Your guide to the best NYE fireworks across Australia’s capital cities.
There is no better way to celebrate the New Year than catching the epic local fireworks. With Sydney’s fireworks display being one of the most iconic in the world, there are many other cities and ways to get involved to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Each city celebrates with plenty of entertainment, rooftop bars, and fireworks displays.
With Australia being one of the first countries to celebrate the New Year, the world watches to see how it takes on the fireworks displays. All fireworks events are free to see but there may be a cost to enter any bars for a rooftop view or additional events.
Melbourne
Where: Flagstaff Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance, Docklands, and Treasury Gardens
What time: entertainment starts at 6pm to 1am with fireworks at 12am (midnight)
The busiest spot to watch the fireworks is in the heart of Melbourne, but you’ll be part of the celebration into the New Year. Melbourne has 4 official celebration zones with epic views of fireworks. The celebration zones are very busy, so if you want a good spot, it is best to get there early! Each zone celebrates slightly differently, but they involve live entertainment and food vendors.
For more locations to watch the city fireworks include Fed Square, Batman Park, along the Yarra River, and on the bridges.
The official 4 celebration zones are accessible with toilets available. However, there are grassy inclined areas that could be a challenge at Flagstaff Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance, and Treasury Gardens.
Darwin
Where: Darwin Waterfront Precinct
What time: entry opens at 3pm, entertainment starts at 5pm with fireworks at 9pm and 12am (midnight)
Darwin Waterfront is filled with great entertainment for the whole family and 2 firework displays. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy watching Darwin‘s local talent, kids neon disco, and the fabulous New Year-themed show from Liquid Light. The Liquid Light showcases water, light, and sound, captivating you with an incredible show that is perfect to experience on New Year’s Eve.
This event welcomes those with accessibility needs, and pick up and drop off are available.
Adelaide
Where: Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama
What time: 5:30pm to 1am with fireworks at 9pm and 12am (midnight)
Bring the family along and enjoy the Adelaide City fireworks! The city’s premier Riverbank event includes family fun events including live music, early fireworks, and plenty of food and drinks. For the little ones, take them down to the dedicated Kid’s Zone with activities suited best for them.
This event has an accessible area but you must register your interest online and a spot isn’t guaranteed until you have been contacted.
Sydney
Where: Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
What time: fireworks are at 9pm and 12am (midnight)
The Sydney fireworks are one of the most recognisable New Year fireworks in the world. With more than 1 million spectators watching live, there are over 400 million watching around the world! Throughout the city, there are cruises, parties, and other NYE events where you can watch the epic fireworks show. There are vantage points around the Harbour like Circular Quay, Luna Park, Blues Point, Shark Island, and many more. Some of these vantage points require payment and do sell out early.
Come down early to watch a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country before the night starts. Watch the lighting effects across the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, creating a visual spectacle. Catch the early fireworks at 9pm before the midnight fireworks across the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and other Sydney landmarks.
This event welcomes people with accessible needs with designated viewing areas. Bookings are essential for these viewing areas: Opera House, Cahill Expressway, Royal Botanic Garden, Pirrama Park, Barangaroo, and Strickland Estate.
Perth
Where: Elizabeth Quay and Barrack Square
What time: 5pm to 1am with fireworks at 8:30pm and 12am (midnight)
Perth comes alive with fun-filled events like amusement rides, sideshow alley, and more entertainment at Elizabeth Quay and Barrack Square. With plenty of food and drink vendors available, you will have everything you need for a fun night ahead to celebrate the New Year.
The best viewing points for the fireworks are Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Square, and the Foreshore near Birdya Drive. Other viewing areas with restricted views include South Perth and Kings Park.
This event has wheelchair access areas, parking, and toilets available.
Brisbane
Where: Along the Brisbane River
What time: fireworks are at 7:45pm and 12am (midnight)
Across the Brisbane River, there are multiple spots where fireworks will be launched. South Bank Parklands is the best spot where there are plenty of restaurants and grass areas for a picnic. Otherwise, you can watch the fireworks from Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Captain Burke Park, Wilson’s Lookout, City Botanic Gardens, and Bartley’s Hill Lookout. Mount Coot is an incredible spot for remarkable views of the fireworks across the entire Brisbane City.
South Bank Parklands has good accessibility with no booking required, so arriving early is recommended.
Hobart
Where: Hobart Waterfront
What time: fireworks at 9:30pm and 12am (midnight)
Ring in the New Year and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hobart at the Waterfront. The Waterfront has the best views of the fireworks with restaurants and plenty of areas for a picnic to watch the fireworks over River Derwent. Watch the fireworks light up the sky over the river with multiple vantage points like the family zone, Regatta Grounds. Other viewing sites include Queens Domain, Mount Nelson Reserve, Red Chapel Reserve, and AJ White Park.
There is an accessible viewing area by Elizabeth Street Pier but with limited capacity. It’s recommended to reserve a space and arrive half an hour before the fireworks.
Canberra
Where: Lake Burley Griffin
What time: 6pm till late with fireworks at 9pm and 12am (midnight)
Canberra’s New Year’s Eve night is a family-friendly event with music and plenty of food and drink options. The event has 4 different hubs to choose from where you can relax watching the fireworks, alongside different local DJs in each area. Bring along a picnic blanket and homemade treats to have with the different food vendors.
This event actively welcomes people with access needs.
For more information on the city fireworks and events, go to the individual official pages online.
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