New Year’s Eve parties are held across Australia. Sydney residents have lined up three days in advance for the prime waterside fireworks spot.
Celebrations are underway across the country in anticipation of tonight’s stunning pyrotechnics.
For those who prefer to stay indoors, ABC TV and iView will broadcast the Sydney Harbour fireworks at 8:30 p.m. (AEDT).
Click to see your country’s capital’s festivities:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Darwin
- Perth
Sydney
On the Sydney Opera House steps, huge crowds await tonight’s fireworks.
Sydney confirmed this afternoon that the Opera House and other places along the 6-kilometre shoreline are full.
The Botanic Gardens, Domain, and Campbells Cove are full.
Partygoers waited days for the finest viewing spot.
The first group came to Mrs. Macquaries Point three days ago and swiftly claimed the greatest viewing area.
A Melbourne group member found the experience useful.
It was quite cold today. They stated it’s hard yet exciting.
Another Melbourne group said the fireworks were their main reason for visiting Sydney.
“We heard they are some of the best in the world, so we went all the way here just for the fireworks,” he added.
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People from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, China, and others have arrived.
Flights from Germany and the Netherlands brought friends from their studies to Sydney to line up at 3 a.m.
Both said they were “a little excited, very tired,” and “pretty hyped.”.
A participant said, “Everyone’s very happy; it’s just a nice environment to be in.”
Even though many of the nighttime waiters set up tents and tarps to be dry, the rain hasn’t disheartened them.
When the gates opened an hour early, impatient waiters rushed in for excellent dock positions.
Kayhan Sumaktas’ food truck is at Mrs. Macquaries Chair.
His New Year’s Eve experience includes serving revellers.
“I expect a lot of drunk British staggering their way through here and a lot of happy people; a lot of people are going to come through here tonight,” said Mr. Sumaktas.
It’s great, yet slow at first.
“This place has an amazing ambiance. No matter how small, having everyone here is great.”
At 7 a.m., British visitors Ben Upton and Naeve Oakman set up their tent.
The pair brought food, games, and paint to waste time until the event.
“This is our first Sydney New Year’s,” remarked Ms. Oakman.
“We usually see it on the TV back home; it’s surreal being here,” said Mr. Upton.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore of Sydney expects over 425 million people to witness the fireworks from a million coastal locations.
“The eyes of the world will be watching Sydney as we optimistically bring in the new year with our iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks,” said Moore.
The City of Sydney reported that every vantage point in the city and North Sydney was full around 7 p.m. AEDT.
Melbourne
From midday, Melbourne locals set up picnics along the Yarra River for New Year’s Eve.
Tens of thousands of revellers will celebrate 2024 in the city’s downtown this evening.
A 9:30 p.m. AEDT fireworks display and an eight-minute midnight display are scheduled.
Kirsty and her fiance enjoyed a day by the river and chatted about getting married in 2024.
“In Scotland, we celebrate [New Year’s Eve] as Hogmanay,” Kirsty said.
We’re here to have fun, and we look forward to a great night in Melbourne.
“We departed early. Scottish customs.”
Canberra
Thousands celebrated the new year at Lake Burley Gryphon in Canberra.
But there will just be one fireworks display today because the ACT government eliminated the midnight spectacular.
The 15-minute fireworks display will start at 9 p.m. from Lake Burley Gryphon’s middle basin and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
Hobart
While the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has boosted activity on the waterfront, it’s only normal for these numbers to rise as the city prepares for the new year.
Two Derwent River boats will launch fireworks for the 25th year. Two nine-minute performances will start at midnight and 9:30 p.m.
Although Hobart’s eastern shore will offer a view of the display, Princes Park, Parliament House grounds, the Taste of Summer food event, and the Regatta Grounds are predicted to offer the greatest views.
A waterfront handicapped viewing place near Brooke Street Pier will also be built.
The council advises arriving at least 30 minutes before the fireworks because there isn’t much space.
Hobart City Councillor Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds says the fireworks will be “a great show” this year, and it’s always exciting to be in the city.
