PORT DOUGLAS will be “party central” this New Year’s Eve with two fireworks displays and the best eateries and night spots pulling out all the stops for a spectacular welcome to 2017.

The Port Douglas sky will light up as the clock strikes 8.30pm and midnight with the Douglas Shire Council fireworks displays to take place adjacent to The Combined Club (The Tin Shed) at 8.30pm and at Anzac Park on the Port Douglas foreshore at midnight. 

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree (TPDD) executive officer Tara Bennett said Port’s relaxed charm is the ideal place to farewell the year.

“Port Douglas is a favourite party place for revellers seeking a safe and memorable experience,” Ms Bennett said.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s on:

QT Port Douglas is hosting a Ship Wrecked NYE party in Estilo, with two hours of canape service, a
coconut rum cocktail on arrival and a live DJ to ring in 2017 with a bang. A more stylish dinner package is available in Bazaar. This includes a bottle of wine for every couple and entry to the Ship Wrecked party. Purchase tickets

Hemingway’s Brewery rocks the hours to midnight on New Year’s Eve and beyond at Hemingway’s Neon Nite from 8.30pm till 2am. The night features DJSCHMEE-J, Electronic Isolation, DJ Bart and Decktizm. Purchase tickets

Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas is offering a complete New Year’s Eve celebration with an international seafood buffet, live entertainment and a glass of sparkling on arrival at Feast Restaurant and an after party in Daintree Bar with a DJ. The dinner includes interactive food stations, premium seafood selection and Australian, Asian and European creations. There is a special offer on sparkling wine and champagne, cocktail specials and door prizes to be won.

Barbados - The Reef Marina: Choose from the Deck Party or the Lawn Party to see in the New Year with family and friends. Limited tickets are available for the Deck Party, so book your ticket soon. There’s no reserved seating but daybed packages are available. Entry includes a welcome drink between 6pm and 7pm, three drink tickets, canapes and DJs. No bookings are required for the Lawn Party. It’s gold coin entry from 4pm till 1am (18+ from 9pm). There’ll be food and drink stalls and DJs spinning the vibe.

2 Fish Restaurant is offering a special New Year’s Eve six-course, spectacular seafood tasting menu, which includes a glass of bubbles on arrival. The dishes include oysters, prawns, Morton Bay bugs and Coral Trout. Bookings are essential on 07 4099 6350. Dinner will be one of great company, superb food and friendly hospitality.

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is offering two buffet seatings for New Year’s Eve with a Queen of Hearts Royal dinner on the Lagoon View Terrace. Seating will be arranged along two banquet tables to add a communal feel to the atmosphere. Guests receive a welcome drink on arrival and there will be live music by Lady Valiant and Marty. A kids’ disco for resort guests will be held in the Temple Room from 6pm till 9pm. From 10pm untill 1am it’s the ‘big’ kids’ after party to count in the New Year. A playlist with music from all the decades will keep everyone singing and dancing.

Zinc Restaurant & Lounge Bar has prepared an elegant four-course set menu with a glass of bubbles on arrival for diners to farewell the year that was. Dishes include gazpacho soup with grilled tiger prawns, an entree of scallop and salmon ravioli, main of honey and thyme-glazed duck breast and chocolate Bombe Alaska to finish.

The Tin Shed aka Port Douglas District Combined Club provides a perfect, laid-back venue to watch the sun set on 2016 and welcome in the New Year. It is open for both lunch and dinner and taking bookings only for 5.30pm and 8pm (18 years and over for the 8pm bookings). “Fingerprint” will be playing from 7.30pm out on the deck. Guests can also enjoy the fireworks from both decks at 8.30pm and midnight.