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With New Year's Eve just around the corner, now’s the time to start planning your front row seat to the best events in the world. With foodie extravaganzas, dazzling discos and firework displays, here’s where to celebrate New Year's Eve across the country.
Sydney Shine on Decemeber 31
New Year’s Eve is Sydney’s biggest night of the year as the city throws a party like no other. More than a million people make their way into the city for the celebrations, so it does require some planning.
The celebrations include something for everyone: harbour picnics, party cruise boats, dance parties, tall ships, opera performances, and more. Activities on the harbour include a fire tug water display, aerial display, Harbour of Light parade, and projections on the Harbour Bridge.
For littlies who can’t stay awake, there are fireworks at 9pm, but the real spectacle is at midnight. More than a billion people around the world tune in to watch, but nothing compares with seeing it for yourself. There are more than 50 recommended vantage points for viewing the fireworks. Some, such as Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Rose Bay foreshore and The Rocks, are free but they fill up fast.
The New South Wales Government has promised to make more areas free this year, including popular viewing spots such as Barangaroo Reserve, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Domain. The change will also free up viewing spots at Mrs Macquarie Park, West Circular Quay, Campbells Cove, and Hickson Rd Reserve.
Ring in the New Year in Balmy Brisbane
It’s hard to compete with Sydney’s spectacle but Brisbane also celebrates New Year’s Eve with razzmatazz. The Story Bridge is dressed to impressed, while the Brisbane River curling its way through the city is the perfect vehicle for fireworks at 8.30pm and midnight.
The upper floors of Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane have balconies with expansive views over the river if you want to watch the fireworks in comfort. Cruise on the river with Sail Australia or Kookaburra Showboat Cruises, or if you want to really dial up the heat, check out one of the many themed parties in Fortitude Valley.
Melbourne is Ready and Raring
Celebrate with cruises on the Yarra River, gala concerts, special dinners, entertainment on the Southbank waterfront, and parties on the Port Melbourne foreshore. Melbourne lights up the skies with family-friendly fireworks at 9.30pm and the main event at midnight.
Public transport is free from 6pm and runs all night on New Year’s Eve. This is the best way to get to the Celebration Zones in Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, King’s Domain and Treasury Gardens.
The Australian Pops Orchestra hosts a very special event with its New Year’s Eve (& The Night Before) Gala Concerts at Hamer Hall. Performed by a glorious orchestra under the baton of maestro John Foreman, it is packed with orchestral classics, traditional anthems, Broadway hits and more, performed by a glittering line up including Marina Prior, and Wicked star Jemma Rix. After the show, you can rub shoulders with the stars at the Balcony Fireworks Party.
Quincy Hotel Melbourne takes the festivities to new heights, with elevated views and a drink and dine package that includes a signature cocktail on arrival, an Asian feast, and a glass of Piper-Heidsieck at midnight. A stay at Adina Apartment Hotel on Flinders or Vibe Hotel Melbourne will get a front row seat to the fireworks or book a 5-hour cruise on the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat. It’s the perfect way to say ‘Sayonara 2023’ in style.
Countdown in Canberra
The luxe A by Adina Canberra in Constitution Place is a prime spot for ringing in the new year, being a short walk from all the celebrations in the National Capital. A live concert gets underway in Civic Square at 6pm, with fireworks displays taking place at 9pm and midnight.
People are invited to picnic along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to enjoy a family and community evening at four locations along the lake: Regatta Point, Patrick White Lawns, Rond Terrace and Bowen Park. From here, you’ll get a great view of the fireworks, set to specially curated music.
Hobart Comes to Life
There’s a real summer vibe to the Hobart celebrations, where the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race finale creates great excitement, and the Taste of Summer festival showcases the best Tasmanian musicians and food producers. Farmers, cheesemakers, winemakers and brewers are among those who show off their produce.
The city turns on a show with fireworks launched from a barge on the Derwent River at 9.30pm and midnight. There are plenty of accessible spots along the Hobart waterfront but the best vantage points are the Regatta Grounds, Parliament House Lawns and Princes Park. For a great view base yourself at Vibe Hotel Hobart or head to the top of Mount Wellington to see the fireworks from afar.
One of the city’s favourite bands, Manhattan (complete with guest bagpipes), will entertain guests at a lavish event at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre on Franklin Wharf. Executive chef Will Godman will serve a 7-course degustation menu showcasing premium Tasmanian food and beverages, while you enjoy a great view of the fireworks.
Adelaide becomes RAD-elaide
Festivities are centred around Rymill Park with the free, family-friendly Light Up Festival attracting thousands of people. Multiple stages feature performers heralding in the new year. Two spectacular fireworks shows light up the skyline, one at 9.30pm and the other at midnight.
Vibe Hotel Adelaide is ideally loacted wihtin walking distance to comes of the city's best parties, events, special dinners, and fanciful balls. For a deliciously different New Year’s Eve, book for dinner at La Boca Bar and Grill. Its special New Year’s Eve menu offers traditional Argentinian dishes served in a lively atmosphere.
NYE in Darwin
The biggest celebrations in Australia’s Top End take place on the Darwin Waterfront where the Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront and Vibe Darwin Waterfront are perfectly poised to get you in the mood. The free, family-friendly event features food stalls, children’s activities, and firework displays at 9pm and midnight. Groove your way into the new year with a great line-up of live music.
Pack a picnic, sit back and enjoy the festivities on a balmy evening under tropical skies. Waterfront restaurants are open on the night and bookings are essential. Hop on a Darwin Harbour cruise to enjoy live music and a glass of bubbles while the fireworks are underway.
Party in Perth
A youthful vibe makes Perth’s New Year’s Eve celebrations the hot place to be. Popular places to celebrate the occasion include the Swan River, Kings Park, South Perth foreshore, Northbridge, and Scarborough Beach. Fireworks illuminate the skyline at 9pm and midnight and Rendezvous Perth Scarborough offer killer beachfront views.
From rooftop celebrations and family-friendly events, to masquerade, retro and all-night parties with free-flowing drinks, locals and visitors are spoilt for choice. Ring in the new year at the Dock where you can enjoy live music and delicious food and drink at the pop-up Wharf Bar. For a front row view of the fireworks, hop aboard Captain Cook Cruises’ James Stirling for a scenic Swan River cruise.
If your New Year resolution is to get fit, make a head start and sign up for either a 4km or 8km run starting at 6.30pm on New Year’s Eve. It’s organised by the West Australian Marathon Club in Burswood, but you don’t need to be a club member to participate.
TFE has hotels in every capital city and other major cities around the country, perfectly located for enjoying the New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you get in early enough you might be able to view the spectacle without leaving your hotel room when choosing TFE. You can explore locations and current offers.
