STORY:
Australians Debating New Year's Eve What-to-dos

A rundown of activities in around Melbourne

According to an article in Australia's The Age, many of the Australia's hotels, restaurants and prime venues already "booked out" and prices just to put on events has skyrocketed.

A Melbourne event organizer has forked out $20,000 to hire the Polly Woodside for the night, and $40,000 to have a marquee erected next to it - four times the off-peak price.

Some local restaurants have been frightened off by the wage demands of their employees who want to ensure one of the most significant nights of their working lives will be rewarded handsomely. Waiting staff will clock on for work on 31 December for anything from triple time to nine times their normal wage.

Travel consultant Deborah Hilton of FBI Travel tells The Age most of Gisborne New Zealand is already booked solid as are the bulk of Australia's designer destinations such as Noosa, Surfers Paradise, Port Douglas, Coffs Harbor and Byron Bay.

Prices in Sydney are at a premium but that hasn't dissuaded cashed-up customers signing up for deals such as a three-night stay at the Old Sydney Parkroyal in the Rocks with a New Year's Eve dinner and bottle of champagne on arrival at $3800 a head, or parting with $4000 a night for the best room the Sydney Regent has to offer.

If you're happy to pass on the luxury, there is a 10-day Millennium Kayak trip, paddling amid the off-shore islands of Port Vila? Cutting Edge Adventures is offering the $2526 per person package for the more-adventurous tourist.

Premier Jeff Kennett, however, is not willing to put partying ahead of potential Y2K problems. According to the premier's press spokesman,the Premier will spend New Year's Eve at his desk with a team of ministers and members of the Victorian Y2K taskforce in case of any fallout from the computer glitch.

According to The Age, the Premier has said he wants a "razzmatazz" display for Melbourne's Year 2000 festivities with a fireworks show, free entertainment and city-square party. But no official word has yet been released on the event and late last week government plans were still under discussion.

However, Melbourne's mayor has announced celebrations which include the majestic town hall being "dressed up" all December, a New Year's Eve youth concert, family event and a spiritual Welcoming the Dawn celebration. A light and sound show will brighten the historic facade every night from 27 December to 26 January.

Plans for private parties are also popping up around Melbourne with the Millennium Ball set to cater for up to 1200 at Polly Woodside, a major dance party at The Docklands, the MCG footy clash for sports fans and most high-profile hotels and restaurants planning elaborate evenings. Le Meridien at The Rialto has reported more bookings and inquiries for New Year 1999 than from any other event in the past.

Two-night New Year accommodation packages at the Meridien are $1800 including Millennium Eve dinner, beverages and live entertainment in the Grand Rialto Ballroom, valet parking and buffet breakfast. Guests can opt for a similar package in the Rialto's nine-story glass atrium from $1900.

Florentino restaurant has already received 50 bookings for its $1000-a-head New Year 2000 celebration. The year 2000 will also mark Florentino's 100th year anniversary so staff are going all out to make the double occasion memorable with a menu that will reflect its history in Melbourne and include five courses, plus French and Italian wines.

Source: The Age

DATE: 6/24/99

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