NYE 2021 rules: How your state, territory compares

Don’t go kissing randoms. Wear a mask – even if you are outdoors. And if you are unvaxxed, stay home. See the latest list of NYE rules and advice for revellers across Australia.

New Year celebrations across the country are being stripped back or canned altogether after the return of Covid rules in a bid to stop the spread of Omicron.

As Australians prepare to boot 2021, we’re also being urged to take personal responsibility for our health and others.

In some areas the unvaxxed are being told to stay home. In others, while masks are not compulsory outdoors, they are being recommended where social distancing is not possible.

And then there is the “creepy” midnight kiss: just lock lips with people you know, epidemiologists wisely advise.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to be cautious on NYE. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also urged Australians to “show appropriate caution, common sense”.

“What I would like people to do tomorrow night is (to) enjoy the evening,” he said on Thursday afternoon, after emerging from a meeting of national cabinet.

“I would like them to be looking forward to 2022, and looking forward confidently because Australia’s future is bright.”

Similarly, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly urged people to wear masks when in crowded settings.

“Other than that, enjoy the new year and let’s hope for a better 2022,” Prof Kelly said.

Read below to see how every state and territory will mark NYE:

VICTORIA

Instead of the usual rooftop fireworks display in the CBD, Melbourne City Council is only holding ticketed events to control the crowds. The events for 42,500 are being held in restricted zones at Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Alexandra Gardens and Treasury Gardens.

Planned drone shows at Docklands were canned after being hampered by Covid restrictions (training, transportation, logistics).

The Herald Sun understands about 50,000 people will also usher in the new year at pubs and clubs across the city, with many venues sold out well in advance.

Smaller fireworks displays, food and live music will be held in Melbourne’s inner suburbs and regional Victoria. A free fireworks display will take place on the Geelong Waterfront from 9.30pm.

Masks are still required at indoor venues for those aged eight and over. But Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is “strongly recommending” face masks outdoors when you can’t socially distance.

Acting Premier Jacinta Allan said the government’s advice for NYE remained that people should make their own decisions about how they marked the end of 2021. It has recommended that hospitality venues predominantly perform seated service, with dance floors in outdoor, well-ventilated areas.

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is “strongly recommending” face masks outdoors when you cannot socially distance. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

NEW SOUTH WALES

Sydney’s world-famous fireworks will go ahead with no restrictions. But revellers are being urged to wear a mask, social distance and steer clear of a midnight kiss. The unvaccinated are asked to stay home.

The City of Sydney says it can’t predict how many people will turn out for the display, but five of the six locations it manages were sold out with about 17,000 tickets booked. Another 87,000 people could attend, with tickets being sold for 25 other locations.

To minimise crowds, police are also urging people without tickets or reservations in the CBD to stay away.

The iconic Sydney NYE fireworks will go on. Picture: Getty Images

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The inaugural Light Up event at Rymill Park will replace the traditional Elder Park NYE fireworks, which has been scrapped for a second consecutive year due to the pandemic.

The family-friendly show will feature lighting and pyrotechnic displays at both 9.30pm and midnight, along with roving entertainment for a crowd of up to 5000.

Event director Daniel Michael told the Adelaide Advertiser attendees will have to follow Covid rules including wearing a mask unless eating, drinking or when seated, and social distancing.

Annual fireworks displays at Glenelg, Brighton and Semaphore have been axed due to Covid concerns but regional events are planned across the state, including Victor Harbor, Robe, Port Lincoln and Wallaroo.

Tightened rules, which limit pubs, restaurants and cafes to just 1 person per 4 sqm indoors and 1 person per 2 sqm outdoors, have forced some hospitality venues to shut their doors over the holiday period.

A planned Peel Street New Year’s Eve Street Party has been scaled back as most of the businesses along the popular West End strip close until next month.

Chief Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier implored people to have the “quietest New Year’s Eve they’ve ever had” urging them to stay home. Home gatherings are capped to 10 people (including residents). Masks are mandatory in shared indoor spaces. Dancing and singing has also been banned in licensed premises or at any other function.

QUEENSLAND

Brisbane’s fireworks return after being called off in 2020 due to Covid.

Two 10-minute fireworks displays will be held at South Bank, launched from the Brisbane River at 8.30pm and midnight.

Fireworks displays will also be held at Eagle Street Pier and the Regatta Hotel in Toowong.

There are no ticketing requirements or crowd limits to any of the events.

Revellers won’t have to be vaccinated to visit South Bank Parklands for the fireworks. However, unvaxxed will be required to check in via the Check In Queensland app.

TASMANIA

Ticketed events are being held in Tassie.

In Hobart, the annual Taste of Summer food and wine festival returns after a year off.

Two fireworks displays are planned for 9.30pm and the main event at midnight.

In Launceston, the Beerfest is planned for Royal Park. Family activities will take place from 11am-3.30pm before the evening events kick off from 5pm.

There are no limits of people dancing and standing up at events and venues where alcohol is served. But patrons must be fully vaccinated. Maximum density requirements for all venues and events apply.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

There are no NYE measures affecting celebrations at the Top End.

Instead Chief Minister Michael Gunner encouraged Territorians to go out and enjoy themselves on New Year’s Eve.

Fireworks, live music is going ahead on the Darwin Waterfront.

It’s business as usual for all pubs and clubs in Darwin and Alice Springs.

However, Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie warned Territorians could expect new public health measures “in coming days”.

“There’ll be events in the future, or locations, where mask-wearing will be mandated, and that’s important.”

Mitchell St in Darwin was abuzz to celebrate the end of 2020 and will be again for the end of 2021. Picture: Che Chorley

WEST AUSTRALIA

Premier Mark McGowan announced an extension to Covid restrictions for the Perth and Peel regions.

Outdoor events including NYE fireworks and the Perth Cup at Ascot on New Year’s Day will continue with partygoers urged to wear a mask. However, other NYE events have been cancelled including Origin Fields at Langley Park and the Snack Festival at Claremont Showground. The Pineapple Club in Market Square on January 1 has also been dropped.

All nightclubs and dance events have also been shut down.

Pubs and restaurants will be open but for seated service only.

All dancing is banned, except for weddings.

Masks are mandatory in all public indoor settings (including shopping centres, public transport)

The rules apply until January 4.

WA Premier Mark McGowan is determined to stay on top of the outbreak even if it means he is a party pooper.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra’s NYE fireworks display and concert in Civic Square won’t go ahead.

Instead smaller events will be held in each of the city’s town centres.

But more people will be able to go to pubs and clubs after an easing of density limits (one patron per two square metres).

Cinemas and theatres are also be able to sell 65 per cent of their seats, up to a maximum of 500, provided the venues are using the government’s contact tracing app.

Originally published as NYE 2021 rules: How your state, territory compares