2024 is drawing to a close, and there’s no better way to start the new year than by watching the dazzling fireworks. The theme this year is All That Sparkles, and you’re invited to dress up and see a shimmering fireworks display across the Melbourne skyline. Look forward to sensational fireworks and laser displays that will light up the sky from 27 rooftops around the CBD. The dazzling eight-minute display is designed to be viewed from afar, so if you can see the city skyline, you can see the fireworks. We’ve found some spectacular places around Melbourne for you to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks, from the official inner city Celebration Zones, to viewpoints further out.
The four official Celebration Zones are free to attend, and feature food trucks, performances and music from 6pm to 1am. These spots will also have family-friendly fireworks at 9:30pm.
The other lookout points might be a bit quieter than the Celebration Zones, but they’ll still offer a fantastic experience. Here are our recommendations.
1. Flagstaff Gardens
This garden is one of the four official Celebration Zones. Perfect for viewing fireworks in Melbourne, Flagstaff Gardens will also have live entertainment on New Year’s Eve. The celebrations will kick off at 6pm. After the midnight fireworks, the night will end with a DJ set, finishing at 1am.
📍309-311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003
2. The Shrine
Just in front of the Shrine of Remembrance, you’ll find another official Celebration Zone. Located around Birdwood Avenue, this spot will have live entertainment from 6pm to 1am. Listen to DJs, take part in a Bollywood dance workshop and grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks.
📍Kings Domain, Alexandra Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
3. Docklands
Enjoy fireworks and festivities by the water at the official Docklands Celebration Zone. Once again, there will be live entertainment. Scattered around the waterfront, you’ll find plenty of bites to eat. This zone is open from 6pm to 1am.
📍Docklands, Melbourne VIC 3008
4. Treasury Gardens
The final official Celebration Zone, these gardens in East Melbourne will feature splendid city views. Located on the city’s edge, you’ll count down to the new year with plenty of entertainment and activities. The party starts at 6pm and ends at 1am.
📍2-18 Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
5. Fed Square
Ring in the New Year with a line-up of free DJs and dancing in the heart of Melbourne. Bars and restaurants around Fed Square will have special dining packages if you’re interested. Stick around for the midnight countdown and watch the fireworks. The party starts from 7pm. Learn more here.
📍Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Birrarung Marr
Take a stroll from Fed Square and head to Birrarung Marr. This park by the Yarra River should provide plenty of skyline views. In this central location, all you’ll need to do is look up and enjoy the show.
📍Birrarung Marr, Melbourne VIC 3004
7. St Kilda Beach
Head a little further out and enjoy views of the fireworks by the beach. Stand on the iconic pier and watch the dazzling display from afar, with the added bonus of the little anchored boats bobbing along the waves.
📍St Kilda Beach, St Kilda VIC 3182
8. The Strand and Nelson Place, Williamstown
In Melbourne’s west, Williamstown is a wonderful place to be for New Year’s Eve. Along the streets, The Strand and Nelson Place, you’ll find plenty of green spots with lovely views of Port Phillip Bay, the boats, and Melbourne’s skyline.
📍Williamstown, VIC 3016
9. Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North
Have a family-friendly New Year’s Eve at Edinburgh Gardens. They’re ringing in the new year with free movie screenings, including an early film for kids. The festivities will kick off at 4pm and will continue until 12:30am. More info here.
📍Alfred Cres, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
10. Footscray Park
Head to the Western Lawn at Footscray Park and avoid the midnight rush with their family-friendly fireworks display at 9:30pm. You’re invited to come along, pack a picnic or grab a snack from one of the food trucks on-site. There will also be live music as well as roving entertainment, carnival rides and games. This is an alcohol-free event, and it will run from 6pm to 10:30pm. Find more details here.
📍40 Maribyrnong Blvd, Footscray VIC 3011
11. Albert Park
Find a picturesque spot in Albert Park, and see the majestic fireworks reflect in the lake. Not too far from the city, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the fireworks, while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
📍Albert Park VIC 3206
12. Quarries Park, Clifton Hill
Head to Quarries Park in Clifton Hill, relax on one of the open-grass areas and enjoy excellent views of the city skyline. At midnight, watch the sky light up with fireworks.
📍Ramsden St, Clifton Hill VIC 3068
13. Wurundjeri Spur Lookout, Kew
This high lookout spot on Yarra Boulevard is great for sunsets, stargazing, and yes, views of the Melbourne fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy fantastic views of the city, while surrounded by native bushland.
📍Yarra Blvd, Kew VIC 3101
14. Ruckers Hill, Northcote
This high spot in Northcote provides endless views of Melbourne’s skyline. Before the midnight fireworks, grab a drink or a bite to eat from a nearby restaurant.
📍Ruckers Hill, Northcote VIC 3070
15. Anderson Park, Hawthorn
This Hawthorn haven features plenty of wide open spaces, shady trees and, most importantly, city views. Take in the terrific sights on New Year’s Eve in this urban oasis.
📍Anderson Road, Hawthorn East 3123
16. Point Ormond, Elwood
This elevated lookout spot in Elwood is gorgeous any time of the year, but is particularly special on New Year’s Eve. Head up the hill and watch the curving coastline, with the city skyline glimmering in the distance.
📍Point Ormond Rd, Elwood VIC 3184
17. Green Point, Brighton
This park by Brighton Beach features views of Melbourne’s skyline, as well as the iconic Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes.
📍Green Point, Brighton VIC 3186