Where To Watch The Fireworks For Free In Your Capital City This NYE
It’s that time again, folks – time to welcome the new year with a bang.
As the world’s capitals get set to blast the sky with a prodigious quantity of pyrotechnics, be thankful you’re in Australia – our cities are no slouch when it comes to getting the New Year off to a spectacular start.
Here are some of the best spots to watch the show in each capital city.
Melbourne
As with most of the capitals, Melbourne offers an early firework session for the kiddies (or those planning to ring in the year with an early morning run) around 9:30pm, with a second display at the midnight countdown.
[related_articles]67906,66964[/related_articles]Yarra Park by the MCG (near Jolimont Station) is a popular choice, with bands and entertainers kicking things off on multiple stages from around 6pm. Others lap up the big event at Kings Domain, as well as the range of fine vantage points from Flagstaff Gardens (Flagstaff Station), Docklands (Southern Cross Station), and Treasury Gardens (Parliament Station).
Sydney
One of the most talked-about and sought-after New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the country (if not the world), Sydney’s Harbour Bridge event is one to write home about.
Get in early in the day to claim your spot – as well as a bunch of ticketed vantage points, parties and events, there are upwards of 30 decent spots to check out the displays around the harbour, some of which are larger (and more popular).
[related_articles]67177,67448[/related_articles]For full view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, East Circular Quay is a popular spot (between the Opera House Circular Quay Station), so too the entertainment-laden nook around Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay. The grasses of Bradfield Park and Dawes Point are also a big crowd draw, with steady showings at Mrs Macquaries Point, Pirrama Park, and Pyrmont Bay Park.
Adelaide
Though the official sites for New Year’s Eve in Adelaide have yet to be confirmed, they’ll likely replicate last’s year’s efforts.
For a family-friendly option, check out New Year’s Eve at the Bay, Glenelg and Brighton foreshore, featuring food and drink vendors, and and kid’s entertainment kicking off around 5:30pm (with an early fireworks display at 9:30pm). Official city fireworks take place at Elder Park, with the early session firing at 9:30pm.
[related_articles]67312,56671[/related_articles]Folks at Port Adelaide, meanwhile, can enjoy the a full day of action at Semaphore Beach, with requisite carnival vibe, rides and amusements to boot.
Brisbane
The main event in Brisbane goes down, of course, on the banks of the mighty Brisbane River, with the South Bank fireworks set to deliver a riveting start to 2018. Expect the largest crowds at South Bank itself, if not the Eagle Street Pier area, featuring New Year’s Eve-worthy views of the river and Story Bridge.
Perth
The big deal in Perth is without a doubt the events at Swan River, which has plenty of spots to take in the action. Kings Park is a great spot for all ages, while East Perth’s Foreshore festival is always a good call, too.
Failing that, locals can opt for Cannington’s midnight firework session, the family-friendly 9pm and midnight sessions at Mandurah (also featuring silent disco and food stalls), and Rockingham’s duel-display event at Churchill Park.
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For something a little different, leg it across to Rottnest Island and ring in the New Year with a few friendly quokkas (and the early firework show at 9pm).
Darwin
Look no further than the Darwin Waterfront for the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the NT. There’s a huge countdown and secondary fireworks display set for midnight. Though it’s an alcohol- and glass-free event, local vendors will be serving up tasty treats and drinks, with a free outdoor concert kicking off after 4pm.
Hobart
For the best of the Hobart NYE hullaballoo, head for the Hobart waterfront: the walkways, the wharves, and along Salamanca Place and Sullivan’s Cove. Blessed with hilly topography, consider taking the trek up to the Mount Nelson lookout, or Mount Wellington, for epic views of the fireworks from an elevated spot.
Canberra
The two main spots for firework goodness in Canberra are Civic Square and Garema Place: the former offering a free concert for all ages from 7:30pm, and the latter hosting a full-blown dance bash. Both come with 9pm and midnight fireworks.
For something a little further out, head for the foreshore along Lake Burley Griffin – a stunning nook to watch the colours as they light up the water.
Check out Qantas flights and start planning your next adventure.
(Lead image: Tom Hill / Unsplash)
