New Year’s Eve Brisbane: Where to see fireworks, what to wear

Near-perfect conditions are expected as southeast Queensland ushers in the new year. We’ve got your last-minute fireworks, fashion and transport tips.

HUNDREDS of extra police will hit the streets and specialists will be on standby for New Year celebrations when thousands of revellers gather for the biggest party of the year.

Southeast Queensland can expect near-perfect conditions for watching New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Biggest fireworks display ever

Brisbane’s biggest NYE parties

Fireworks in SEQ, cyclone in FNQ

The weather bureau is predicting no chance of rain, light winds and temperatures in the mid-20s.

Partygoers north of Cairns may be better off at home with the potential for heavy rain and damaging winds set to dampen celebrations.

Crowds are tipped to take advantage of the mild conditions in the southeast by packing into South Bank, Eagle Street Pier, Portside Wharf, and Howard Smith Wharves, as well as on rooftop vantage points in Brisbane and on the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

Meteorologist Harry Clark forecast “pretty boring” conditions in the southeast, which is ideal for fireworks.

Brisbane will welcome 2019 with a blast, hosting what is being billed as the city’s biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza ever.

Two displays are planned for Brisbane, one at 8.30pm and another at midnight.

The midnight show will include a tribute to the queen of soul Aretha Franklin, who died in August.

Her hit Respect will be included as part of the fireworks spectacle.

South Bank Parklands will be a prime location for tonight’s fireworks.

Police commander of new year celebrations Chief Superintendent Cameron Harsley said up to 150,000 people were expected to flock to vantage points around the Brisbane River in the city.

“We’ll have almost 400 extra officers with special response available,” he said.

“There is no direct threat to the event at all.

“The weather is looking good and we just encourage everyone to have a Plan B and stay in groups and look after each other.

“Don’t drink-drive and be mindful of young kids to make sure they are supervised at events.”

Supt Harsley said police would use a number of mitigation strategies, from bollards to police presence and barriers.

He said areas to be policed included the Howard Smith Wharves, along with Eagle St, Caxton St, and the Valley-City precinct.

“There will be water police of course and we’ll have (police helicopter) Polair as well,” he said.

“We’ll have public safety response officers working with us and regional tactical crime officers.

On the Gold Coast, local police will be joined by the helicopter support unit, water police, road police and Logan district officers.

Police said they would target people drinking in public places, while also looking for law-breakers around foreshore areas including bus and tram stops and car parks.

The Story Bridge will take centre stage again.

Gold Coast district major events group Inspector Gavin Peachey said: “Significant police numbers are dedicated to New Year’s Eve patrols focusing on public safety to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy their celebrations and then travel home safely.”

Police warned of significant traffic delays in and around Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Runaway Bay and other areas that offer vantage points to view fireworks.

Queensland Natural Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Lynham yesterday pleaded with revellers to remain safe by attending one of the state’s professional fireworks displays rather than risking serious injury or death by “illegally using fireworks”.

“Attending displays under the control of licensed fireworks contractors is a smarter, safer choice,” Dr Lynham said.

“If you know of anyone selling or using fireworks illegally, contact the Queensland Police Service or the explosives inspectorate.”

Anyone caught illegally using or possessing fireworks face fines of up to $47,120 or six months in jail.

One of the best fireworks vantage points in Brisbane will be from the Treasury Hotel roof top where 100 people will attend a Dom Perignon party.

Tickets are still available for the $350, three-hour package which includes Dom Perignon champagne, cocktails, Cloudy Bay wines, an oyster bar, savoury and dessert stations and a live DJ.

Prime locations to watch fireworks

BRISBANE

WHEN:8.30pm and midnight

WHERE:South Bank Reach of the Brisbane River from Goodwill Bridge to Victoria Bridge. Shafton Reach of Brisbane River adjacent to Howard Smith Wharves. Hamilton Reach, Brisbane River Opposite Portside Wharf.

SUNSHINE COAST

WHEN: 8.30pm and midnight:

WHERE: The Esplanade, Mooloolaba

WHEN: 9.15pm

WHERE: Kings Beach, Caloundra

GOLD COAST

WHEN: 8.30pm and midnight

WHERE: Ocean-side Surfers Paradise adjacent to Cavill Avenue.

WHEN: 9pm and midnight

WHERE: Main Beach, Broadwater
adjacent to Seaworld Nara Resort

WHEN: 8pm and midnight

WHERE: Coolangatta, Kirra Groyne, Queen Elizabeth Park, Marine Parade.

CAIRNS

WHEN: Midnight

WHERE:Cairns Esplanade

Kirsty Macleod wearing Rachel Burke at Treasury Brisbane for New Year's Eve. Picture: Tara Croser

Get dressed to the 19s

METALLICS and glitter are the biggest style trends when it comes to choosing your New Year’s Eve party attire.

Brisbane fashion designer Rachel Burke, who specialises in wearable art pieces made from tinsel, said there’s no better night to sparkle.

“Anything metallic, especially in gold or silver is a great option,” she said.

“Sequins, embellishments and tinsel have lots of movement in them, so they’re a great way to stand out and such a fun way to express yourself.

“Take the opportunity to show off and have a memorable night.

“Wearing something outlandish is a festive way to do that.”

While Burke says gold and silver are undoubtedly the most popular choices, bold primary colours such as red and electric blue are also party appropriate.

“Anything shiny by nature will look great,” she said.

For those who prefer to keep their look more simple, Burke says opt for classic white.

“It’s a great base that always looks fresh and can be paired with shiny accessories for something extra,” she said.

One of the best places in Brisbane to countdown to the new year in style is at Treasury Brisbane at their On the Rooftop event, where Dom Perignon champagne, Hennessy cocktails and an oyster bar are on offer.

More free rides ensure safer night

FREE travel on public transport has been extended and extra services added for tonight as authorities seek to move thousands of New Year’s Eve revellers around southeast Queensland.

And partygoers using apps to book taxis or ride share services have been urged to contact drivers and check details such as registration numbers so they get into the right cars for their trips.

With hundreds of thousands of revellers expected to cram popular New Year’s Eve sites such as South Bank in Brisbane and Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, authorities are warning revellers that transport services will be busiest at the end of each fireworks session.

TransLink has extended its free travel period by 45 minutes with all services free from 8pm tonight until 5.30am tomorrow.

TransLink executive director of operations Jasmine Green said that revellers should plan ahead using the TransLink website.

Leaving the car at home was advised to ensure a stress-free night.

“TransLink works with our public transport delivery partners to help meet travel demand during this period and especially before and after fireworks,” Ms Green said.

An Uber spokeswoman said thousands of drivers were expected to log in to the app in Brisbane and the Gold Coast tonight.

“New Year’s Eve is expected to be a busy night for Uber, as many riders across Brisbane and the Gold Coast look for a safe way home after their celebrations,” she said.

With surge pricing expected to kick-in during the peak travel times, the spokeswoman reminded users to make sure they checked the estimated fare on app before requesting a driver. She said if the fare was too expensive, passengers could check back in a few minutes or choose other transport.