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Your New Year in Brisbane Travel Guide

New Year in Brisbane is a vibrant celebration filled with fireworks, riverside festivities, and a buzzing city atmosphere. The city’s skyline lights up, the riverfront comes alive with music and food, and locals and visitors gather to welcome the year ahead in true Queensland style.

Why visit Brisbane during New Year

Brisbane River fireworks with colorful trees and people at Southbank during Christmas.
Singer performing on new year's eve
People dancing at a party under string lights at night.
Couple on Romantic Dinner cruise
People dancing and enjoying a party with colorful lights in the background.
Friends enjoying desserts at a market food stall at night.
Brisbane Arbour walkway with illuminated arches and greenery in Southbank parklands.
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Riverside fireworks celebrations

Brisbane’s famous fireworks light up the river, with plenty of riverside spots to sit back and enjoy the show.

Late-night vibes in Fortitude Valley

The Valley turns into a citywide party with clubs, live DJs, and themed events for a high-energy New Year’s Eve.

Open-air parties at South Bank

South Bank transforms into a festival zone filled with live music, food stalls, and entertainment for all ages.

River cruises with front-row views

Cruises along the Brisbane River offer dinner, drinks, and unbeatable fireworks views from the water.

Brisbane’s summer nights at rooftop bars

Rooftop venues across the city host stylish NYE parties featuring countdowns, DJ sets, and warm summer breezes.

Pop-up food markets and night events

Seasonal markets and late-night eateries provide great spots for grabbing a bite and exploring Brisbane’s food scene.

Family-friendly celebrations

Early fireworks and children’s activities at South Bank and Roma Street Parkland create an easy, relaxed way for families to celebrate.

Top things to do

Person celebrating atop illuminated Story Bridge during night climb in Brisbane.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Start your New Year with sweeping city views from above.

  • What it is: A guided climb up Brisbane’s iconic bridge with stunning skyline and river views.
  • Best for: Adventure lovers and couples.
  • Best time to visit: Twilight or night climbs for evening lights.
  • Insider tip: Book ahead—holiday slots fill fast.

Recommended experience

Story Bridge Adventure Climb Tickets

Aerial view of shipwrecks in turquoise waters off Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia.

Moreton Island Day Tour

A refreshing New Year escape filled with beaches and adventure.

  • What it is: A full-day island trip with snorkelling, shipwreck exploring, and sandboarding.
  • Best for: Groups and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Best time to visit: Mornings for calmer waters and clearer visibility.
  • Insider tip: Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a change of clothes.

Recommended experience

Moreton Island Tours

Tourists feeding a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Enjoy a calm start to the year surrounded by native wildlife.

  • What it is: A relaxed sanctuary visit where you can meet koalas, kangaroos, and other Aussie animals.
  • Best for: Families and animal lovers.
  • Best time to visit: Early mornings for cooler weather.
  • Insider tip: Don’t miss the interactive keeper talks.

Recommended experience

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Tickets

Crowd watching a wildlife show at the Crocoseum in Australia Zoo.

Australia Zoo

Begin the New Year with a full day of wildlife adventures.

  • What it is: A large conservation-focused zoo with shows, native wildlife, and immersive habitats.
  • Best for: Families and full-day explorers.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning for animal shows and feedings.
  • Insider tip: Wear comfy shoes because the zoo is big.

Recommended experience

Australia Zoo Tickets

Your perfect New Year's itinerary

Friends toasting drinks on a Brisbane River cruise boat.

Day 1: New Year’s Eve (December 31)

Morning

  • Meal: Breakfast at a riverside café in South Bank.
  • Activity: Stroll through South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach. Visit the Queensland Art Gallery or the Gallery of Modern Art for a cultural start to the day.

Afternoon

  • Meal: Lunch at a pop-up food market or Queen Street Mall.
  • Activity: Explore Roma Street Parkland, relax in the gardens, or join family-friendly activities happening in the afternoon.

Evening

  • Meal: Dinner on a New Year’s Eve river cruise or at a riverside/rooftop restaurant.
  • Activity: Enjoy live music and entertainment at South Bank, then watch the midnight fireworks from the riverfront or your chosen venue. Celebrate the countdown with the city lights all around you.
Parklands and apartment building at Roma Street in Brisbane, Australia

Day 2: New Year’s Day (January 1)

Morning

  • Meal: Brunch at a café in West End or New Farm.
  • Activity: Take a walk along the Brisbane Riverwalk or visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens for a peaceful start to the year.

