Australia is a vibrant country with both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean surrounding it. And not just that, this is also one of the places to visit in December as the weather is warm which is perfect to escape the winter. During the New Year’s Eve in Australia, many locals, expats and tourists get together at popular places throughout the cities and towns of the country to witness the fireworks. Here are a few places to celebrate the New Year in Australia that will make anybody’s time memorable.
Top 10 Places To Celebrate New Year In Australia (Updated 2025)
These cities showcase New Year’s Eve australia traditions and customs that can be enjoyed while sipping on refreshing beverages and snacking on delicious appetizers. Read on to know more!
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- Adelaide
- Hobart
- Canberra
- Perth
- Darwin
- Lord Howe Island
- Gold Coast
1. Sydney
Image Credit: Benh LIEU SONG for Wikipedia
Sydney is undoubtedly the best place in the world to spend and celebrate the new year’s day in Australia. On December 31st every year, people can witness people swarming the city’s famous harbor foreshore to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking fireworks. One can marvel at the variety of colourful fireworks displays from this place from 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM on New Year’s Eve and immerse yourself in the new year celebrations in Sydney, Australia. The major festivities of Sydney’s New Year Eve are concentrated on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from where the best views of the spectacular fireworks show can be witnessed, which are being set off from the Sydney Opera House.
Location: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia
Timings: 09:00 PM & 12:00 AM
Best for: Witnessing firework display
Where To Stay: Hilton Sydney, Mercure Sydney, Fullerton Hotel
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2. Brisbane
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Brisbane’s Story Bridge is the place to head for a fun-filled experience of celebrating new year in Australia as this place is the focal point of all the celebrations happening on new years Eve. On this day, the bridge looks beautiful, with the colourful sparkling lights covering the background surrounding it. There are more than 30,000 firecrackers launched from rooftops in the city and barges in the river. There are two fireworks shows on the 31st of December every year on New Year’s Day in Australia Brisbane at 09:00 PM and at midnight. With all this, Brisbane is considered one of Australia’s best places to go for New Year.
Location: Story Bridge, Brisbane QLD, Queensland, Australia
Timings: 09:00 PM & 12:00 AM
Best for: Witnessing firework display
Where To Stay: Brisbane Marriott Hotel, Brisbane City YHA
3. Melbourne
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On the night of New Year Eve, as a part of the Australian New Year celebration, the skies covering Melbourne get lit up completely with colourful sparkles from the fireworks which are being launched from the several high-rise towers of the city. The Yarra River and the other famous spots in the city are packed with bustling numbers of locals, expats as well as visiting tourists. Before heading to the Yarra River bank to witness the firework display, one can visit the Yarra Park where they can be a part of carnival celebrations. Melbourne is one of the best places in Australia for New Year’s Eve.
Location: Yarra River Bank, Melbourne, Australia
Timings: 08:30 PM and 12:00 AM
Best for: Witnessing firework display & carnivals
Where To Stay: Double Tree By Hilton Hotel, Ibis Melbourne Central, Grand Hyatt Melbourne
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4. Adelaide
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In Adelaide, one can enjoy a mesmerizing firework display from the northern fringe of the central city. The sky covering River Torrens lights up completely at 09:00 PM as well as at midnight leaving all the viewers awestruck. Visitors can even go to the Elder Park where there are live music concerts being hosted. Many talented musicians can be seen performing at these concerts and their show can be enjoyed while munching on the local Australian new year food offered at the many food stalls accommodated by this park.
Location: Elder Park, Adelaide, Australia
Timings: 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Best for: Witnessing firework display, enjoying live music concerts and relishing on local cuisine dishes
Where To Stay: Hilton Adelaide, Inter Continental Adelaide, Pullman Adelaide, Hotel Ibis Adelaide
5. Hobart
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Hobart hosts the well-known Tasmania festival which spreads through December and January. New year in Australia has a much deeper significance than just welcoming the new year, it also marks the celebration of the finest local produce, cider, wine, and beer. Until the mid-afternoon on 31st of December every year, the festival is open to all visitors and displays Australian New Year food traditions by offering handcrafted premium cheese, pear cider, local sea urchins and pinot noir. During the evenings, this festival welcomes only ticket holders.
Location: 12 Franklin Wharf, Brooke Street Pier, Hobart, Australia
Timings: 24 hours on new years eve
Best for: Local dishes & music concerts
Where To Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Ibis Style Hobart, Hobart Central YHA
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6. Canberra
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All the major celebrations on New Year’s Eve in Australia’s capital take place at Civic Square in the town centre of the capital. Here, one can enjoy the musical tunes of talented local musicians and many other side acts. The impressive fireworks display show occurs here at 09:00 PM and midnight. For people who are looking for some fun-filled, exciting parties, they can visit Garema Place, which is close to Civic Square. The show here starts at 09:00 PM with the foot-tapping music played by the in-house DJs.
