Qld New Year’s Eve: Fireworks, public transport, weather forecast, where to party
Queenslanders are set to farewell 2024 in style with millions of people expected to pack venues across the state with massive public parties planned.
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Queenslanders are set to farewell 2024 in style with hundreds of thousands expected to pack venues across the state.
More than 150,000 revellers are tipped to converge on vantage points across the Brisbane CBD for the Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks – featuring a family-friendly display at 7.45pm and another at midnight.
Four months in the planning, the city’s skyline will be lit up by 80,000 individual fireworks fired from four barges along the Brisbane River.
Skylighter Fireworks project manager Dale Norris said it would be the state’s largest Queensland-produced display this year.
The Star Brisbane will be one of the hottest destinations, with chief operating officer Kelvin Dodt confident the venue’s first New Year’s Eve would be a memorable one.
“The atmosphere at The Star Brisbane will be electric and will set the tone for an incredible year ahead,” he said.
The Emporium South Bank is also sold out, with 5000 bottles of champagne awaiting revellers.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said forecast showers would not dampen celebrations.
“Our fantastic fireworks crew are prepared for all weather situations and our New Year’s Eve show will go ahead rain, hail or shine,” he said.
“The only thing that could impact the celebrations would be extremely strong winds, so we hope that spectators will be able to brave the elements and still enjoy this fantastic free celebration that brings more to see and do to Brisbane.”
Public transport will be free from 8pm until 5.30am, with trains running every five minutes through South Bank and South Brisbane.
With so many people in the city, police have urged revellers to think carefully about their travel arrangements, and behaviour.
“We really want everyone to have an enjoyable New Year’s Eve and to get home safely,” Acting Superintendent Emma Fletcher said.
“We always have a bit of anti-social behaviour in relation to drinking, so plan ahead.”
WHERE TO SEE BRISBANE FIREWORKS
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
City Botanic Gardens
Victoria Park
Highgate Hill Park
Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Wilson Outlook Reserve
Eagle Street Pier
Captain Burke Park
Clem Jones Promenade
River Quay and Riverside Green
Howard Smith Wharves
GOLD COAST
Gold Coast City Council has planned five budget-friendly New Year’s Eve events for families from Coolangatta to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and the Broadwater. The main New Year’s Eve family party will be held at Broadbeach Parklands from 4pm.
SUNSHINE COAST
More than 30,000 people are expected to welcome in the New Year at Mooloolaba, with celebrations kicking off at 8.30pm. Coolum and Caloundra will also have firework displays.
MACKAY
The Mackay Regional Council’s New Year’s River Party is back at Bluewater Quay from 6pm to 9pm. The free community event will include a special appearance from Bluey.
CAIRNS
Cairns Regional Council is hosting a free family concert in the city from 5pm with family fireworks at 9pm followed by a midnight display at the Cairns Esplanade.
ROCKHAMPTON
The Light Up the Sky fireworks spectacular at the riverside precinct starts with a family-friendly display at 7.30pm and a showstopping finale at midnight.
TOWNSVILLE
Celebrations will be held at three locations – the Riverway Precinct, The Strand and Nelly Bay – from 4pm.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER FORECAST?
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines said there was a risk of showers and thunderstorms on New Year’s Eve across South East Queensland.
“Brisbane is unlikely to get storms, but certainly could get a few showers throughout the day,” he said.
“But as we approach the end of the day, those showers and storms will start to clear. There’s still a chance of one or two spots of rain (close to midnight).”
Mr Hines said after daytime maximums of around 29C, temperatures would drop to 25C at night.
Originally published as Qld New Year’s Eve: Fireworks, public transport, weather forecast, where to party
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