Key Takeaways
- Raffles Hotel in Applecross is a popular spot for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a riverside fireworks display, two bars, alfresco dining, and a sold-out VIP party.
- Authorities have warned of a strong police presence at community events, including Operation Dalewood, which aims to ensure public safety.
- Various venues around Perth are hosting ticketed events, including The Paddington Hotel, 11 Leederville venues, and Hillarys Beach Club.
- Family-friendly events, such as Gloucester Park and the City of Perth’s celebration at Elizabeth Quay, will offer activities, food, and fireworks displays.
- Yagan Square will host a free, high-energy party with music, colour, and a countdown to midnight, featuring a digital countdown and confetti wishes.
Introduction to New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Perth
Perth is gearing up to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 with a bang. The iconic Raffles Hotel in Applecross is one of the most sought-after spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve, with its own riverside fireworks display, two bars, alfresco dining, and a sold-out VIP party. The hotel’s venue manager, Simone Rea, expects the hotel to be at full capacity, with nearly a thousand people reserved for the general party. The hotel is offering free ticketed entry before 8pm for those wanting to secure a great spot to view the Perth’s midnight fireworks over the Swan River.
Security Measures for New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Authorities around Australia have encouraged people to celebrate the new year, but have warned that community events will come with a strong police presence. WA Police has announced Operation Dalewood, which aims to ensure public safety in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack two weeks ago. The public can expect to see an increased police presence, including officers carrying rifles, at various events around the city. However, the police have assured that there will be sufficient and appropriate resources deployed throughout New Year’s Eve to ensure public safety.
Ticketed Events and Celebrations Around Perth
Various venues around Perth are hosting ticketed events to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The Paddington Hotel in Mt Hawthorn will be channelling 80s underground vibes, while 11 Leederville venues have organised a massive Oxford St block party with eight stages. Hillarys Beach Club is hosting a Great Gatsby-themed cocktail party, and Gloucester Park in East Perth will have a family-friendly celebration with pony rides, a kids’ obstacle course, trackside band, and midnight fireworks. Other venues, such as the Ice Cream Factory in Northbridge, NYE on the Beach at Port Beach, and SNACK NYE at the Claremont Showgrounds, will host dance festivals and parties.
Family-Friendly Events and Fireworks Displays
For families and those looking for a more laid-back celebration, the City of Perth’s celebration at Elizabeth Quay is a great option. A live DJ will perform on a floating stage, and food trucks will be available offering tasty food for families gathering ahead of the early firework show at 8.30pm. A second fireworks sky show will begin as the clock strikes midnight. The Quay will also host face and glitter painting, LED hula-hoop and circus workshops, and free carnival rides and roving performers at the Supreme Court Gardens. The City of Perth recommends viewing the fireworks from Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Square, Supreme Court Gardens, and the foreshore near Birdiya Drive.
Yagan Square’s New Year’s Eve Party
Yagan Square will host a free, high-energy, family-friendly party, promising music, colour, and one of the city’s biggest countdowns. Festivities will kick off from 7.30pm, with Famous Sharron hosting the night and bringing her trademark humour and sparkle. The square will again be home to Perth’s largest digital countdown, lighting up the Digital Tower as the city counts down to midnight, with prime views of fireworks across the skyline. Confetti Wishes, which invites revellers to share their hopes and dreams for 2026, will return as a highlight of the night, with thousands of wishes being released inside a giant dome at midnight. The free event is open to all ages and is expected to draw thousands into the city.