This year, the council prioritised accessibility and participant space, she said.
“We’ve got more spaces for people to gather; we’ve got more seating on the waterfront, so we’re really encouraging everyone and anyone who is keen to see in the new year to come down to the waterfront,” said Reynolds.
Parking is prohibited on waterfront roads, and there are more public restrooms, garbage cans, security personnel, and safety angels.
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Parking at Regatta Grounds is free. Buses cost $2 at 6 p.m., but you’ll need cash, so bring extra.
The Taste of Summer festival returns to Princes Wharf No. 1, with over 5,000 people expected to enjoy the food and live entertainment. Jon Stevens of Noiseworks will headline.
Taste CEO Stephen McMullen says this evening is always the festival’s highlight.
“It’s a big site with a lot of different experiences, and the forecast is going to be amazing,” said McMullen.
“We’re in the middle of the action, and if you’re a patron here, you’ve got the best seat in the house.”
BeerFest in Launceston, in the north, draws tens of thousands each year. There is plenty of food, beverages, and entertainment to keep guests entertained.
Instead of fireworks, Burnie City Council will launch a drone sky show. Devonport will have fireworks.
Adelaide
Elder Park/Murlawirrapurka hosts Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve event for tens of thousands.
The free fireworks display on the River Torrens is expected to draw 25,000 onlookers.
The celebration will include midnight and 9 p.m. fireworks.
“We’re just going to sit along the Adelaide shore here, enjoy some time with the family, and of course, enjoy the lovely weather Adelaide put on today,” a man remarked.
“Eat some cheese, drink some soft drinks, listen to the music, and sit here for the fireworks, which are always quite spectacular.”
Brisbane
Brisbane’s main celebrations are in South Bank Parklands. That night, youngsters can see fireworks from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.
Clem Jones Promenade, Streets Beach, River Quay Green, Riverside Green, and Cultural Forecourt are good viewing spots.
Michael McKee-Duff hopes to capture a “rom-com moment” to help Queensland singles in the New Year.
The singles mixer has sold 110 tickets, and the event planner expects Sunshine and Gold Coast residents to attend.
“All attendees want to have fun,” Mr. McKee-Duff remarked. Everyone will like being single. That is their major purpose, and leaving with someone works.
Our goal is to create enormous romantic moments on New Year’s Eve. We can influence things even though we can’t control or foresee them.”
Most guests are delighted to meet someone “off the apps,” says Mr. McKee-Duff.
Most are tired of apps since they’re impersonal and don’t allow social connections. “They want a real connection,” he remarked.
Darwin
Following last year’s washout, Darwin’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular and concert at the Darwin Waterfront are expected to draw large crowds.
Tonight, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts little rain in the Top End, so it should be dry.
At nine and midnight, the beachfront will host New Year’s Eve liquid light exhibitions and fireworks.
The family-friendly event will include local bands performing all evening.
“Yasmine Welsh, senior events and marketing coordinator at Darwin Waterfront Corporation, said that the event is free, family-friendly, safe, and constitutes a nice, safe experience for people.”
“Security and entertainment are plentiful.
“It’s an awesome location to ring in the New Year.”
The NT Police warn residents that private fireworks on New Year’s Eve are illegal.
Private fireworks are allowed in the Northern Territory on Territory Day, July 1st, but only during the allotted time.
Anyone caught with fireworks outside of approved times faces a $1,760 fine.
NT Police Superintendent Greg Pusterla warned that law enforcement would intervene if someone set off fireworks tonight for personal gain.
Perth
Perth officials expect large crowds at Elizabeth Quay for a free fireworks display at 5 p.m.
There, fireworks start at 8:00 p.m.
Northbridge and Perth will host the midnight rooftop spectacular, and other suburbs and state-wide fireworks displays will take place.
And who knows? Maybe a tennis legend will play at midnight.
Team Serbia, captained by Novak Djokovic, may beat Team China in tonight’s United Cup match in Perth. The game may continue after 2023.
The 36-year-old Djokovic may play doubles at Perth Arena during the city’s fireworks.
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