As 2025 draws to a close, Australia's capital cities are preparing spectacular and diverse celebrations to welcome 2026. From iconic harbour fireworks to rooftop parties and community-focused events, there is an array of options for revellers of all ages to see in the new year.
Spectacular Displays from Coast to Coast
The nation's most famous celebration will once again be centred on Sydney Harbour. The main fireworks will illuminate the sky at midnight, with an earlier curated display at 9pm by Indigenous artists from We Are Warriors, celebrating sky, land and sea country. Prime viewing spots include Barangaroo, Blues Point, Bradfield Park and Circular Quay, with the ABC broadcasting the event live. In a solemn moment, a minute's silence will be observed at 11pm in solidarity with the Jewish community following the Bondi terror attack, with Waverley council cancelling events at Bondi Beach.
In Melbourne, the CBD skyline will sparkle with a fireworks and laser show at midnight, preceded by a 9.30pm family-friendly display. Official celebration zones at Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Kings Domain and Treasury Gardens will offer prime views, food, and performances. For a more exclusive experience, rooftop parties are available, while free family events include a council-hosted countdown at Edinburgh Gardens and a pop-up outdoor cinema.
Brisbane is upping the ante with a simultaneous fireworks display across four points along the Brisbane River at 7.45pm and midnight. Adding to the innovation, two drone shows will light up the sky for eight minutes at 9pm and 11pm, visible from South Bank and Queen's Wharf Brisbane.
Nationwide Celebrations and Family Fun
Other capitals are also hosting memorable events. Canberra's focus is Lake Burley Griffin, with fireworks at 9pm and midnight alongside a picnic-friendly event from 6pm. Hobart's Derwent River will be the backdrop for pyrotechnics at 9.30pm and midnight, coinciding with the Taste of Summer festival at Princes Wharf.
In Adelaide, the main action is at Elder Park with fireworks at 9pm and midnight, complemented by bands and activities. Salisbury and Glenelg Beach will also host displays. Perth's sky will light up at 8.30pm and midnight, best viewed from Elizabeth Quay or Supreme Court Gardens, which will also feature free carnival rides. Darwin's Waterfront Precinct will host shows at 9pm and midnight, with live performances from acts including Eskimo Joe.
Practical Information and Forecasts
Authorities are implementing significant security measures. NSW Premier Chris Minns has promised a massive police presence at major Sydney events, including officers armed with machine guns, to reassure the public post-Bondi.
Weather forecasts for the evening are largely favourable:
- Sydney: Partly cloudy, 27°C high.
- Melbourne: Partly cloudy, 19°C high.
- Brisbane: Mostly sunny, 32°C high.
- Canberra: Possible morning thunderstorm, 29°C high.
- Hobart: Partly cloudy, 18°C high.
- Adelaide: Sunny, 26°C high.
- Perth: Sunny, 34°C high.
- Darwin: Thunderstorm expected, 33°C high.
With options ranging from free community picnics and public fireworks to high-end rooftop parties, Australians have a multitude of ways to bid farewell to 2025 and celebrate the dawn of 2026.
