Key Takeaways:
- Half a million people are expected to converge on Melbourne’s CBD on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the start of 2026
- Fireworks and laser lights will operate from 27 rooftops as part of a $6 million celebration
- There will be two chances to catch the fireworks, at 9:30pm for young families and at midnight for the main event
- Public transport is free from 6pm on New Year’s Eve to 6am on New Year’s Day
- Road closures will be in place from 4pm, and pedestrians and vehicle traffic will be affected
Introduction to New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Melbourne
Melbourne is gearing up to welcome in the new year with a bang, as half a million people are expected to converge on the city’s CBD to celebrate the start of 2026. The city has planned a $6 million celebration, which will feature fireworks and laser lights synchronized to a party soundtrack, operating from 27 rooftops. Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece has promised that this year’s New Year’s fireworks will be the best the city has seen, with a mesmerizing display that will be visible from afar.
Best Places to View the Fireworks
The City of Melbourne has identified several locations as the best places to view the fireworks, including Victor Harbour in Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Kings Domain beside the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Treasury Gardens. These celebration zones will have free music and entertainment, including DJs, street performers, and silent discos, from 6pm to 1am. Additionally, there will be food trucks and dining outlets available. The City of Melbourne has also set up Flagstaff Gardens to host New Year’s Eve crowds, and the area is expected to be a popular spot for families and revelers alike.
Accessibility and Cost
While some CBD venues are selling tickets and packages to private events, the City of Melbourne’s celebration zones are free to attend, and no bookings or entry fees are required. Public transport is also free from 6pm on New Year’s Eve to 6am on New Year’s Day, making it easy for people to get to and from the celebration zones. The only thing that attendees need to pay for is their food, and they are welcome to bring their own picnics, food, and drinks to the celebration zones. However, it’s worth noting that all areas of the CBD, except inside private venues, are alcohol-free.
Getting Around Melbourne on New Year’s Eve
With road closures in place from 4pm, it’s best to take public transport to the CBD celebration zones. There are accessible drop-off and pick-up points at all celebration zones, and passengers do not need to have their Myki cards on them to catch a train, tram, or bus during the free travel period. Transport Victoria has put on 750 extra services in Melbourne alone to help get everyone around their parties and gatherings, but the services will run on an altered timetable. It’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance to plan your trip.
Security Measures
Victoria Police has rostered on an additional 2,500 officers across the state specifically for New Year’s Eve events, with 500 of those in Melbourne’s CBD. The police will be supported by Public Order Response Teams, Critical Incident Response Teams, mounted police, and water police. The CBD, St Kilda foreshore, and Geelong CBD have been declared designated search areas, allowing police to randomly stop and check anyone for a weapon. While there is no security threat to any event in Victoria, the police are taking every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable night for all.
Weather Forecast
Melbourne is expecting a cool to mild day on New Year’s Eve, with a top of 19 degrees Celsius and some fairly strong southerly winds. The temperature is expected to drop to 14C overnight, with the winds remaining about 20 to 30 kilometers an hour. However, it will be warm in some parts of Victoria, including Mildura, Wodonga, and Rutherglen, which are all expecting 33C.
Safety Reminder: Illegal Fireworks
Authorities have issued a warning about the dangers of illegal fireworks, which can pose a safety and bushfire risk. Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner Joshua Fischer says that people who set off illegal fireworks are not only putting themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death, but also creating a major fire risk. The RSPCA has also urged dog owners to take precautions to keep their pets safe during the fireworks, including exercising them before the fireworks start, keeping them inside, and providing a comfortable hiding place.
Staying Safe and Entertained
For those staying at home, the ABC plans to cross to Melbourne during its New Year’s Eve special, which will be broadcast on ABC TV and ABC iview, and across ABC socials. The show will feature live coverage of the fireworks and celebrations in Melbourne, as well as other events around the country. Additionally, Wildlife Victoria should be called if you come across an injured wild animal, and it’s essential to keep pets safe and secure during the fireworks. By taking these precautions and being aware of the security measures in place, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve in Melbourne.