There isn’t a need to leave Emerald to spend your last day of 2019. Why not party in style at the Pioneer Park Racecourse New Year Eve’s races?Here’s how to do it right on your last day of 2019.
Start your day with amazing
It’s time to prepare your new year plans, and what better way to do this than to sit back, relax, open up a few good ones while watching the kids play and run around at Lake Maraboon?
With plenty of activities to do from swimming in the lake to fishing and other water activities, the whole family will be enthralled. The lake is actively stocked with fish all year round, and fishing enthusiasts will be excited to know that there are 8 varieties stocked regularly including red claw crayfish and barramundi.
For those who aren’t keen to get wet, not only does the lake promise picturesque, scenic views that are Instagram worthy, but there are many walking trails to follow that could lead to magnificent nature sightings.
If you’re an avid bird watcher, don’t forget your good set of binoculars to spot some amazing species in the wild!
And don’t leave your picnic basket and barbecue goodies behind as there is plenty of open space and barbecue spots to fire up some snags before the big night ahead!
Given that Lake Maraboon is only 23 kilometres from Emerald town centre, it’s an easy day trip to clear while giving you plenty of time to prepare for your night ahead.
If leaving town sounds like too much for you, head to the Emerald Botanic Gardens instead for a tropical oasis guaranteed to soothe your body, mind, and soul. Nestled by the banks of the Nogoa River, there is plenty of different terrains and views to catch here. And with over 48 hectares of land to wander among, you can easily find a fantastic spot to claim your own for the day.
Picnics and barbecues are a must here with many free facilities to help cater for your amazing day. Learn about the different plant species that are native to this part of Queensland, and explore the 12 different themed plant communities of the Gardens.
Don’t forget to pack in sunscreen, a hat, your sunnies, a change of clothes (just in case), some umbrellas, and your reliable mosquito repellent.
Getting ready for the races
The Emerald Jockey Club is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Races this Sunday, 31st December 2019 as a way to ride into an amazing New Years.
The entry fee is a mere $10 for those above 12 years old. Under 12 years old kids can enter for free. Concession charges for pensioners at half price are available for those who qualify. All paid entry fees include a racebook.
Located at Pioneer Park Racecourse, getting to and from the track is easy. With plenty of car parking spaces available at the front of the park and on the highway, you can drive here. Alternatively, catch the Irish Village Courtesy Bus which operates after the races.
For the early rockers, you will be thrilled to know that gates open at 2PM giving you plenty of time to save yourself the best seats in the house for a good view.
Come in your best dress and outfit and stand a chance to win some prizes for being the best looking one in the crowd! A theme will be released closer to the date, so prepare your wardrobes to amaze.
Usual race fair will also get you by, so think gentleman smart attire and ladies can rock some gloves and fascinators.
With 5 hot races booked in for a good show, you’ll have plenty of entertainment live right in front of you. With the first race taking off at 4PM, you will want to make sure you get your seats in time for the show.
There is also a bookmaker at the scene to help get your luck racing and heart pumping. Even if you aren’t the typical person to bet on a game, there’s nothing like a bit of New Year Eve’s fun to test how lucky you are riding into 2020.
But if the races aren’t enough to amaze you, you can always tap your foot to the sound of The Short Fall playing from 6PM to midnight – a sure fire way to keep the crowd’s ears delighted as part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
For the kids, there is a dedicated kids corner with plenty of activities and rides to entertain.
Exceptional food is readily found throughout the event. Think mouthwatering burgers, yummy pizzas, hot chips, and more. There are two bars operating throughout the event and a drink ticket system will be in place to manage the ordering process.
To end the night with a bang, witness magnificent fireworks at both 8:30PM for some preliminary fun, and midnight for the real countdown into Year 2020. With a huge budget pumped into the fireworks extravaganza, prepare to be wowed by the show.
The event officially ends at 1AM which may seem a little early to end the New Year Eve’s party which brings us to the next section.
Did someone say after party?
If there’s one thing that needs to be done after every good party, it’s to have an even better after party.
Just a stone throw’s away (literally walking distance from the races), the Maraboon Tavern is the place to go for an excellent local vibe paired with a great selection of drinks that are reasonably priced.
Beyond the extensive range of drinks (from fine wines to imported beers), the food is great too. The exceptional customer service is a sure fire way to bring in the local charm, which pretty much assures a great crowd to enjoy your time.
The after party fun guarantees good music, lots of laughter, games and activities, and an overall excellent vibe to end your New Year’s Eve night. So let the drinks flow and have a great time at the Maraboon Tavern this New Year’s Eve after the races!
