Your guide to Melbourne’s New Years fireworks
Spectacular fireworks are set to light up the Melbourne skyline once again with the biggest firework show ever. We have the best spots to see the show and everything you need to know about where you can catch the fireworks across Victoria.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Over 350,000 people are expected to head into the city to celebrate New Years and welcome 2019 with style.
Melbourne has been promised its most exciting fireworks display ever, with 75 pyrotechnicians to set off 14 tonnes of fireworks with 25 tonnes of equipment over 22 city rooftops.
Four official live sites in the CBD will feature entertainment leading up to the midnight display, while families will be able to enjoy a special fireworks show at 9.30pm at Yarra Park.
Starting from 4pm punters are expected to start flocking to the four main live sites at Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Docklands and Kings Domain.
LORD MAYOR PROMISES BEST FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Melbourne City Council is encouraging more people to view the festivities from outside the inner city as this year’s fireworks display will be tweaked for maximum exposure.
To help with the massive crowds, hundreds of additional police and security staff will be spread out across the city to help keep revellers safe.
For those planning on avoiding the crowds and watching from home, the fireworks will be broadcasted live on Channel 7.
For those in regional parts of Victoria there will be firework displays in Geelong, Bendigo, Cowes, Mildura, Wangaratta, Warrnambool, Lakes Entrance and Mooroopna.
To ensure you ring in 2019 with a bang, we have everything you need to know about the fireworks in Melbourne and across Victoria.
REVELLERS URGED TO BEHAVE OR 'PAY THE PRICE’
POLICE TO BE OUT IN FORCE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
MELBOURNE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE TO BE LIKE NO OTHER
WHEN ARE THE FIREWORKS?
There are two firework sessions. If you’ve got kids or just want an early night, the best option is to head into the city in time for the early fireworks at 9:30pm. They’ll be at Yarra Park, near the MCG and at Footscray Park. From 6pm there will be family friendly entertainment and live bands.
The feature fireworks start at the stroke of Midnight and will go for approximately 10 minutes.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We say ditch the car, parking in the city will be a nightmare with road closures and limited spots.
Public transport will be free from 6pm New Year’s Eve until 6am on New Year’s Day. Extra services will run through the night. After midnight, trains will run every 10 minutes until 1.30am with extra services running through the night. Until 2:00am, trams will run every 5-10 minutes with buses also departing the city every 15 minutes.
For regional passengers, V/Line will operate additional services as well as night coaches from Southern Cross. The entire timetable for New Year’s Eve is avaliable online.
On New Year’s Day most public transport will run to a Saturday or public holiday timetable with no Night Network services on New Year’s Day.
You can plan your journey using the PTV website.
BEST SPOTS TO SEE THE FIREWORKS
Whether it’s on the banks of the river, or at one of Melbourne’s best rooftop bars, the best spot to see the fireworks is where ever you can the skyline. Across Melbourne there will be four live sites for fireworks and entertainment at Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Docklands and Kings Domain. The live music and entertainment will start at 9pm.
BEST SPOTS TO SEE THE FIREWORKS OUTSIDE MELBOURNE
Yarra Boulevard, Kew.
Ruckers Hill, Northcote.
Green Point, Brighton Beach.
The Strand, Williamstown.
Mount Dandenong.
Albert Park, Albert Park.
Point Ormond, Elwood.
WEATHER FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
Melbourne: Even Mother Nature is chipping in to make the evening perfect, with clouds clearing after a top of 25C during the day. Temperatures are forecast to sit at 17C or 18C at midnight.
WEATHER FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY
Melbourne: Top of 26 forecast, mostly sunny and light winds. Low of 15.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
Veterinarians are bracing for an influx of lost and injured pets after frightening fireworks light up the skies.
Fireworks-phobic dogs are at risk of hurting themselves and others during the celebrations, according to Lort Smith Animal Hospital’s Dr David Cunliffe.
“Some dogs really, really don’t like fireworks and have a phobic reaction to them and the dog will behave in a really extravagant way,” he said.
“They might make huge efforts to escape from the noise.
“Those episodes can cause very serious injuries to the dog.”
He said dogs often presented with broken jaws and legs after New Year’s Eve, as well as injuries from being hit by cars.
The vet said the best way to help a dog through the evening was to prepare.
“Consult your veterinarian,” Dr Cunliffe said. “Keep the dog inside in a special calm place.
“You can reward them for calm behaviour and play some gentle music.”
He also said drugs were available from veterinarians for short-term use to keep very anxious dogs calm and safe.
Even well-behaved dogs can become aggressive when scared, so the vet advised people to resist holding on to their pets if they were struggling.
Owners were encouraged to make sure all identification tags and microchips were up to date.
Other tips include removing any sharp objects that might injure a panicking animal, distracting your dog with games and food and making sure your dog is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register.
Also ensure they are wearing an ID tag so they can be easily returned if they accidentally escape.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING YOUR EVENING
- If you want to enjoy NYE festivities in the city the key is to PLAN AHEAD. Have an idea of where you want to be and how you plan to get there.
- Try to avoid moving around too much, the crowds will make moving from venues extremely difficult.
- The live site events and all City council events are alcohol free and fines apply.
- Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Pack a picnic rug if you’re heading to one the live sites
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS IN VICTORIA
Geelong Waterfront Fireworks
Fireworks times:9.30pm and midnight
Location: Geelong Waterfront
Frolic in Corio Bay as Geelong’s night sky is light up with two firework displays.
Bendigo Fireworks
Fireworks times: 9.15pm and midnight
Location: Rosalind Park
Cowes/Phillip Island Fireworks
Fireworks time: 5.30pm
Location: Cowes Esplanade and Jetty
From 5.30pm there will be family friendly activities along the Esplanade including a petting zoo, face painter, jumping castle and carnival rides.
Shepparton/Mooroopna Fireworks
Fireworks time: 10.25pm
Location: John Grey Oval, Mooroopna
The Rotary of Mooroopna will be hosting it’s annual New Year’s festival once again. As well as two fireworks shows there will be live entertain and plenty of food and drinks available.
Mildura Fireworks
Fireworks times: Midnight
Location: Nowingi Place, Mildura
Mildura Rural City Council will be putting a family fun festival on the banks of the beautiful Murray River. So bring a chair, picnic rug and enjoy the fabulous free entertainment.
Warrnambool Fireworks
Fireworks times: 9pm and midnight
Location: Warrnambool Breakwater
For those holidaying in the Warrnambool head to the main beach for the best views.
Wangaratta Fireworks
Fireworks times: 9pm and Midnight
Location: Apex Park, Wangaratta
Apex Park will be filled with children’s activities, live music from, a moonlight movie and spectacular fireworks.
Lakes Entrance Fireworks
Fireworks times: 9pm and 12pm
Location: Lakes Entrance foreshore
There will be plenty of family friendly fun at foreshore with of live entertainment and market stalls for all ages.
Melton Fireworks
Fireworks time: Midnight
Location: Tabcorp Park
*Gold coin donation on entry
Tabcorp will holding the biggest New Year’s Eve in the west. The jam-packed event will have free entertainment and rides for kids, as well as harness racing and live music.
Know of somewhere else having a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve? Let us know in the comments below.
‘Angels’: Hero Coles workers save mum’s life
A mother of three has opened up on how her life was saved after she suddenly collapsed while doing a routine supermarket shop.
Wildlife and traffic fears over music festival
Wildlife advocates fear a weekend music festival in central Victoria will endanger native animals including rescued joeys.