Waterfront views and a fireworks spectacular: what to expect this NYE
Record crowds are expected to flock to Hobart’s waterfront for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Find out what’s in store for the mega event.
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TASMANIANS are set to ring in the New Year in style as event organisers gear up for record crowds in the city.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to Hobart’s waterfront for a celebratory evening filled with food, wine and fireworks.
Throngs of tourists will join in the waterfront festivities, with passengers from three cruise ships and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race crowd in town for the New Year.
Free daytime entry to the Taste of Summer festival as part of the City of Hobart’s Community Day is also set to attract thousands to the waterfront, while live music events across the city will draw in big crowds.
City of Hobart City Futures Director Katy Cooper said the New Year’s Eve celebrations would not be complete without the annual fireworks displays over the Derwent River.
“With so much on offer on the waterfront and in the city, Hobart will see big – and possibly record – crowds of revellers and party goers.” Ms Cooper said.
“A map of the best locations to watch the fireworks displays can be found on the City of Hobart website, with the displays also being lifestreamed on the City’s Facebook page.”
For those wanting a view of the fireworks without the pumping waterfront crowds, look no further than The Telegraph Hotel’s rooftop bar.
Assistant venue manager Michael Zasadny said revellers don’t need a ticket or a booking to enjoy the view from the newly renovated rooftop.
“I think it’s better that we have the option for anybody to come in and enjoy the view, enjoy having a nice drink and something to eat while celebrating the New Year,” Mr Zasadny said.
“We’ll have two DJs, we have acoustic live sets through the afternoon as well, so there is lots of music and plenty going on.”
Revellers don’t have to worry about waiting for a taxi after a night of partying, with Metro Nightrider buses offering $2 trips and additional services until 1am in Hobart, Burnie and Launceston.
The celebrations won’t be confined to Hobart, with many trading thumping city crowds for camping and beaches on the East Coast.
East Coast Tasmania chief executive Grace Keath said she expected interstate travellers to flock to coastal holiday spots during Tasmania’s first summer without border restrictions since the pandemic.
“Lots of family holidays, all the shacks are full and we saw so many cars on Boxing Day heading out camping,” Ms Keath said.
Party goers are being urged to celebrate responsibly, with Tasmania Police conducting proactive patrols across the main entertainment precincts in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devenport.
Police will also be monitoring roads across the state for drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Detective Inspector Rebecca Davis has urged revellers to drink responsibly and plan their way home at the start of the night.
“Police will have a highly visible police presence out and about across the state for New Year’s Eve to ensure everyone has a safe environment.”
Display ‘going to be spectacular’
The stage has been set for a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display on Hobart’s waterfront.
The team at FX Fireworks has been busy preparing the 9.30pm family fireworks and traditional midnight display, which will showcase “a kaleidoscope of different colours”.
FX Fireworks director Allan Spiegel said the fireworks will shoot up to 200m high and light up the sky for about 10 minutes, allowing party goers around Hobart to catch a glimpse of the dazzling display.
“You can see them right around Sullivan’s Cove and Salamanca. You’ll be able to see it anywhere where you’ve got a view of the water,” Mr Spiegel said.
“You’ve got a big canvas in the sky of colour and you’ll be able to see that anywhere on the hill. So you could see it from up to even five or 10 kilometres away.”
Mr Spiegel designed this year’s display along with the accompanying music, which he said has “something for everyone”.
“There’s some new colours in there, shapes and couple of numbers. It’s always spectacular.
“It’s just a kaleidoscope of different colours and effects and whistles and bangs.”
Mr Spiegel said the 9.30pm fireworks offered families and kids the chance to enjoy the festivities without having to stay out late, while the midnight spectacular was the perfect way to ring in the New Year.
A map of the best locations to watch the fireworks displays can be found on the City of Hobart website, with the displays also being livestreamed on the City’s Facebook page.
Originally published as Waterfront views and a fireworks spectacular: what to expect this NYE
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