New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day. The one time of year that is hyped up beyond belief globally; with glitter, bubbles and expectation – only to, lets face it, kinda end up costing a little too much (like, six months rent) with little to show for it other than a sore head, scuffed heels and a grumpy bank account.

Well, that’s how New Year’s Eve usually was back in the UK anyway. But over the last few years, I’ve tried to steer away from the glitz, glamour and DJs playing shit music (“sorry, no requests”) – and do something a little different… There was the amazing NYE street party in Berlin a few years ago, another in London which was equally as crazy… My last NYE in the UK (2013/2014) was spent with close family and friends at my besties parents house, wearing sequins, PJ pants and slipper socks as we jumped around the house playing party games, setting off fireworks at midnight and being all tucked up in bed with a steaming mug of hot chocolate by 2.30am. Rock & roll? Not very. But still an AMAZING NIGHT.

My first NYE in Australia (2014/2015) was spent munching yummy canapés and swigging champagne on the Swan River as we enjoyed a unique dinner cruise. Set against the Perth skyline (which is quite spectacular illuminated at night), the cruise took us from Perth city all the way down to Freo and back in time for midnight fireworks… what a fantastic way to see in 2015!

But this year has to be one of the best ever NYE adventures ever. Given the novelty of having my mom retire over here (permanently, yipee!) has still not worn off (give it time…), I decided to see 2016 in with my folks on one of my fave places in Perth… Rottnest Island.

During my (nearly two years!) in Australia, I’ve visited Rottnest a total of five times. I absolutely love it there – and knew we were in for an absolute treat! We caught the ferry over from Hillary’s at 12:30pm, and headed straight for the Hotel Rottnest bar where we sipped Pimms and cider in the lunchtime sunshine for a few hours before heading down to one of the islands many white sandy beaches for a picnic lunch. After lounging around for a few more hours, we had a quick dip in the ocean and even managed to squeeze in a quick SUP before taking a leisurely walk along the jetty.

Just before the final candy-coloured sunset of 2015, we got changed for the evening and I took advantage of some of the free glow-in-the-dark face-paint on offer (okay, okay, it was for the kids – but I was totally the kid in our group!) – before bagging an ocean-view table at the Hotel Rottnest ready for the 9pm fireworks. The fireworks were set off in the middle of the ocean, lighting up the sky and reflecting off the water as though it were a sea of glitter! Just spectacular.

Things really started livening up around 10:30pm – and by the time midnight struck, even the quokkas were wildly dancing on the tables. Watching the Perth, Rockingham and Mandurah fireworks illuminate the skies on the horizon whilst standing (swaying?) on the sandy Rottnest shores with a glass of champagne was pretty damn special. Then before we knew it, it was time to shimmy on back to the ferry for the windy ride home!

Highlight of the evening? Watching mom innocently jiving to Ol’ Dirty Bastards “Got Your Money” – absolutely bloody priceless.

NYE 2016/2017? You have A LOT to live up to 😉

WEARING: BIKINI: Seafolly // HAT: Seafolly // SUNGLASSES: Chanel
STYLED & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KATIE REBEKAH