Afternoon

  • Meal: Light snacks or coffee at a local café while exploring.
  • Activity: Visit the Powerhouse arts precinct or take a scenic CityCat ferry ride. Browse local boutiques or the Museum of Brisbane as attractions reopen.

Evening

  • Meal: Dinner at Howard Smith Wharves, with riverside views.
  • Activity: Take a relaxed stroll along the illuminated riverfront to end the day on a calm, scenic note.

Best New Year’s Eve parties in Brisbane

Brisbane Sunsuper Riverfire

Sunsuper Riverfire

Free fireworks spectacular over the Brisbane River, with a 9pm family display and a midnight main event, and live entertainment across South Bank.

  • Tickets: Free
  • Where: South Bank Parklands and CBD riverfront
  • Best for: All ages; families early, 18-40 crowd after 10pm
  • Dress code: Casual/beachwear
  • Restrictions: No glass, BYO picnic allowed in non-licensed zones; arrive by 6pm for prime spots
Pouring craft beer from a tank at brewery Brisbane

Felons Brewing Co. NYE Party

Waterfront brewery with multiple levels, DJs spinning house/electronic, craft beer, and unobstructed river fireworks views.

  • Tickets: $140–$200 (AUD)
  • Where: Howard Smith Wharves, under Story Bridge
  • Best for: 25-45 crowd wanting a craft beer scene with a party atmosphere
  • Dress code: Smart-casual
  • Restrictions: 18+; includes food platters; book early (sells out)
Band performing live

Fortitude Valley Street Party

Open-air party across multiple venues (The Met, Family, GPO) with DJs, live bands, and roaming access to Valley's club scene.

  • Tickets: $60–$100 (AUD) venue-specific, or free street access
  • Where: Fortitude Valley precinct
  • Best for: 20-35 year-olds seeking an energetic club-hopping experience
  • Dress code: Casual to smart-casual
  • Restrictions: 18+ at licensed venues; gets rowdy after midnight
Barista serving the Champagne

Cloudland NYE Masquerade

Heritage-listed venue transformed into an elegant party with champagne, canapes, DJ sets, and rooftop terrace views.

  • Tickets: $200–$300 (AUD)
  • Where: Fortitude Valley, Wickham Street
  • Best for: 28-50 crowd wanting a sophisticated celebration with style
  • Dress code: Cocktail attire; masks encouraged
  • Restrictions: 18+; limited capacity 800; premium drinks packages available

Getting around the Brisbane on New Year's Eve

TransLink services (Most recommended)
Rideshare & taxis
Walking
CityCycle bikes
Driving (Least recommended)
E-scooters
Young girl with backpack waiting at bus station as blue bus approaches.

Free public transport from 8pm-6am on NYE across trains, buses, and ferries.

  • Trains: Most reliable; every 10-15 minutes until 1am
  • Buses: Free but stuck in CBD traffic 10pm-2am
  • CityCat ferries: Scenic option; every 20-30 minutes

Pro tip: Avoid the midnight rush (11:45pm-12:30am). Leave early or wait until 1:30am when crowds thin.

Woman getting off the car

Surge pricing 4-6x normal rates from 10pm onwards.

  • Uber/Didi: $20 trip becomes $80-$120 after 11:30pm
  • Black & White Cabs: Slightly cheaper; book via 13CABS app
  • Wait times: 45-90 minutes during peak (11pm-1:30am)

Pro tip: Walk 10 minutes from South Bank/Valley to reduce surge and find rides faster.

Man using smartphone on a vibrant city street at night.

Brisbane CBD is compact – most venues are 15-25 minutes apart.

  • South Bank ↔ Fortitude Valley: 25 mins via bridge
  • CBD ↔ Howard Smith Wharves: 15 mins
  • Safe, well-lit riverside paths

Pro tip: Download offline maps before midnight when networks fail.

Old couple with electric bikes wearing safety helmets.
  • Bike share stations are throughout the CBD, but have limited availability after 9pm.
  • River paths are busy but usable; avoid Goodwill Bridge 11pm-1am (pedestrian chaos)
Person driving a car
  • Road closures: South Bank, parts of CBD and Valley from 7pm
  • Parking: $25-$50; sold out by 8pm near venues
  • Police: Heavy drink-driving checks until 5am on all routes
  • Traffic: Gridlocked 10pm-2am in CBD/South Bank

Better option: Park at outer train stations (free) and catch free trains in.

Woman riding an e-scooter on a sunny urban street.
  • Neuron/Lime scooters are geofenced (disabled) in party zones after 8pm.
  • Bike lanes too crowded for safe riding 10pm-1am.

