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 years eve in Australia, many locals, expats as well as 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 which are sure to make anybody’s time memorable.
10 Places To Celebrate New Year In Australia
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
Sydney is undoubtedly the best place in the world to spend and celebrate the new year’s day in Australia. On 31st December every year, one can witness people swarming the city’s famous harbor foreshore to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking firework show. One can marvel at the variety of colorful firework display from this place from 09:00 PM to 12:00 AM on new years eve. The major festivities of the Sydney’s new years eve is concentrated on the Sydney Harbour Bridge from where the best views of the spectacular firework 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
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 Stars
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2. Brisbane
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 the new years eve. On this day, the bridge looks beautiful with the colorful sparkling lights covering the background surrounding it. There are more than 30,000 firecrackers which are launched from both the rooftops in the city as well as from the barges in the river. 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. With all this, Brisbane is considered to be one of the best places to go for new years in Australia.
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
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 Stars
TripAdvisor reviews
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3. Melbourne
On the night of new years eve, as a part of Australian new year celebration, the skies covering Melbourne gets lit up completely with colorful sparkles from the fireworks which are being launched from the several high rising 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 the visiting tourists. Before heading to the Yarra River bank to witness the firework display, one can visit the Yarra Park where they can get to be a part of carnival celebrations. Melbourne is one best place 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
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0 Stars
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4. Adelaide
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
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 Stars
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5. Hobart
Hobart hosts the well-known Tasmania festival which spreads through the months December and January. New year 2023 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. Up 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
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0 Stars
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6. Canberra
All the major celebrations in on new years eve in Australia’s capital takes place at the Civic Square in the town center of the capital. Here, one can enjoy the melodious tunes played by talented local musicians along with many other side acts. The impressive firework display show takes place here at 09:00 PM as well as midnight. For people who are looking for some fun-filled exciting parties, they can visit the Garema Place which is in close proximity to the 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
TripAdvisor rating: 2.5 Stars
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7. Perth
If one is in Perth during the new years eve, they must head to Northbridge suburb where there are several new years festivals in Australia being organized which starts as early as 06:00 PM. Visitors here are welcomed by the many talented street performers, animated movies which are enjoyed by the kids, mask-making activity and other special events. If one is looking to enjoy some live music concerts, they can head to the East Perth’s new years eve celebrations, where a number of talented musicians put on a live music show.
Location: Northbridge, Perth, Australia
Timings: 24 hours
Best for: Live music, street plays, and other interesting activities
Where To Stay: The Great Southern Hotels Perth, Perth City YHA, Ibis Perth
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5 Stars
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8. Darwin
People in this place start the new year celebrations pretty early. There are many family events in Darwin which 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 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 firework display which is fired from the seawall and completely light 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
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 Stars
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9. Lord Howe Island
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 the midnight strikes which 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
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 being 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
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8 Ways To Celebrate New Year In Australia
These are some of the handpicked and popular ways suggested 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
What can be better than spending New Year in Australia in the air and land to Antarctica once the clock strikes 12? While in Australia one can take a flight to Antarctica while enjoying a glass of champagne and a live jazz band. And not just this because 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
Cost: $1199 which includes dinner, breakfast and bar service
Suggested Read:https://traveltriangle.com/blog/new-year-parties-in-bali/
2. Lost Paradise Festival
A one hour drive north of Sydney’s city centre, there lies the Glenworth Valley which is the annual venue where Lost Paradise festival is hosted. This extravagant event invites a long list of artists from all over Australia which includes 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 of Australia.
Date Of Festival: 28th December
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3. Beyond The Valley, Lardner Park
New Year In Australia without dancing your heart out seems like incomplete, isn’t it? The 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 has a highlight of morning yoga classes and camping.
Dates Of The Festival: 28th December To 1 January
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4. Taste Of Tasmania
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 the 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
Suggested Read:https://traveltriangle.com/blog/new-year-in-paris/
5. Darwin Waterfront
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 9pm and also at midnight.
Location: 19B Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia
Timings: 24 Hours
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6. Gwinganna New Year Detox
Start your new year quite 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.
Cost: $3485
Dates Of The Programme: 27th December – 3rd January
Suggested Read:https://traveltriangle.com/blog/best-international-new-years-destinations-on-budget/
7. Uluru Adventure
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 at 30 December or from the Kings Canyon at 31 December. Both the tours follow a similar itinerary which also includes visiting the boulders of Kata Tjuta. This is one of the adventurous things to do in Australia during New Year.
Cost: $695
Suggested Read: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-on-new-year-in-india-on-budget/
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 the midday alongwith giveaways, cocktails, and an amazing music line-up. The cost also includes a 2-hours free flowing premium beverages and Watson’s famous treats.
Cost: $139 per person
Suggested Read:https://traveltriangle.com/blog/best-places-in-the-world-to-celebrate-new-year/
New Year In Australia: Tips
Here are a few tips you should keep in mind 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 shade areas to save yourself from the scorching heat.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not forget to wear sunscreen.
Further Read: 7 Lakes In Australia That Will Pamper The Nature Lover In You!
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 vacation in Australia by visiting these wonderful cities and towns of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Year In Australia
How does Australia celebrate New Years?
Australia celebrates New Year in various vibrant ways. There are fireworks, parties in the club, music fests, and other exciting events organized in the major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, etc.
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.
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.
Why does Australia celebrate Chinese New Year?
Following the triumph at the heart of the Nian legend, red is the colour of happiness and good luck.
