If you love soft golden light, glorious farm-to-table fare, and the sense of awe that comes from being surrounded by nature, then this is your sign to ring in the new year at this seriously special hinterland location, writes Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

Picture the scene: the calendar is edging towards the final hours of the year, and you’re gathered with loved ones in an achingly beautiful restaurant, raising a glass of champagne over a table laden with exquisite food as the golden light slowly disappears over the treetops.

It might sound like the most beautiful fever dream, but it could actually be a dream come true at Alsahwa Estate’s stunning Sundown Soirée happening 31 December from 3.30pm to 7.30pm – a New Year’s Eve celebration done differently, designed for food-lovers, families and anyone craving an extra special end to the year.

Wander the stunning gardens and enjoy a waterside cocktail under swaying palm trees on the lawn at Agora on Duck House Dam before heading into the estate’s ēthos restaurant for a four-course shared feast crafted by the culinary team.

You’ll enjoy freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters jewelled with finger lime; kingfish crudo with preserved lemon, cucumber and cumquat; and roast lamb short loin with parmesan gnocchi, zucchini and provincial jus – plus a champagne tower toast outside at sunset to celebrate the year ahead. Oh, the golden light and the glamour!

Alsahwa Estate’s General Manager, Michelle Clark, says everyone is welcome to join the celebration: couples, friendship groups, and even families looking for a memorable way to celebrate without keeping everyone out way past witching hour.

“New Year’s Eve is such a magical time and we wanted to create something that truly celebrates that,” she said. “Our Sundown Soirée gives families the chance to enjoy a beautiful evening together, reflecting on the year that was, setting intentions for the new year.

“We recognised a real gap for people who want a memorable New Year’s Eve without the late-night chaos. Our Sundown Soirée offers the perfect balance: a beautiful celebration timed with sunset with the flexibility to still head off to watch the fireworks, and a chance to start the new year feeling refreshed rather than tired.”

All the excitement but none of the exhaustion? That’s our kind of celebration!

While ēthos is known for its modern Mediterranean-style menu crafted from local ingredients, it’s what’s happening just beyond the dining room that might be the estate’s most meaningful story.

The first stage of Alsahwa Farm – a spray-free, regenerative, deeply intentional growing space filled with vegetables, herbs and flowers – is now complete, with the second stage vision underway on the 30-acre property.

For Founder Jo Walker, the farm is more than a food source, it’s the heart of the estate and the basis of the brand’s Mind, Body, Planet philosophy.

“Completing the initial phase of Alsahwa Farm has been such a milestone, and knowing that our spray-free produce ends up on the plate of our guests at ēthos is really satisfying,” she says. “In the next phase, we are looking to revive the orchard that once flourished on the property, which will give our beautiful bees more exciting places to forage.”

Just as the seasons are cyclical, so too is the Alsahwa process: orchard to bees, bees to blossoms, blossoms to produce, produce to plate.

And speaking of plates, Head Chef Mal is already imagining how this second stage of the farm will influence ēthos’ ever-shifting seasonal menu.

He believes that great cooking starts in the soil as he watches ingredients grow, ripen and deepen in flavour.

“Seeing ingredients emerge from the ground changes the way we cook,” he said. “It nudges us to pay attention, to understand exactly when something is at its peak and how to honour it on the plate. It’s also strengthening our collaboration with local growers, whose work remains essential to the integrity of the dishes we serve. This all shapes the evolution of what we offer at ēthos and we have some special projects planned for the year ahead.”

One of those projects is sure to be a fun, communal crowd-pleaser… let’s just say if you know your orecchiette from your pappardelle, watch this space for a regular night coming your way.

As the sun dips behind the trees on 31 December, glasses raised and hearts (and bellies) full, it’s clear that Alsahwa Estate isn’t just welcoming a new year – it’s also welcoming its next chapter.

Here’s to community, seasonality, purpose, and the simple joy that comes from gathering with loved ones.

Sundown Soirée

Farewell the year surrounded by golden light, good company and exquisite food at ēthos restaurant, Alsahwa Estate, Palmwoods.
Wednesday, 31 December 2025, 3.30-7.30pm
Tickets: $199 per person. Includes arrival drink + champagne tower and 4-courses. Optional: $65pp beverage package upgrade.
Children: $60pp (includes main, dessert & soft drink).
Bookings essential.
Visit: www.alsahwa.com/event/sundown-soiree