Location: 180 London Circuit, Canberra, Australia
Timings: 24 hours
Best for: Live music
Tip: Reach the place as early as possible
Where To Stay: Novotel, Quest, Canberra City YHA, Crowne Plaza
7. Perth
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If one is in Perth during New Year’s Eve, one must head to the Northbridge suburb, where several New Year festivals in Australia are organized, starting as early as 06:00 PM. Visitors here are welcomed by the many talented street performers, animated movies enjoyed by the kids, mask-making activities, and other special events. If one is looking to enjoy some live music concerts, they can head to celebration of new year in Perth Australia, where many talented musicians put on a live music show.
Location: Northbridge, Perth, Australia
Timings: 24 hours
Best for: Live music, street plays, and other exciting activities
Where To Stay: The Great Southern Hotels Perth, Perth City YHA, Ibis Perth
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8. Darwin
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People in this place start the New Year celebrations pretty early. There are many family events in Darwin that are absolutely free of cost, like face painting. The live music performances at the waterfront start as early as 05:30 PM, and the celebration then goes on until the wee hours of the next day morning. By 09:00 PM, one can find a nice spot and lay out their rugs to enjoy a splendid fireworks display, which is fired from the seawall and completely lights up the skies with colorful sparkles.
Location: Waterfront, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Timings: 24 hours
Best for: Live music and fun-filled family events
Where To Stay: Hilton Darwin, The Cavenagh Hotel, Rydges Darwin Central
9. Lord Howe Island
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This is a world heritage site which offers perfect opportunities for an exciting celebration of the New Year in Australia with friends and loved ones. This Australian place is located on the east of Port Macquarie 500 kilometers away. One can set up their own picnic spot at the beach by putting out a rug and then creating their own bonfire to enjoy the chilly night. A bottle of champagne can be popped as soon as midnight strikes, and it can be enjoyed with the snacks made from the barbeque.
Location: Beachfront, Lord Howe Island, Australia
Timings: 24 hours
Best for: Spending tranquil time by the beach
Where To Stay: Capella Lodge, Beachcomber Lodge, Arajilla Retreat
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10. Gold Coast
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Gold Coast is famous as the go-to party destination in Queensland in Australia. Being the party-goer’s hub, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to party during the new years eve. One can view the extensive range of varied fireworks displayed in the sky from the coast. There are many widespread beaches in this place, which can be visited for a more quieter and peaceful New Year celebration. The Surfers Paradise is flooded with tourists and locals who come to experience the various festivities during the new year.
Location: Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
Timings: 24 hours
Best for: Display of fireworks
Where To Stay: Hilton Surfers Paradise, Mercure Gold Coast Resort, Novotel Surfers Paradise
8 Ways To Celebrate New Year In Australia
These are some of the handpicked and popular ways to celebrate New Year in Australia.
- Antartica Scenic Flight
- Lost Paradise Festival
- Beyond The Valley
- Taste Of Tasmania
- Darwin Waterfront
- Gwinganna New Year Detox
- Uluru Adventure
- Soda Shades Presents NYD
1. Antarctica Scenic Flight
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What can be better than spending New Year in Australia in the air and land in Antarctica once the clock strikes 12? In Australia, one can take a flight to Antarctica and enjoy a glass of champagne and a live jazz band. Not just this, but while flying over the continent, people can enjoy the beautiful view of the glaciers and the ice plateaus.
Timings: The flight departs from Melbourne at 5:30pm and returns at 6:30am in the following day
Highlights: Experts on board, spectacular views of world’s most southerly continent, 4-course dinner and sleep in luxurious room.
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2. Lost Paradise Festival
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A one-hour drive north of Sydney’s city centre lies the Glenworth Valley, the annual venue for the Lost Paradise festival. This extravagant event invites a long list of artists from all over Australia, including Hilltop Hoods and Matt Corby. Alongside that, there is a long list of talks, yoga workshops, and Indigenous cultural space, which makes this one of the best festivals in Australia.
Date Of Festival: 28th December
Highlights: four stages of music from Indie rock to underground electronic and a “Shambhala” space dedicated to health and wellness.
3. Beyond The Valley, Lardner Park
New Year In Australia without dancing your heart out seems incomplete, isn’t it? Victoria’s beautiful Gippsland region is the perfect place to find the right space to groove at the best hip-hop and electronic dance numbers at the Beyond The Valley music festival. This festival also highlights morning yoga classes and camping.
Dates Of The Festival: 28th December To 1 January
Highlights: Best music festivals in the world and was the only Australian event to make DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals list during new year.
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4. Taste Of Tasmania
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A Midsummer Night’s Eve is one of the perfect places to go for new year’s in Australia. This place is also a part of Hobart’s week-long Taste Of Tasmania. There are around 70 stalls around the venue where people can find the state’s best seafood, cheese, wine and also many other delicious produce which is hyped up with fireworks which is considered to be the best New Year fireworks in Australia.
