Brisbane is about to explode with colour, energy, and epic New Year’s eve celebrations on 31st December 2025, and you’re invited to the party of the year! Whether you’re craving midnight fireworks over the Brisbane River, rooftop vibes with flowing drinks, or a family-friendly sunset celebration, this guide has everything you need to celebrate New Year’s Eve like a true Brisbanite. Planning New Year’s Eve Brisbane 2025? Discover fireworks times, best viewing spots, parties, family events, transport, and where to stay.
Plan your perfect New Year’s Eve celebration in Brisbane
| Category | Key Details | Type / Cost | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Fireworks | Lord Mayor’s Midnight Fireworks. Theme: ‘City of Dreams’. Over 100,000 effects from 6 river barges. | Free | Two shows: Family (7:45 PM) & Midnight (12:00 AM) |
| Drone Shows | NEW for 2025. Two 8-minute displays with 200 drones at 9 PM & 11 PM. | Free | Best viewed from South Bank or Queen’s Wharf |
| Best Free Viewing | South Bank Parklands, Clem Jones Promenade, Cultural Forecourt, Riverside Green, River Quay. | Free | Arrive early to claim your spot with a picnic blanket |
| Premium Venues | Rooftop bars (W Brisbane, Iris), Howard Smith Wharves restaurants, floating yacht cruises (Oasis Brisbane). | Ticketed | Book well in advance – these sell out quickly |
| Family Events | South Bank alcohol-free zone & suburban celebrations (Aspley Hornets, Bulimba Golf Club, etc.). | Family-Friendly | Most suburban events have 8 PM or 9 PM fireworks |
| Transport | Free public transport from 8:00 PM Dec 31 to 5:30 AM Jan 1 on all Translink services. | Free | Trains, buses, ferries, and trams included. Don’t drive. |
| What to Bring | Sunscreen, sealed water bottle, picnic blanket, fully charged phone, cash for vendors. | – | BYO food & non-alcoholic drinks allowed at parks |
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Let’s be real, there’s something magical about ringing in the new year under the Queensland summer sky. Brisbane’s warm summer weather makes it a prime destination for tourists during New Year celebrations, and the electric atmosphere along the Brisbane River creates unforgettable memories. From South Bank’s massive fireworks display to Fortitude Valley’s club scene that goes till sunrise, Brisbane knows how to party.
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The Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks features over 100,000 pyrotechnic effects launched from 6 barges on the Brisbane River, making it Queensland’s biggest fireworks display. This year’s theme is ‘City of Dreams’, and trust us, it’s going to be HUGE.
NEW FOR 2025: Two drone shows featuring 200 drones at 9pm and 11pm, running for 8 minutes each, visible from South Bank and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. This is next-level tech meeting traditional fireworks magic!
South Bank Parklands – The ultimate crowd favourite
Pro Tip: Free public transport runs from 8:00pm on New Year’s Eve until 5:30am New Year’s morning on all Translink bus, train, ferry and tram services, no excuses for not getting there!
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Free Community New Year’s Eve Events
Your unforgettable New Year’s Eve starts with the perfect place to stay. CuddlyNest makes it easy to find and book your ideal accommodation, from luxury hotels to cozy apartments, all in one place. Now, you can also book your flights to Brisbane seamlessly on CuddlyNest.
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As the final firework fades over the Brisbane River, you’ll be left with memories to last a lifetime. Here’s to a spectacular send-off to 2025 and a brilliant beginning to 2026. Plan smart, celebrate safely, and welcome the new year in true Brisbane style.
Yes, the official South Bank Parklands fireworks viewing areas are designated alcohol-free family zones. Additionally, many suburban community events (like those at Aspley Hornets or Bulimba Golf Club) are dry, family-focused celebrations.
The fireworks and most major events proceed rain or shine. Indoor and covered venue events (like at Howard Smith Wharves or The Star) are excellent wet-weather backups. Always check the event’s social media for last-minute weather updates.
Yes, at most public parks like South Bank, you can bring soft-sided picnic baskets with food and sealed non-alcoholic drinks. Glass, alcohol, and metal cutlery are prohibited. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
No. In fact, free public transport runs continuously from 8:00pm on December 31st until 5:30am on January 1st on all Translink services. Extra late-night services are added to help everyone get home safely after midnight.
