Melbourne set for most impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks display yet
The annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display is expected to go to the next level this year, with the show taking on a unique theme. Plan your NYE with our list of events.
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Galaxies and stars are set to light up the city skyline this New Year’s Eve with Melbourne’s most impressive fireworks display yet.
The annual show will be bigger and better than ever, with intergalactic space theme Reach for the Stars to ring in the new year.
The theme pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, with Saturn ring, milky way and star shell themed fireworks.
Howard & Sons pyro technician Rusty Johnson said the fireworks were specially designed and manufactured for the show.
“This year we’ve developed a new range of Saturn rings with stars in the centre and the milky way ones which will just be a splatter of colour and noise across the sky to mimic some of the sites we see in the heavens,” he said.
“Then (there will be) the traditional chrysanthemums, peonies, all the ones that people love to come out and watch.”
The show will contain 14 and a half tonnes of fireworks, costing a total of $235,000.
He said the best place to view the spectacle would be outside of the city.
“Wherever you get a city skyline view you’ll get a great view,” Mr Johnson said.
“If you come in too close you’re obviously looking at a small part of the skyline and that’s not how we’ve designed the show.”
The fireworks will be perfectly synchronised to a unique Melbourne soundtrack created by local DJ MzRizk, which can be tuned into on FM 99.7 on the special night.
Over 400,000 Melburnians are expected to brave the masses to get a glimpse.
“I’m excited, everyone needs to be very excited,” Mr Johnson said.
Upwards of 85 pyro technicians will be working through the night to bring the magic spectacle to life, with most clocking off at around 3am or 4am.
While many are looking forward to the celebrations, Bill Smith said fireworks were “a terrible waste of money”.
“All they do is scare the living daylights out of our animals,” he said.
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Geoff Murphy said the money could be put to better use.
“(It) should be sent to the people put out by the fires,” he said.
The fireworks can be viewed at nominated celebration zones including Kings Domain, Docklands, Treasury Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens at midnight.
A separate fireworks show will be held at Yarra Park at 9:30pm for families looking for an early night.
Public transport will be free from 6pm on New Year’s Eve to make heading into the festivities a little easier.
WHAT’S ON NYE
CELEBRATION ZONES
9PM-1AM
Treasury Gardens
Flagstaff Gardens
Docklands
Kings Domain
FAMILY FIREWORKS
9.30PM in Yarra Park
Free stage entertainment and films 6pm-10pm
MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS
10-minute display launched from 22 city rooftops
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Free from 6pm on New Year’s Eve to 6am on New Year’s Day
WEATHER
New Year’s Eve
Max 21C
Chance early showers before a fine afternoon and clear evening
SUBURBS
FOOTSCRAY
Footscray Park, 6.30pm-10.30pm
Family fireworks at 9.30pm, carnival rides, food trucks
FITZROY NORTH
Edinburgh Gardens, 2pm-12am
Dog show, outdoor cinema, food trucks and view of city fireworks
DANDENONG
Harmony Square, 6pm-9.30pm
Global food stalls, circus and magic shows and fireworks
WILLIAMSTOWN
Seaworks Maritime Precinct, 6pm-12.30am
Food trucks, bars, DJ, live music and kids’ activities
COUNTRY
BALLARAT
Kryal Castle. 2pm-8pm
Dragon experience, bohemian market, royal joust, food trucks and inflatable slide
BENDIGO
Rosalind Park, 9.15pm-12.30am
Fireworks display in 24ha of grassy open space
GEELONG
Waterfront, 9.30pm-12am
Fireworks at 9.30pm and midnight
WARRNAMBOOL
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, 5.30pm-9.30pm
Food stalls, live music and cannon firing