve Melbourne boat hire
Cruise the Yarra River this New Year’s Eve in Melbourne, with a frontrow seat to fireworks over the river and city skyline. It’ll be a triumphant return after last year’s fireworks had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Go big or go home, Melbs!
Prices, based on a five-hour booking: Prices are available upon enquiry. For small boat hire on NYE, Reckless is a pocket cruiser for just six guests wanting a great-value budget option. On the larger end, Victoria Star caters to 300 guests, while Moonraker offers a luxury option for up to 80 guests.
New Year’s Eve Brisbane boat hire
Whether you’re feeling like a chilled Brisbane River cruise or a party boat with a dance floor and state-of-the-art sound system, there’s no better way to soak up the NYE Brisbane vibe than on the water.
Prices, based on a five-hour booking: For just under $2500, Cobia is a great small boat for up to 20 people. On the larger side, Mirimar II caters to up to 70 guests (price on enquiry). And if you're after a luxury yacht to see in the New Year, Pure Adrenalin starts from $6600 with room for up to 76 guests.
New Year’s Eve Gold Coast boat hire
At the height of the school holidays, the Gold Coast is abuzz with parties and fireworks displays along the golden coastline. Throw your own private Gold Coast party cruise along key hotspots like Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast Broadwater.
Prices, based on a five-hour booking: From $2000 for up to 20 guests, Serrano is a competitively priced catamaran with BBQs, eskies and a music system on board. Of the luxury Gold Coast boat hire options, five hours on YOT Blue is $6250 for up to 50 guests, cocktail style.
New Year’s Eve Perth boat hire
Take a front seat to the Perth NYE fireworks over the Swan River. It’s here where most of the city’s yachts come out to ring in the New Year, although Fremantle and Rottnest Island also offer stunning spectacles too.
Prices, based on a five-hour booking: Prices are available upon enquiry. Popular New Year’s Eve party boat hire options include CETO for up to 50 guests, and Marine 1 for up to 100. The latter has DJ booths and club decks – tailor made for NYE.
If you're keen to hire a boat for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, search Floatspace's full range of boats around Australia to see what's right for you.
