Best free fireworks NYE 2018/19

How will you be ringing in 2019? We think there’s no better way to welcome in the New Year than with an exciting fireworks display, surrounded by friends, family and the community. Wherever you are in Australia, here are the best places to see free fireworks tonight.

Canberra
The nation’s capital has arranged some special treats for Canberrans. You can kiss goodbye to 2018 with music, food and fireworks at Civic Square. Starting from 6pm and going all through the night, the city will host a free, all-ages concert, while world-class fireworks will light up the sky (at 9pm and 12am), at this alcohol-free event.

Transport Canberra’s Late Night Rapid Services will be operating until 2am, to help you party late and arrive home safe.

Melbourne
From 6pm to 1am, the City of Melbourne will host a spectacular display of fireworks and free entertainment in the city, from the tops of skyscrapers and along the Yarra River. This is the city’s largest free public celebration – certainly not to be missed!

To find the ideal NYE location for your needs, check out these recommended gardens and vantage points.

Sydney
If you want to be in the thick of it, Sydney Harbour’s stunning fireworks event is for you. This is one of the biggest and most impressive ones in the world, witnessed by more than one million people, who gather annually to celebrate together, whether on land or a restaurant cruise to witness the harbour bridge spectacular! Get down for the family-friendly session at 9pm, or the usual event at 12am.

Brisbane
The countdown is on! If you’re in Brisbane for New Year’s Eve, the main celebration kicks of at 8.30pm and again at midnight, with each show lasting 10 exciting, explosive minutes! The best viewing spot is from South Bank along the Clem Jones Promenade, Streets Beach and River Quay.

Perth
Perth knows how to celebrate in style and this New Year’s Eve is no exception. A string of fireworks will be set off along the famous Swan River, Rottnest Island, Mandurah and on the banks of the Cannington River. Kids will enjoy the early-bird shows at 9pm, while the adults can ring in 2019 on a cruise or get down to Swan River for the midnight fireworks.

To find out where to watch Perth’s fireworks, check out this fireworks location list.

Adelaide
In South Australia’s capital, party-goers have their choice of family-friendly events and glamorous parties. Every year, the City of Adelaide throws its elaborate NYE bash at Elder Park, and fireworks at Glenelg and Port Adelaide, with carnivals for the whole family all through the day and night. You can see the fireworks at 9pm and 12am at Semaphore Beach, Port Adelaide.

Hobart
Down in Tassie, the celebrations are running strong. Hobart’s main New Year’s Eve fireworks display will be held over the harbour and you can get a great view from along the waterfront. The best vantage points are Hobart Waterfront, Mount Wellington and Mount Nelson Lookout.

Here are some of the best New Year’s events happening in Hobart.

Darwin
In Darwin for NYE? Grab your picnic basket, because a fabulous, free fireworks display will be kicking off at 9pm, then again at midnight, at the Darwin Waterfront. If you’re up for a party, there are plenty more special events, dinners and dinner parties, so go check them out!

What was the best New Year’s Eve fireworks display you saw?

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Written by Amelia Theodorakis

A writer and communications specialist with eight years’ in startups, SMEs, not-for-profits and corporates. Interests and expertise in gender studies, history, finance, banking, human interest, literature and poetry.

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