The charming Tasmanian city of Hobart throws quite a show over the harbor for New Year's Eve. Though it is a smaller-scale event than in other Australian cities (we’re watching you, Sydney!), there is still a lot to see and do for the last night of the year. Fireworks, wonderful restaurants, and Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race finale in late December make Hobart the best place in Tasmania for ringing in the New Year.
The major holiday magnet is the Hobart New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbor gets launched from the Constitution Dock. At midnight, the waterfront piers turn into prime firework viewpoints. For families with kids, there is an early fireworks display at 9:30 pm. The best and easily-accessible spots are scattered along Hobart Waterfront from the walkways to wharves. Adventurers can trek up to the top of Mount Wellington to enjoy a pyrotechnic show from the height of some 4,100 ft (1,200 m) above the sea. Across the River Derwent, Rosny Hill Lookout and Kangaroo Bluff provide excellent views of the harbor fireworks.
Tasmania's Taste of Summer
Hobart offers something for the foodies too! For several decades, the Taste of Summer has been the main culinary celebration of New Year in Hobart. This week-long feast usually features up to 100 stalls selling mouthwatering seafood, cheeses, wine, and beer, all locally produced. The program promises more than food: music and entertainment, dance and street performances, circus, comedy, and Tasmanian short films. In addition, the prime position to watch the harbor fireworks display makes Taste of Summer a perfect place for the New Year's in Hobart!
