Australians are preparing to ring in the New Year this evening, with fireworks, family-friendly extravaganza and major celebrations planned for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. While some eager beavers have already set up camp in prime positions for fireworks viewing, it’s not too late to plan your New Year’s Eve especially if you are in one of these cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Sydney
More than one million people are expected to pack into Sydney harbour’s front to watch the fireworks, with displays at 9pm and midnight (AEDT).
Extra public transport services will run between the city and North Sydney from 2pm, with a total of more than 4500 extra bus, train, ferry and light rail services added to ease congestion.
Major road closure include the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 11pm to 1am, and Anzac Bridge, Victoria Road and the Western Distributor from 8.30pm to 9.30m and 11.30pm to 1am.
Transport NSW website has more information about public transport, and full road closure details are available on the Live Traffic NSW website.
Melbourne
Revellers can watch a special midnight fireworks display and enjoy music and special effects at one of four official sites – at Kings Domain, the Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, or Docklands. The sites open at 9pm and run until 1am (AEDT).
Families can enjoy earlier celebrations and a fireworks display at 9.30pm, with designated Early Eve sites at Yarra Park and Footscray Park starting at 6pm (AEDT).
Authorities have urged people to be safe and use public transport wherever possible, with full public transport schedules available on the Public Transport Victoria website.
Brisbane
Fireworks will go off with a bang over the Brisbane River and CBD at 8.30pm and midnight (AEDT), with families also able to enjoy free movies in South Bank today.
All public transport in Brisbane will be free from 9pm to 5.30am, and tolls on the cross-river Go Between Bridge will also be waived from 6pm to 2am.
Victoria Bridge will be closed from 6.30pm until 2am, and some ferry services will be also be delayed by fireworks displays.
Translink has further information on public transport, and Brisbane City Council has a full list of road closures.
Adelaide
Adelaide residents can enjoy the fireworks show and entertainment in Elder Park.Thousands of people will gather in Elder Park, with two rounds of 9NEWS fireworks at 8.50pm and midnight (ACDT).
Gates will open at 6pm and live music will start at 7pm (ACDT).
The Riverbank Bridge will closed from 8pm until 1am, but will temporarily reopen about 9.45pm for the Adelaide Oval crowd exit.
Adelaide City Council has more information about the event and road closures, and revellers can check public transport times on the Adelaide Metro website.
