Major cities reveal fireworks plans for New Year’s Eve

There’s been some last-minute changes in one city, but the show will go on. See the New Year’s Eve plans for every major city.

It is not long now until Australia is ringing in the new year and fireworks displays are back across the country.

Unlike last year, there will be iconic fireworks in every major city this New Year’s Eve.

However, thanks to the Covid pandemic, in some cities, celebrations will still look different.

This is what can be expected.

Melbourne

If you were planning on seeing the fireworks and haven’t got a ticket to one of Melbourne’s four official “celebration zones”, unfortunately you won’t be seeing them.

The City of Melbourne made the decision to not launch rooftop fireworks this year to discourage large gatherings of people watching them.

Instead, the city will launch fireworks from the ground at four locations so only the people with tickets will be able to view them. The 42,000 free tickets have been exhausted already and they’ll be none available at the door.

The ticketed zones will also feature entertainment.

There will be no fireworks launched from rooftops in Melbourne this year. Picture: AAP / James Ross

“These Celebration Zones will allow smaller crowds to gather in a controlled setting at different ends of the city, ensuring the safest possible event,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

She encourages people who missed out on a ticket to book for “Street Feasts” instead, which includes 32 dining venues across seven city precincts.

To view the fireworks from home, you can watch Channel 9. Coverage will begin at 11pm.

Sydney

Sydney will also use a ticketing system to manage crowds watching the fireworks.

“All vantage points and functions in the CBD will require a booking,” a City of Sydney spokeswoman said.

“We ask all attendees to plan their evening and arrange a ticket for a vantage point before coming into the city – if you don’t have a vantage point ticket or venue reservation, or are feeling unwell, you are encouraged to stay at home and watch the fireworks on the ABC or iview.”

The council has introduced free tickets for its six managed access sites including Beare, Bicentennial, Embarkation, Giba, Observatory Hill and Pirrama parks.

Other popular parks are subject to paid ticketing by the NSW government.

The city will this year have a Welcome to Country fireworks display at 9pm, curated by First Nations artist Blak Douglas.

Sydney’s fireworks have had an Indigenous element before but not on this scale, making for a special year.

First Nations artist Blak Douglas is curating a New Year's Eve fireworks display for Sydney. Picture: Abril Felman / City of Sydney

The welcome will start on the harbour with a smoking ceremony on the Tribal Warrior vessel.

At 9pm, the display then includes projections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons, a fireworks display, an exclusive soundtrack and a hip-hop performance.

The fireworks display will have an earth pastel colour theme including sunflower shells and ochre coloured willow shells.

“I’ve taken this immeasurably honourable opportunity to pay my respects – respect to the very First Nations peoples who’ve helped model my career journey,” Blak Douglas said.

“Elders, music and performance mentors and local grassroots community members.

“We culminate with a contemporary extravaganza that shall be a phenomenal historic first.”

The show will conclude with the age-old Aboriginal custom of presenting a symbolic message stick to the Lord Mayor. The handcrafted rainbow coloured stick is representative of inclusion and change.

Sydney has promised more fireworks this year, but all vantage points are ticketed. Picture: AAP / Mick Tsikas

For the fireworks display by Foti International Fireworks at midnight, City of Sydney has promised “more fireworks than ever before” fired off the four sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Fireworks will also be launched from five barges on the harbour between Goat Island and Garden Island, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be brought to life with 178 firing locations.

Brisbane

In Brisbane, no tickets will be required and there will be no crowd limits to view the fireworks.

Fireworks will be launched from three barges and two pontoons in the river between the Cultural Forecourt and River Quay at South Bank at 8.30pm and midnight.

“We were unable to have fireworks last year due to Covid, so we are excited for the display to return to South Bank this year,” Brisbane City Council Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said.

“A highlight of this year’s show will be a special aquatic effect for the 8:30pm display – it will create a sea of red and green on the surface of the river.

“There will also be several Queensland-first fireworks including a special type of gold, cascading glitter waterfall and a gold comet-effect firework.”

There will be no crowd limits when watching Brisbane’s fireworks this year. Picture: AAP / Dan Peled

Gates for the parklands open at 10am and there will be bag checks upon entry.

“South Bank Parklands will continue to be zoned alcohol free unless dining at one of the designated restaurants and bars,” Ms Adams said.

Adelaide

In Adelaide, plans have been “dramatically scaled back” due to Covid.

The “Light Up” family event at Rymill Park, which is ticketed at $10-15, will have two fireworks shows at 9:30pm and midnight. It has a capacity of 5000.

Fireworks will also be launched in North Adelaide at midnight.

Most of the city’s “Midnight Moment” events, which are dining venues that require bookings, will also have a view of fireworks.

Fireworks will not be held at Elder Park this year like they have been for 10 years. Picture: AAP / Morgan Sette

The City of Adelaide said it had to rethink its New Year’s Eve strategy after last year’s cancelled festivities.

“This new event format spreads the large crowd across a number of areas in the city and North Adelaide, providing an option that meets the needs of community and business,” it says on its website.

“NYE has been held at Elder Park for 10 years and in 2019 attracted approximately 80,000 people.

“We needed to create a smaller, bespoke event which spreads the crowd but still feels lively. With Gluttony’s help we feel Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka is the best space for this.”

Perth

There will be no festivals or nightclubs due to Covid restrictions, and now the City of Perth has revealed it has also had to make changes to its New Year’s Eve plans.

“We’ve been in discussions with the Department of Health over the past few days and removed the music performances planned for Yagan Square to ensure people comply with the no dancing rule,” Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said on Thursday.

Other aspects will go ahead as planned, including a 9pm and midnight fireworks display.

The best views are said to be at Perth Cultural Centre, Yagan Square and William Street (between Francis and Roe Street).

Tasmanians can view the fireworks from either side of River Derwent. Picture: Chris Kidd

Hobart

Hobart will have its usual 9.30pm and midnight fireworks displays over the harbour, launching from the middle of the River Derwent.

The main viewing point will be from the “Taste of Summer” New Year’s Eve event, which is run privately and is ticketed.

But council said Tasmanians are welcome to view the fireworks from plenty of other vantage points on either side of the river for free.

Darwin

Darwin will have two fireworks shows at 9pm and midnight as part of an event at the Darwin Waterfront.

The line-up includes Amy Shark, The Veronicas, Conrad Sewell and Darwin-based disco party band Disco Polenta.

For kids, there will be Bluey and Paw Patrol.

Tickets start at $35 and there are about 9000 available.