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What to do on New Year’s Eve in Brisbane 2019/2020

How to celebrate in style along the Brisbane River this New Year's Eve.

Alex Keshen
Alex Keshen

&

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip
Picture not described

The end of December will be here before you know and we've got the goss on what's on to make sure this year goes out with a bang.

Brisbane's calling card and crown jewel is the Brisbane River. It's flanked on all sides by swanky bars, high-end restaurants, hotels and Brisbane's vibrant nightlife scene.

It also lights up every New Year's Eve with a spectacular fireworks display and a range of activities and parties for young and old.

Find out where it's at in Brisbane this year with our guide.

New Year's Eve fireworks
New Year's Eve Brisbane restaurants
New Year's Eve parties and events
New Year's Eve accommodation

When and where to watch the Brisbane NYE fireworks

Brisbane's fireworks are set off all along the Brisbane River. Due to the snaking nature of the river, there are numerous vantage points you can stake a claim to to catch the night-time sparklers. Here's the lowdown:

  • South Bank: The best and most famous vantage point is along South Bank at Clem Jones Promenade, Streets Beach and River Quay.
  • Eagle Street Pier: A quieter position on the water, you can see the fireworks over the Story Bridge from here.
  • Portside Wharf: Gaining popularity year on year, this precinct offers a variety of restaurants to fuel you for the fireworks ahead. Expect live music and views of the 8:30pm and midnight fireworks off the wharf.
  • Howard Smith Wharves: The once unloved patch of industrial wharves now sits in pride of place with optimal viewings of the fireworks. Events generally kick off from midday and include live music and food specials at the wharf venues and pop-up food trucks.

There are two fireworks displays, both viewable from the above vantage points:

  • 8:30pm: Kids’ fireworks display (10 minutes)
  • Midnight: The main event (10 minutes)

What else is happening at South Bank Brisbane for New Year's Eve?

South Bank is where all the action happens, from festivities to views of the kids and midnight fireworks.

Celebrations start from 11am along the Cultural Forecourt with food trucks and entertainment a plenty.

Get your bearings and mark your spot early using the map provided.

New Year's Eve fireworks Brisbane northside

In 2018, Westfield Chermside in Brisbane's northside hosted a family-friendly NYE event. On top of live entertainment, face painting and dining specials, it boasted a balloon drop at 8:30pm and fireworks at 8:35pm for the littlies to get in on the action before tucking in. This year's event is yet to be confirmed.

Where are the best spots to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks?

With fireworks being launched from different sites along the river and from barges, the New Year's Eve light display is one not to be missed.

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Location What to expect
Clem Jones Promenade Along South Bank, this spot offers great views over the river to the city. There will be food trucks and family-friendly movies playing.
Eagle Street Pier The cosmopolitan restaurant and bar precinct is a stylish spot to take in the fireworks over a meal or a glass of bubbly. It will be packed, so book your table or get in early for the best views.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Watch the show over the Brisbane River at the river bend.
Captain Burke Park Situated right on the river near the Story Bridge, this park has great views over the river.
Portside Wharf Watch the fireworks show over the river from this precinct near the cruise terminal.
Howard Smith Wharves Catch the fireworks from right underneath the Story Bridge.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park Views of the fireworks across the Brisbane River towards the Botanic Gardens.
Mount Coot-tha The iconic Mount Coot-tha is an unbeatable vantage point due to its height. You'll feel like you’re eye to eye with the display and enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city from here.

What do do on New Year's Eve in Brisbane

New Year's Eve Brisbane restaurants

  • New Year's Eve at Press Club: Cocktail bar Press Club is offering a food and drinks package for New Year's Eve. The four-hour pack includes select beers, wines and bubbly plus canapés and venue access. Tickets are $99.
  • Glitz and Glam NYE at Treasury Casino: Set to DJs and live entertainment, join this dinner and dancing event at the Treasury Casino. You'll get a 4.5-hour package of premium cocktails, wine, beers, grazing and dessert stations. Tickets are $159pp.
  • Summit Bar and Restaurant: Take in the incredible view of the fireworks from the Brisbane Lookout atop Mount Coot-tha. Early and late sittings are available with late sittings including live entertainment from The Andrew Sisters Tribute Band. Tickets TBC.
  • Three Blue Ducks: Spend your New Year's Eve surrounded by good people and great food at Three Blue Ducks. There are two sittings available, one for families and early birds at 5pm and the other for the fireworks at 8:30pm. The latter is an 18+ event only and includes a 3-course meal, 3-hour beverage package, views of the fireworks and live entertainment. Eating sittings are $120 per person and include 3-course meal. Late sittings are $195 per person.

New Year's Eve cruises from Brisbane

Fireworks views don't get much more front row than on a boat on the Brisbane River. Ring in the new year under stars with one of these New Year’s Eve river cruises.

  • AnyBoat private boat hire: Do it your way this year and hire out your own private wheels on water to party on until midnight (and even beyond). AnyBoat has chartered boats for 20 to 120 people with prices starting from $60pp (based on a 120pax boat).
  • Brisbane Cruises: Spend five hours on the Brisbane River aboard the MV Lady Brisbane, where you'll have access to finger foods, drinks, dessert and entertainment all evening until the fireworks at midnight. Tickets are $155 for adults and $75 for children.
  • Kookaburra Showboat Cruises: Take in the city views from this river cruise that includes a seafood buffet dinner, glass of sparkling on arrival (bar on board for additional drinks) and live entertainment all night before watching the fireworks display. Tickets are $199 for adults and $150 for children.
  • Brisvegas Cruises: Party all night along the Brisvegas New Year's Eve cruise. Choose from an all-ages family sailing or an adults-only cruise. Both are 3.5 hours and include food and have a bar on board. Tickets are $95 for the adults-only cruise, $65 for adults on the family-friendly cruise and $45 for children on the family-friendly cruise. Family pack tickets are available for $200 (two adults and two children).

Brisbane fireworks cruise.

What's on? The New Year's Eve parties and events in Brisbane you'll want a ticket to

  • New Year's Eve Climb. For something unique and unforgettable, end your year with a climb on the famous Story Bridge. The 6:30pm climb gets you up in time for the 8:30pm fireworks while the 10pm climb sets you up for pole positioning to catch the midnight extravaganza. Tickets start at $269 per person for adults.
  • QLD Pops Orchestra: New Year's Eve Gala Variety Concert: Dress up for the final concert of the year at the Concert Hall at QPAC. There will be a 5:30pm and 9pm show. Tickets start at $85.
  • New Year's Eve Cocktail Ball at Victoria Park: Ring in 2020 for a magical New Year's Eve at The Marquee Room, Victoria Park for an Arabian Nights with exotic performers, food station and a five-hour beverage package. Tickets from $149pp + booking fee.
  • Woodford Folk Festival. Held over six days from 27 December to 1 January, this is the best way to turn your New Year's Eve into almost a week of entertainment. While this one technically is outside Brisbane (it's a 90-minute drive northwest), it's worth it. Tickets from $130 (day ticket without camping).

Best Brisbane hotels for New Year's Eve

Brisbane New Year's Eve FAQs

What is New Year's Eve's weather in Brisbane?

31 December is generally a warm one for Brisbane, boasting clear skies and temperatures in their mid-20s to 30s.

What are Brisbane's NYE road closures?

Many of Brisbane CBD's roads close, some as early as 8am on 31 December. Check the Departure of Transport and Main Roads' site before heading out to keep on top of specific road closures and times.

Where can I catch the Brisbane New Year's Eve fireworks live stream?

Details of Brisbane's New Year's Eve live stream have yet to be released. We'll update you with the latest as it comes in.

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