Melbourne sky to be lit up with lasers this New Year’s Eve

The city’s laser display will be visible “from Frankston to Ferntree Gully”, with the council splashing millions on what it says will be its biggest and best celebration.

Close to half a million people are expected to descend on Melbourne CBD this New Year’s Eve, as the city prepares to host the largest laser display in the southern hemisphere.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the City of Melbourne has invested $4.9 million into this year’s celebrations, which will be the “biggest and best” to date.

“Melbourne is one of the first cities in the world to welcome in the new year, and so the eyes of the world will be on us, and we’ll be putting on quite a show,” he said.

Fireworks light up Melbourne’s skyline on New Year’s Eve last year. Picture: David Geraghty

Mr Reece said the fireworks and laser display planned for New Year’s Eve will be visible from “Frankston to Ferntree Gully”, but the best vantage points will be from the four family-friendly celebration zones at Treasury Gardens, Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens and The Shrine.

“Fireworks will be shooting off from 27 roof tops across the CBD, as well as displays in our celebration zones, and the most extraordinary laser show that Melbourne has ever seen,” he said.

“There will be more lasers than Star Wars.”

Mr Reece encouraged Melburnians to plan ahead and make use of public transport, as it will be difficult for vehicles to get in and out of the city due to road closures.

“Please plan your evening. Work out an itinerary, book yourself into one of our celebration zones, or a restaurant or a venue, have fun and keep it safe,” he said.

“It is the busiest night of the year for Melbourne. We’re expecting half a million people to descend on the city, so please try and get in by public transport.”