How to celebrate in style along the Brisbane River this New Years.
The end of December may seem ages away, but it will swing back around before you know it. We've got everything you need to make sure 2018 goes out with a bang in Brisbane.
Brisbane's calling card and jewel crown is the Brisbane River. It's flanked on all sides by swanky bars, high-end restaurants and 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 this guide.
When and where to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Brisbane
The 2018/2019 fireworks events haven't been announced yet, but here's what went down in 2017/2018 to give you an idea of what to expect.
The fireworks were set off all along the Brisbane River with the best vantage point being along South Bank.
There were two shows:
- 8.30pm: Kids’ fireworks display
- Midnight: The main event
Where are the best spots to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks?
With fireworks being launched from 18 different sites along the river and from barges, the New Year's eve light display is one not to be missed.
| 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. |
| Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park | Views of the fireworks across the Brisbane River toward 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. |
New Year’s Eve Brisbane river cruises
When it comes to fireworks viewing spots, it doesn't get much more front row than on a boat on the Brisbane River. Ring in the new year under stars with a New Year’s Eve river cruises. Here are some sailings that were available this year to get you an idea of what may be available come the end of the year. We'll update this space as they become available.
- Brisbane Cruises: Spend 5 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 $145 for adults and $65 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 $195 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).
What's on? The New Year's Eve Brisbane dinner and events you'll want in on
With everything from burlesque to opera, Brisbane was buzzing at the stroke of midnight for New Year's Eve 2017/2018. These are some of the events that we hope to see more of this year:
- QLP Pops New Year's Eve Gala: Dress up for the final concert of the year at the Concert Hall at QPAC. There will be a 5:30pm and 9pm show for the gala event with appearances by tenor Rosario La Spina, soprano Katie Spina and more. Tickets start at $90.
- New Year's Eve at Press Club: For the first time, 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 canapes and venue access. Tickets are $99.
- NYE Dinner Dance at Treasury Casino: Set to a six-piece swing band, join this dinner and dancing event at the Treasury Casino. You'll get a five-course dinner and 3.5-hour premium beverage package. TIckets are $165.
- New Year's Day Cocktail Brunch at Victoria Park: Keep the celebration going by toasting the new years on New Year's Day at Bistro Terrace in Victoria Park. Service starts from 9am and includes a meal and cocktail for $25. When you're well sated and cured of that hangover, pop by Victoria Park for its New Year's Family Fun day. Activities include a jumping castle, giant games and ping pong tables.
- Summit Bar and Restaurant: Take in the incredible view of the fireworks from the Brisbane Lookout atop Mount Coot-tha. Tickets from $149 per person with beverage packages available for an additional cost.
- Woodford Folk Festival. Held over six days from 27 December - 1 January, this is the best way to turn your New Year's night into almost a week of entertainment. While this one technically is outside Brisbane (it's a 90-minute drive northwest), it's worth it. There's going to be 35 stages featuring acts like John Butler, Holy Holy, Montaigne and Kate Miller-Heidke. Tickets from $531 or check out what's available on ebay. We found tickets for less than the regular price.
Keep an eye out for deals on New Year’s cruises in Brisbane and watch these sites:
Groupon
Groupon
Scoopon
Scoopon
Where to stay on New Year’s Eve in Brisbane
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
About the hotel: Stay in luxury at Rydges South Bank and enjoy the close proximity to the South Bank Parklands, Eagle Street Pier and La Trobe Terrace. Or stay in and watch the fireworks from your private balcony.
Brisbane Marriott
About the hotel: Centrally located close to the East Pier Bridge and a short stroll from New Year’s Eve festivities, the Marriott offers luxurious accommodation with spa, sauna and massage facilities and a beauty centre.
Stamford Plaza Brisbane
About the hotel: Watch the fireworks from your window with a room facing the Brisbane River. The South Bank Parklands is a five-minute drive away and the action of LaTrobe Terrace and Eagle Street Pier are a short walk.
Sofitel Brisbane
About the hotel: Sitting near Central Station in Brisbane's CBD, Sofitel is a short walk to the river where you can watch the New Year's fireworks. When you're not celebrating the new year, the 5-star property has a heated pool and spa features a chic bar and lounge.
Oaks Charlotte Towers
About the hotel: Conveniently situated in the city centre and guests can benefit from the in-house fitness centre and plunge pool for relaxation.
Royal on the Park Hotel
About the hotel: Wake up to the beautiful Botanic Gardens and stay in the centre of Brisbane's bustling CBD. Perks include a fitness centre, free unlimited Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a business centre.