Dates Of The Festival: 28th December To 3rd January
Highlights: connect with local artists as you explore many galleries and shops hidden in the warehouses of old stones. Also features with five stages of high-octane entertainment.
5. Darwin Waterfront
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To spend New Year in Australia, Darwin Waterfront is one of the lively places to visit. This place becomes a merry place which grooves with all the festivities alongwith free outdoor concert and fireworks at around 9 pm and midnight.
Location: 19B Kitchener Dr, Darwin City, NT 0800, Australia
Timings: 24 Hours
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6. Gwinganna New Year Detox
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Start your new year early while at the Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat’s New Year Detox. This is a one-week program which will definitely leave you rested and energised, giving a boosting start to your upcoming year. This programme includes organic meals, two massages and fun activities to rejuvenate your body.
Dates Of The Programme: 27th December – 3rd January
Highlights: get 7 night detox retreat an ideal place for those looking to slow down, rest and renew their body.
7. Uluru Adventure
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Have a fancy starting of the new year at Uluru Adventure which is a camping tour held in the heart of Australia. This is a three-day adventure tour which starts from Ulury on 30 December or from the Kings Canyon on 31 December. Both the tours follow a similar itinerary which also includes visiting the boulders of Kata Tjuta. This is one of the most adventurous things to do in Australia during the New Year.
Highlights: immerse in Indigenous culture, bring the family and indulge your wild side at the time of evening or sunset
Timings: evening till morning
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8. SODA Shades Presents NYD At Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Keep up the party spirit high while at Watsons Bay Hotel which is teamed up alongwith eyewear label SODA shades. They have the ultimate beachside pool party place, which kicks off at midday, along with giveaways, cocktails, and an amazing music line-up. The cost also includes a 2-hour free flowing premium beverage and Watson’s famous treats.
Cost: $139 per person Onwards
Timings: 24 hours
Where To Stay In New Year In Australia
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Stay at the following luxurious hotels and resorts In Australia during the new year and make the most of it.
Racv Torquay Resort: This quiet, comfortable, and luxurious resort is the best place to spend New Year’s away from the maddening crowd. Enjoy lavish services and peace after enjoying a superb party.
Saffire Freycinet: Stay at this property and enjoy the friendly staff that takes care of your every need. Situated on the coast of Tasmania, overlooking the Freycinet Peninsula, it is famous for its warm hospitality, lavish rooms, and exotic meals in breathtaking beauty.
Beach Club Hamilton Island: 57 rooms face Catseye Beach directly, each with its own private courtyard or balcony. This is the ultimate couples’ escape during the New Year. Situated in the 9 resort drive on Hamilton Island, it is the must-stay option.
Pinetrees Lodge: Get amazing accommodation at Pinetrees. Architectural spaces designed to capture the beauty and best of every weather and touch luxury in every corner. If you want a luxury holiday experience, then this is the place to stay.
Park Hyatt Sydney: If you want the most comfortable beds and a stunning view from outside your room, choose the Hyatt Sydney. Located on the 7th Hickson Road and nestled on the Sydney Harbour’s edge, it is a five-star hotel with impeccable services and unparalleled views.
Related Post: Sydney Travel Guide
New Year In Australia: Tips
Here are a few tips you should remember if you are heading to Australia for the new year’s eve.
- Since it is hot in Australia in December and January, wear light and cotton clothing.
- Stay in shaded areas to save yourself from the scorching heat.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not forget to wear sunscreen.
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Australia is the hub of all the famous events and parties, especially during the time of new year in Australia. You won’t only welcome the new year before any of your friends, you would also get to be a part of all that the country has to offer. Enjoy your New Year trip to Australia by visiting these wonderful cities and towns.
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Cover Image Credit: Rob Chandler for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About New Year In Australia
Do shops in Australia close on New Year’s Day?
Yes, almost all shops in Australia are closed on January 01.
Where should I go for New Years in Australia?
5 best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Australia 1. Sydney, NSW. 2. Lord Howe Island, NSW. 3. Hobart, Tasmania. 4. Melbourne, Victoria. 5. Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.
What time is New Year’s Eve in Australia?
There are two firework shows on the 31st of December every year on New Year’s Day in Australia Brisbane at 09:00 PM and at midnight.
Where is the best places to celebrate new year in Australia?
Sydney is undoubtedly the best place to celebrate and spend New Year’s Day in Australia. Every year, people come and witness the beauty of this charming city and catch a glimpse of breathtaking fireworks.
What state in Australia is cool in December?
Tasmania and southern cities like Melbourne and Adelaide tends to be colder as compared to the norther parts of Australia. As it will be still warm in the north.
How do Australians celebrate New Year?
Many Australians celebrate New Year’s Eve on boat cruises, urban parklands or beaches. Others hold special parties or barbecues at their own homes.
What time is New Year’s Eve in Australia?
There are two firework shows on the 31st of December every year on New Year’s Day in Australia Brisbane at 09:00 PM and at midnight.
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