Best transport strategy

  • Arrive before 7pm via train while services are quiet
  • Stay in one area – don't venue-hop after 10pm
  • Book nearby accommodation or commit to leaving after 2am
  • Walk between CBD/South Bank/Valley if the weather's good
  • Have cash for emergency taxis if rideshare fails

Bottom line: Use free public transport or walk. Everything else is expensive, slow, or unavailable. Brisbane River bridges get extremely crowded 11:30pm-12:30am – plan routes that avoid them during fireworks.

Know before you go

Couple in cafe
  • Weather: Warm and humid; 25–32°C. Bring sunscreen and water.
  • Dress code: Casual for daytime, smart-casual for rooftop bars or cruises. Comfortable shoes recommended.
  • Crowds: South Bank, riverfront, and rooftop bars get busy; arrive early for fireworks.
  • Budget: Markets and cafés are budget-friendly; cruises and rooftop dining are mid-to-high range.
  • Family-friendly: Early fireworks and park activities suit families; late-night events are 18+.
  • Transport: Public transport or ride-share is easiest; walking works well along the riverfront.

Handy tips for celebrating New Year's in Brisbane

  • Book Howard Smith Wharves early: This hotspot under Story Bridge sells out weeks ahead – it's Brisbane's most coveted NYE location. If you miss out, nearby Newstead Brewing and Gasworks Plaza offer similar river views with better availability.
  • Use the CityCat as your venue: Book a spot on the 6:30pm or 7pm CityCat ferry for a moving fireworks platform. You'll cruise past all viewing zones and avoid crowds entirely – just book through TransLink's special NYE ferry experiences.
  • Eagle Street Pier over South Bank: While tourists pack South Bank, locals prefer Eagle Street Pier's restaurant strip for elevated river views, bathrooms, and air-conditioning breaks. Book waterside tables at Sake or Aria for premium (but pricey) experiences.
  • The 8:30pm show is underrated: Brisbane's early fireworks display is 80% as good as midnight but with half the crowds. Families leave after, giving you prime positioning for the main event without camping all day.
  • Kangaroo Point Cliffs for adventure seekers: Abseil down the cliffs at sunset, then stay for fireworks with the best elevated views in Brisbane. Book cliff activities through Riverlife – they run until 8pm on NYE.
  • West End for low-key celebrations: Skip the CBD chaos entirely – West End's Boundary Street has relaxed bars, live music, and you'll still see fireworks from rooftop venues. Catchment Brewing and Death Before Decaf stay open until 2am.
  • Pre-book your morning-after brunch: Brisbane's best cafes (Pawpaw, Gauge, Bess) are slammed on January 1st. Book brunch reservations now, or accept you're eating the hotel buffet at 2pm.
  • Download the Brisbane City Council app: Real-time updates on road closures, public transport changes, and crowd levels at major venues. It's updated hourly on NYE and saves you from walking into gridlock.

Frequently asked questions about spending New Year in Brisbane

Is the New Year a good time to visit Brisbane?

Yes, New Year is one of the most exciting times to visit Brisbane. The city hosts major fireworks, open-air events, and a lively summer atmosphere.

What is the weather like at New Year in Brisbane?

Brisbane is warm and humid in late December, with temperatures around 22–30°C (72–86°F). Light clothing and sun protection are recommended.

Are public transport and attractions open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?

Public transport runs on special schedules, with extra services on New Year’s Eve. Most attractions and shops are closed on January 1 but reopen by midday.

Where are the best places to watch the fireworks?

Top viewing spots include South Bank, Eagle Street Pier, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and from river cruises. Arrive early for the best vantage points.

Are there family-friendly New Year’s events in Brisbane?

Yes, South Bank and Roma Street Parkland offer early fireworks and activities suitable for families and children.

Do I need to book tickets for New Year’s Eve events?

Many river cruises, rooftop parties, and gala dinners require advance booking. Public events at South Bank and Roma Street Parkland are free and open to all.

Is alcohol allowed at New Year’s Eve events?

South Bank is an alcohol-free zone on New Year’s Eve. Licensed venues and private events serve alcohol, but check individual event policies.

What should I wear for New Year’s Eve in Brisbane?

Light, comfortable clothing is best due to the summer heat. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the evening.

Are there any road closures or restrictions on New Year’s Eve?

Some roads around South Bank and the city center are closed for pedestrian access and safety. Check local council updates for details.

Can I use public transport after midnight?

Yes, extra trains, buses, and ferries run after midnight to help people get home safely. Plan your route in advance as services can be busy.