Where to see out the New Year in Tasmania: your go-to guide to the best parties
Whether you want to dance the night away or relax with friends and family there is something on offer for everyone across the whole state this New Year’s Eve.
Tasmania
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There’s something for everyone in all corners to celebrate as the state gears up to say goodbye to 2024.
Hobart will be abuzz with the Taste of Summer, visiting yachts and of course the fireworks lighting up over the river Derwent.
“This year, we’re offering a dedicated viewing area on the grassy hill overlooking Macquarie Point and the Derwent,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“With plenty of space for picnic rugs and children to play, it’s a wonderful spot to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the fireworks at 9.30pm and midnight,” she said.
Another prime position to see the fireworks display will be at the Telegraph Hotels rooftop bar.
Telegraph licensee Clifford Newton said while the rooftop was open for walk-ins throughout the day space will be at a premium.
Those lucky enough to live near Metro Tasmania’s nightrider service can leave the car at home with extra services available.
The extra services are in partnership with MAIB and the Road Safety Advisory Council and can be found here https://www.metrotas.com.au/communication/blog/2024/maib-nightrider-services-new-years-eve-2024/
RSAC Chair Scott Tilyard encouraged revellers to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable night of celebrations.
“If you’re heading out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, we strongly encourage you to leave the car at home and take advantage of Metro’s Nightrider service,” he said.
In The Hanging Gardens will host an array of local DJs spinning the decks all night long for those wanting to dance the year away down south.
Co-director of Launceston’s premier New Year’s Eve party BeerFest James Harding wanted to combine two loves when coming up with the festival: Beer and live music.
Mr Harding has 20 years experience as a publican in Launceston and said historically, new years eve was not a big celebration for the city with most bars and restaurants closing over the holiday period.
Since shifting the now national BeerFest, which was born in Launceston, to New Year’s Eve in 2018 businesses across the city have noticed a “spike” in patrons.
“People are seeing a really big spike around town,” Mr Harding said.
“Hotels are saying they are full and bars and restaurants are deciding to open.
“Not only is it well attended at the festival it spills into the rest of the city as well,” he said.
BeerFest will take over Royal Park Launceston from 4pm December 31st until 1230am.
The festival is family friendly and accessible, with Auslan interpreters on stage and an accessible viewing platform.
Mr Harding said BeerFest has “something for everyone” with craft beer, cider, cocktails, food stalls, live music, beer Olympics, masterclasses, comedy and family and kids entertainment running through the evening.
Fireworks displays are at 930pm and 12am and Sneaky Sound System will be doing the count down to the new year.
Burnie will again see out the year with a fireworks display as the Burnie Athletics Club and local radio station 7BU teamed up to provide a spectacular end to the year and the New Year’s Eve carnival at West Park which will be followed by the Illuminate NYE Drone Show on the waterfront.
BAC secretary Allan Johnson said the club and radio station had worked hard to ensure the “integral” part of the New Year’s Eve Carnival went ahead.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chair Daniel Leesong said the whole of Tasmania comes alive on New Years.
“It’s the one time of year where we could have twice as many hotels and still need more room,” he said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he was still trying to navigate plans as his three daughters want to be at different events in every corner of Tasmania, but he hoped to be down in Hobart singing along with the Hoodoo Gurus.
What’s on across the state:
SOUTH
City of Hobart Fireworks Display
The city is set to be abuzz on New Year’s Eve with two fireworks displays lighting up the night sky over the River Derwent.
The Regatta Grounds will be open from 9am on New Year’s Eve with free parking so people can leave the car and get a shuttle into town for the celebrations.
For road closures relating to the event please visit https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Community/Events-and-activities/Upcoming-events/New-Years-Eve
The Telegraph Hotel
One of the prime positions to have a drink and enjoy the fireworks down south this year will be at the Telegraph Rooftop.
Telegraph Hotel licensee Clifford Newton said while the rooftop was open for walk-ins throughout the day space will be at a premium.
Bookings are required for the ground floor and level one but the rooftop is first in, best dressed.
The Telegraph Hotel will be open until late and will be debuting their new custom VW combi DJ booth.
NYE In The Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens will be showcasing an amazing line-up of 5 local DJs spinning from 8pm until 2am.
Tickets will be available for $25 on the door with over 50 per cent already sold by December 27.
Upstairs at Altar Bar people can enjoy free entry to the intimate lounge vibes venue which will be offering great cocktails and $12 fireball and fresh apple juice.
Altar Bar will be open 4pm until 3am.
Wrest Point Glitter and Gold party
Wrest Point Casino is hosting a “glitter and gold” party with live entertainment, drinks specials and plenty of food to choose from.
Grab a front-row seat to the fireworks over the water from the boardwalk.
Come early for the sparkling happy hour where flutes of award-winning House of Arras sparkling will be available for $10 from 6-7pm.
For more details visit https://wrestpoint.com.au/specials/new-years-eve-2024/#join-the-Party-for-nye
Street Eats at Franko
From 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM Franklin Square will transform into a food hub and provides the perfect place to catch up before heading out to party through the night.
NORTH
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style in Launceston’s Royal Park at BeerFest
Gates open at 4pm-12.30am featuring over 200 of the finest handcrafted beers, ciders, cocktails and wines; perfectly complemented by the most decadent Tasmanian street eats. Plus live music featuring the iconic Sneaky Sound System headlining the main stage; live comedy, masterclasses, wine-food pairings and live demonstrations and two fireworks shows.
Tickets are selling fast and available at https://launceston.beerfestivals.com.au/
NORTH WEST
Burnie Fireworks
After a several year hiatus the end of the year will again be marked by the time-honoured and much-loved tradition of fireworks at Burnie.
The Burnie Athletics Club and local radio 7BU are teaming up to provide a spectacular end to the year and the New Year’s Eve carnival at West Park which will be followed by the Illuminate NYE Drone Show on the waterfront.
BAC secretary Allan Johnson said the club had worked hard to ensure the “integral” part of the carnival went ahead, collaborating closely with the radio station.
Illuminate NYE will light up the night sky with a drone show at 930pm and Midnight.
Gates open at 6pm.
Devonport’s Eve in the City
Devonport’s Eve in the City is set to attract crowds wanting to join the fun for the 930pm and Midnight fireworks displays lighting up the sky.
Gates to Aikenhead Point will open at 6pm for the festivities.
New Year’s at Penguin Beer Co
Penguin Beer Co is having a New Year’s Day party on January 1 for those who think celebrating New Year’s Eve is “so last year”.
EAST
New Year’s Eve at the Wharf Bar
Tasmanian rockers Gypsy Rose will see in the New Year at the Wharf Bar & Kitchen, St. Helens.
On New Year’s Day enjoy classic country racing with the St Marys Cup at the St Marys sportsground from 11am.
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Originally published as Where to see out the New Year in Tasmania: your go-to guide to the best parties
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