New Year's Eve in Australia 2024
One of first countries to ring in the New Year
Dates: December 31
Australia’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are globally renowned, with fireworks and festivities marking the occasion in the peak of summer. Major cities host events with fireworks, live music, and food festivals, drawing large crowds. Many Australians celebrate on beach outings, boat cruises, or at home with backyard gatherings. Sydney’s iconic fireworks and other city countdowns are broadcast widely, making it easy for everyone to join the celebration, even from home.
Sydney New Year's Eve
Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks attract nearly a million spectators to iconic vantage points around the harbor. The event features two main displays: a family-friendly 9 p.m. show and a grand midnight show centered on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with synchronized fireworks and music. Viewers can also enjoy cruises, harbor-side parks, and family activities. Road closures make access challenging, so visitors should plan for transportation.
Melbourne New Year's Eve
Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve features spectacular fireworks across multiple locations, with the main displays held at Docklands, Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, and Kings Domain. Events include live music, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment. The city's riverside and beaches are popular for gatherings, and Federation Square hosts live DJ sets. Celebrations are free, with vantage points offering great views of the fireworks.
Western Australia New Year's Eve
Perth's New Year’s Eve features various celebrations, including vibrant fireworks over the Swan River and Rottnest Island. Popular events include the SNACK Festival at Claremont Showgrounds, with DJs, a foam party, and a silent disco. New Year cruises offer festive options on the Swan River, including the 18+ Captain Cook Cruise with dinner, music, and fireworks. Families can enjoy Pirate Ship Mandurah’s Christmas Lights Tour and fireworks.
Tasmania
Tasmania’s New Year’s Eve celebrations offer a vibrant mix of festivities, from Hobart’s waterfront parties to the Taste of Summer festival, featuring gourmet food and drinks. Many gather for lively events with live music, DJ performances, and grand fireworks displays over the River Derwent. Smaller coastal towns around Tasmania host their own unique New Year’s Eve gatherings, often with scenic views. Some also enjoy ringing in the New Year from pristine beaches or on outdoor adventures that showcase Tasmania’s natural beauty.
Activities
Besides the NYE events and fireworks display, Australia boasts an endless list of activities. As New Year's falls in the middle of summer, we suggest combining the celebration with some outdoor adventures to enjoy what Australia has to offer to the fullest. Taking in the beauty of Tasmania's lavender fields, smiling to quokka in Western Australia, being mesmerized by the Field of Light Uluru in Northern Territory, or climbing Mount Kosciuszko in New South Wales could make this New Year's celebration the brightest memory of the decade.