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Australians across the country are welcoming the arrival of 2026 with large-scale New Year’s Eve celebrations, as major cities host fireworks, live entertainment and community events under heightened security arrangements.
Revellers have gathered at iconic locations across Australia to farewell 2025 and usher in the new year, with festivities unfolding from Sydney Harbour to Perth’s Swan River.
In Sydney, more than one million people are expected to attend New Year’s Eve celebrations, prompting the deployment of a record number of police officers following the recent Bondi terror attack. Authorities confirmed that over 2,500 officers, both in uniform and plain clothes, are patrolling the city, with some equipped with long-arm firearms. Police reassured the public that while security has been increased, there is no active or imminent threat.
Crowds flocked to popular vantage points early in the day, with long queues forming outside Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens. When gates opened at 10am, scenes became frantic as people rushed to secure premium viewing spots. Some attendees described the experience as overwhelming, while others said the excitement outweighed the chaos.
In Hobart, thousands of people lined up along the waterfront for the Taste of Summer festival, which opened at midday. The popular event offers food, music and entertainment leading into two fireworks displays scheduled for 9:30pm and midnight. Organisers confirmed more than 1,000 fireworks shells will be launched in each show.
Adelaide’s Elder Park is preparing for a vibrant pyrotechnic display along the River Torrens, featuring new visual effects and colourful aerial shells. South Australia Police have increased their presence, with several areas declared public precincts, allowing officers additional search and crowd-control powers.
Brisbane is once again celebrating along the river, with six barges set to launch more than 100,000 pyrotechnic effects. South Bank remains the most popular viewing area, with many spectators arriving early in the morning to claim a spot. Fireworks are also planned across the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
In Canberra, the nation’s capital is hosting its largest-ever New Year’s Eve fireworks display, with an estimated 50,000 people gathering around Lake Burley Griffin. Two major displays are scheduled for 9pm and midnight, launched from multiple barges in the lake.
Melbourne is expecting a chilly and windy evening, but that has not deterred crowds from lining the Yarra River and CBD viewing zones. The city will host a family fireworks show at 9:30pm, followed by the main midnight display, supported by an increased police presence across Victoria.
Perth residents are embracing the summer heat, with celebrations centred around Elizabeth Quay. Fireworks are planned for 8:30pm and midnight, alongside live DJs and family-friendly entertainment. Many locals have taken to the Swan River in boats and watercraft to enjoy the spectacle.
In Darwin, organisers remain confident despite damp conditions earlier in the day. Fireworks at the waterfront will be accompanied by live performances, including a headline set by Eskimo Joe, as Territorians welcome the new year.
In his New Year’s message, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the challenges faced in recent months but emphasised unity and resilience. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley echoed similar sentiments, highlighting hope and togetherness as Australia enters 2026.
