Night skies across Australia will light up on New Year’s Eve to herald the beginning of 2025.
Whether you are in a capital city or regional town, there are fireworks displays scheduled early in the night – for children, and those wishing to hit the hay early – and at midnight, for people counting down to the new year.
Here are the key celebrations taking place across the country on Tuesday night.
Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks
Sydney will ring in the new year with its iconic fireworks ceremony over the harbour. More than a million people are expected to gather across the city to watch the action.
The $6.3m display will go ahead after the New South Wales government and rail unions reached an agreement and there will be no new action affecting train services on NYE.
On Tuesday night a smoking ceremony will begin at 7.30pm, followed by a welcome to country at 8.30pm. Pylon projections will then light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The 9pm fireworks will be followed by a light display across the harbour, before the main event: the midnight fireworks.
There are dozens of vantage points across the city – some free, others ticketed – and you can view the full list online. For those watching at home, there is the City of Sydney live stream or ABC TV.
Elsewhere in Sydney, 9pm fireworks will take place at Coogee beach.
Melbourne NYE fireworks
Victoria’s capital will also stage two fireworks shows, at 9.30pm followed by the classic midnight display. The City of Melbourne says the best view is from afar, with people encouraged to enjoy the fireworks show from anywhere they can see the skyline.
The city will also host four official “celebration zones” from 6pm to 1am, with food trucks, performances and activities for the whole family. These are at Docklands, the Shrine, Flagstaff Gardens and Treasury Gardens.
There will be fireworks displays across regional Victoria, including at Geelong, where there will be 9.30pm and midnight shows at the waterfront, along with activities and light shows.
Brisbane New Year’s Eve fireworks
Held at South Bank Parklands, Brisbane’s fireworks show will feature a 7.45pm display and midnight show.
Brisbane City council says the best viewing locations are at Clem Jones Promenade, the Cultural Forecourt, Riverside Green and River Quay. Those watching from elsewhere are encouraged to download the Cinewav app, which will play the official fireworks soundtrack in real time.
There will be a number of fireworks displays across the Gold Coast, including at Surfers Paradise at 8pm and midnight along the foreshore. You can view a full list of locations here.
Adelaide NYE fireworks
Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will take place on the Riverbank in Elder Park with live music, fireworks and entertainment for all ages.
It will feature two fireworks shows, at 9pm and midnight, with gates opening to the public from 5.30pm. The park will be able to hold 25,000 people, the City of Adelaide says.
There will be more waterfront fireworks throughout the state, including Glenelg beach (9.30pm and midnight), Brighton beach (9.30pm), Victor Harbor (6.30pm) and the Goolwa wharf precinct (midnight).
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Perth New Year’s Eve fireworks
In Western Australia’s capital, Elizabeth Quay and Barrack Square will feature amusement rides, food vendors and roving entertainment alongside its NYE fireworks shows.
The first fireworks will ignite over Swan River at 8.30pm, followed by a midnight display for the first time to ring in 2025. Those watching the fireworks outside the foreshore can tune into FM station 89.1 for the official broadcast.
Mandurah will also host NYE fireworks at 9pm and midnight. Albany will also have fireworks at 9pm and midnight, while Fremantle will host a range of events, including a block party in Paddy Troy Mall.
Canberra NYE fireworks
Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin will host 9pm and midnight fireworks shows.
There will be four celebration hubs around the lake – Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Place, on the lake shore at Regatta Point, and at Ferry Gate near Nerang Pool – with live music, local DJs and food vendors.
The fireworks will launch from Central Basin and off Commonwealth Bridge, with Canberra’s Mix 106.3 broadcasting the fireworks soundtrack.
Darwin New Year’s Eve fireworks
The Darwin waterfront will host 9pm and midnight fireworks shows, with entertainment kicking off at 5pm.
Local musicians and DJs will perform to welcome in the new year.
Hobart NYE fireworks
Hobart’s River Derwent will light up with fireworks displays at 9.30pm and midnight, each lasting eight minutes.
Hobart City council says the best viewing spot is the Regatta Grounds, with a viewing area on the grassy hill overlooking Macquarie Point. The area will be car-free with a food van and nearby amenities.
