NYE EVENTS: How West Aussies can farewell 2022 in style

With the end of 2022 just days away, Aussies are looking for the perfect way to farewell the year that was.

Each capital city has plenty of events on offer for those looking to get out and about and welcome 2023 with a bang – literally.

Fireworks shows in all major cities are free to attend, with a couple of special family friendly additions this year.

Here’s where you can find the perfect place to bring in the new year.

Perth

Western Australians can watch the fireworks over Swan River this year, with the Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair ready to “set the sky on fire”.

The fireworks “extravaganza” will kick off at 9pm so the kids can at least enjoy a taste of the main display, which of course launches into action at midnight.

Open from 5pm, the Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair offers a sideshow alley and rides and food trucks to help people enjoy the last few hours of the year.

Stilt walkers and jesters are also part of the fun.

To get a good view of fireworks, attendees are recommended to find a good early spot at the Elizabeth Quay inlet and bridge, or at other viewing areas around the city.

Adelaide

South Australians will be invited to spend December 31 in Rymill Park/Murlawirrapurka to see in 2023.

Starting at 6pm, a public event will host live music, feature roving performers and offer plenty of food options.

Attendees can enjoy a “hybrid” show of both lights and fireworks at 9.30pm and again as the clock strikes midnight.

Other events in Adelaide include the collaborative efforts of venues on Peel St and Leigh St which make up the City of Adelaide’s “Midnight Moments”.

This special evening will see live music on both streets, and on-street dining, with participating venues including Eleven, Jennie Wine Bar, Alfred’s Bar, Maybe Mae, Leigh Street Luggage, Pink Moon Saloon and more.

If you’d rather farewell 2022 by the ocean, the Glenelg foreshore will again play host to festivities.

An early 9.30pm display of fireworks will run ahead of the traditional midnight display, and family friendly entertainment will kick off from 7pm on the beach.

Melbourne

Melbourne families can see the action at specific kid-friendly zones at Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Kings Domain and Treasury Gardens for the best fireworks views.

Light installations, food trucks, live music and performances will keep everyone entertained, with no bookings required.

The midnight fireworks display is “designed to be viewed from afar” and will see both fireworks and lasers bringing the city to life.

Both should be visible from most parts of the city, however skyline views from further away will provide the best vision.

Festivities in family friendly zones will kick off from 6pm and last until 1am on New Year’s Day.

Sydney

Sydneysiders are again invited to Sydney Harbour to watch the magnificent Harbour Bridge fireworks display.

A family friendly matinee sky show will kick off at 9pm, with the “main event” underway at midnight.

The fireworks are best viewed by the Sydney Opera House, but there is limited space and the area is open from 1pm.

Alcohol is permitted and available for purchase only within licensed areas.

For a full list of Sydney events, see here.

Hobart

Tasmanian residents are invited to view the Hobart fireworks over Sullivan’s Cove along the Derwent River.

Two eight-minute firework shows – the first at 9.30pm and the second bringing in the new year at midnight – will be set off from a barge in the Derwent River.

Best viewing of the display is expected to be from the Taste Of Summer event, the Regatta Grounds, Parliament House Lawns and Princes Park.

Free parking is available at the Regatta Grounds, with plenty of space for families to enjoy the evening from near the Cenotaph.

All fireworks debris from the evening is biodegradable and will not harm sea life or the surrounding environment.

Steps are being taken to ensure the event is aligned with the city’s waste management and environment policies.

Brisbane

The South Bank Parklands will come to life on December 31 with The Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks event.

Two special feature fireworks shows are planned for the evening, with the first family friendly session kicking off at 8.30pm.

For those a little older who can handle staying up longer than that, a special midnight display will welcome in 2023.

The event is alcohol-free, and free to attend.

Canberra

As the nation’s capital looks to the bring in the new year, Lake Burley Griffin will play host to two fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve – one at 9pm and another at midnight.

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic from 6pm to one of four hub areas along the foreshore.

Regatta Point, Patrick White Lawns, Rond Terrace and Bowen Park will over the best views of the sky.

Food trucks, first aid, portable toilets and security are among the services available on the night, with DJs located at every hub area to help bring a positive atmosphere in the lead up to 9pm fireworks.

There will be two fireworks locations – one at the central basin and one at the east.

The west basin will not feature in this year’s display, and there is also no hub at Lennox Garden.

Darwin

The Northern Territory will farewell 2022 at the Darwin Waterfront, with a little help from music icons Birds of Tokyo, Melanie Gray Duo, DJ Lady Kay and, for the kiddies, Bananas in Pyjamas.

The free event, which is also alcohol and smoke-free, will open at 3pm with entertainment commencing from 5pm.

No alcohol is permitted within the event area, but access to all restaurants remains open.

Picnics at the event are welcome, but food trucks will be available on Kitchener Drive for those who prefer to purchase dinner.

Birds of Tokyo will wow the crowd until the 9pm fireworks, and local DJ Lady Kay will bring in 2022.

Bookings are essential for waterfront restaurants.