What better way to ring in the New Year than with a fireworks celebration complete with hot entertainment, plenty of food and drink and your family by your side. We’ve put together a list of the best places around Australia to say goodbye to the year that was 2018 and celebrate all that’s to come in 2019…
Sydney
The city of Sydney hosts some of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the country. With ticketed and non-ticketed venues dotted around the city, you’re sure to find somewhere to party like it’s 1999. Sydney Harbour will put on a spectacular show with aerial and tug boat water displays, family fireworks at 9pm, Harbour of Light Parade with dancing ships gliding across the water and of course the main fireworks event at midnight. Our favourite vantage points include Darling Harbour, Manly Cove, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and Taronga Zoo. Sydney accommodation: Mantra 2 Bond Street
Credit: Destination NSW
Melbourne
If you can see the city skyline, then you will see Melbourne’s fireworks on New Year’s Eve. So head to a park, the banks of the Yarra River, or a rooftop bar and enjoy the show! Melbourne’s main fireworks displays will take place at 9:30pm and midnight and our top vantage points include the Treasury Gardens, Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens and Kings Domain (with free live entertainment, food stalls and a countdown). If you need to get the kids to bed before midnight, head to Yarra Park (next to the MCG) or Footscray Park for plenty of family entertainment and early fireworks at 9:30pm.
Melbourne accommodation: Mantra on Russell
Brisbane
The River City provides a beautiful backdrop for New Year’s Eve fireworks and festivities. The Brisbane River will light up with its main fireworks at 8:30pm and midnight at South Bank with the best viewing spot being from the Clem Jones Promenade. Eagle Street Pier and Portside Wharf will also have fireworks displays at the same time. For something a bit different, climb the Story Bridge for 360 degree views of the midnight fireworks, hire a private gondola on the Wheel of Brisbane or celebrate at the Woodford Folk Festival with six days of major artists and entertainment from 27 December to 1 January.
Brisbane accommodation: Mantra on Edward
Gold Coast
The glittering Gold Coast will shine even brighter on New Year’s Eve. The annual Surfers Paradise Carnival will be bustling with families enjoying plenty of fun and attractions. The fireworks displays at 8pm and midnight will take place from an offshore barge with 30,000 effects lighting up the sky. Head to the Surfers Paradise foreshore to join in on the festivities or set up a picnic or barbecue at a park around the city or on the beach. Gold Coast accommodation: Mantra Legends Hotel
Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Perth
Ring in the New Year with a party in Perth! For the best view of the city’s main fireworks at 9pm and midnight, head to Kings Park or the Swan River foreshore. Northbridge Piazza and the Perth Cultural Centre will host movies from 4:30pm followed by family entertainment and live music, or celebrate a Happy Zoo Year at the Perth Zoo with a picnic, music and early countdown for the kids at 8pm. Alternatively, hop over to Rottnest Island for live entertainment, free activities, a food village and of course fireworks (at 9pm). For those staying in Perth city, ferries can take you back to the mainland after the fireworks or after the midnight celebrations. Perth accommodation: Mantra on Murray
Hobart
The Hobart Waterfront is the best place to see the midnight fireworks, with the Sydney to Hobart yachts moored in foreground, or you can hike to the top of Mount Wellington for a truly spectacular sight. For even more of a celebration, visit the Taste of Tasmania Festival (28 December – 3 January) with plenty of New Year’s Eve festivities including live entertainment and dancing.
Hobart accommodation: Mantra Collins Hotel
Credit: City of Hobart and Alastair Bett
Adelaide
Adelaide’s Elder Park on the banks of the Torrens Lake will come alive on New Year’s Eve with live music, a family zone with fun activities, food stalls, beverages and fireworks at 9pm and midnight. The Glenelg jetty will also host a fireworks display at midnight along with kid’s entertainment, live music and food trucks. Head to Port Adelaide for a carnival themed celebration with fireworks at 9:30pm and midnight. Adelaide accommodation: Mantra on Frome
Credit: City of Adelaide
Darwin
Our top tip for a top New Year’s Eve in the Top End? Set up a picnic with the family at the Darwin Waterfront and enjoy cool summer breezes off the water as well as some pretty impressive fireworks at 9pm and midnight.
Darwin accommodation: Mantra Pandanas
Canberra
New Year’s Eve in the nation’s capital is bound to be a memorable one. Located in the heart of the Canberra CBD, Civic Square is the place to be for all of the fun and festivities. Enjoy plenty of entertainment for the young and young at heart as well as fireworks from City Hill at 9pm and midnight. For a quieter celebration, set up your tribe at one of the many parks situated around Lake Burley Griffin. Canberra accommodation: Mantra MacArthur Hotel