Where to see New Year’s Eve fireworks in Brisbane and SEQ
By Nick Dent
Brisbane and surrounds are getting ready to welcome 2025 with the customary big bangs.
The CBD has the Lord Mayor’s event but pubs, clubs and community groups around town are putting on their own displays. Fireworks will erupt up and down Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches, and family-friendly displays are also happening out west.
Events are free unless otherwise noted.
Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Brisbane - the fireworks as viewed from Streets Beach in South Bank.Credit: Brisbane City Council
CBD
Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, 7.45pm & 12am
The top viewing locations at South Bank include the Clem Jones Promenade, the Cultural Forecourt, Riverside Green and River Quay.
South Bank will be fenced off, with access at 13 entry points. Streets Beach and other water zones close at 5pm on December 31. Banned items include alcohol, pets, drones, scooters, bikes and laser pointers.
If travelling to South Bank, be aware of major road closures affecting Little Stanley Street, Russell Street, Grey Street, Tribune Street, Ernest Street and Sidon Street. The underground South Bank Car Park will be open and accessible. Trains will be fully operational on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with the exception of the Doomben Line – check the Translink website before you go.
Other vantage points for the Lord Mayor’s Fireworks include Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point; Wilson’s Outlook Reserve Park in New Farm; and Dock Street (near the Maritime Museum) in South Brisbane.
Because Brisbane is so hilly you can also get a good view a fair way out of town. Try the Camp Hill Bowls Club in Seven Hills; Highgate Hill Park; Eildon Hill Reservoir in Wilston; and of course, the Mount Coot-tha Lookout.
North
The outdoor event has face painting, balloon twisting, a jumping castle and other rides for amusing the kids until the big bangs begin at 8pm.
50 Graham Road, Carseldine, 4.30-8pm.
DJs, cash giveaways and food specials will accompany the two fireworks shows at the home of the Broncos.
98 Fulcher Road, Red Hill. 7pm-12.15am.
Enjoy rides, food trucks and face painting before settling in for an outdoor movie (Sing) at 7.45pm. Fireworks commence at 9.30pm.
Kings Beach Amphitheatre, Caloundra, 4-9.45pm.
Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 8.30pm
The annual event is expecting 30,000 people this year and will feature roving entertainment and face painting for the kids, food trucks and markets. Fireworks are at 8.30pm.
Mooloolaba Esplanade, 5-10pm.
South
Bulimba Golf Club is a bit of a hidden gem. For New Year’s they have fireworks, live music from The Lazy Hyena, food trucks, inflatables for the kids and a children’s disco. Bookings are essential and tickets are $25-$125.
105 Quay Street, Bulimba, 6pm-12.15am.
The Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains, 9pm
One of Brisbane’s best family pubs is pulling out the stops on December 31 with a live band from 8pm, fireworks at 9pm, full menu until 9pm and pizzas and chips until 11pm. Book ahead for a table.
Cnr Logan Road & Gaskell Street, Eight Mile Plains, until 4am.
New Year’s Eve by the Lake, 8.30pm
Head to Varsity Promenade with a picnic blanket for food trucks, live shows, kids’ activities and fireworks at 8.30pm.
Waterfront Stage, Varsity Promenade, Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes, 5.30-8.30pm.
New Year’s Eve in Broadbeach, 8pm & 12am
Have dinner at one of Broadbeach’s top-notch restaurants near Kurrawa Pratten Park and your New Year’s will be complete.
Pratten Park, Broadbeach, 8pm-12.15am.
New Year’s Eve in Coomera, 8pm
Head to Coomera Sports Park for DJ, food trucks, kids’ activities and 8pm fireworks.
35 Beattie Road, Coomera, 6-8.15pm.
North Kirra New Year’s Eve, 7.30pm
Bring your own picnic rug but you can buy food, drink and glow sticks on site. There’ll be a jumping castle and face painting too.
North Kirra Beach, 4-8pm.
This evening of family fun on the northern Gold Coast includes dancing Chinese lions, face painting, a sausage sizzle, and fireworks at 9.
Paradise Point Parklands, The Esplanade, Paradise Point, 5-9.15pm.
The Surfers Paradise New Year’s Eve Fireworks display is one of the largest in Queensland. Get down early to reserve your place along the Foreshore.
Surfers Paradise Foreshore, 5pm-12.15am.
East
The club is celebrating with a 1980s theme and two fireworks displays. The club’s supervised play area for kids, Playland, will be open late until 9.30pm, with face painters and balloon artists on duty.
1390 Creek Road, Carina, 8-11.30pm.
Bribie Island New Year’s Eve Carnival, fireworks time TBC
Rotary Club of Bribie Island is organising a New Year’s Eve event at Brennan Park. Expect food vendors, market stalls, side show alley and fireworks after sunset.
Brennan Park, Bongaree, 4-9pm.
West
Is it 2025 or 1985? Club Parkview is having a Back to the 80s party with facepainting from 6pm, live music from 8.30pm, fireworks at 9pm and cash door prizes.
32 Woogaroo Street, Goodna, 6pm-late.
Ipswich Central Fireworks, 9pm
The best public viewing locations are Bill Paterson Oval, Ipswich Netball Courts and Oval C and D at Limestone Park.
Limestone Park, 42 Chermside Road, Ipswich, 6-9pm.
The drive-in is having a New Year’s Eve festival with markets, food trucks, entertainment, laser show and fireworks. The big bangs will go off at 9pm.
50 Coal Road, Chuwar, 4-9.15pm.
Toowoomba New Year’s Eve Celebrations, 8pm
The Garden City will put on a display at the Godsall Street Oval in Queens Park. Visitors are invited to make a picnic prior to the event.
Queens Park, Toowoomba, 8pm.
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