What To Do In Australia On New Years Eve For Backpackers

Ringing in 2025 Down Under? Make the most of your New Years Eve celebration in Australia with these fun things to do. No matter where you are in Australia, you can embrace the excitement of New Years Eve with a bit of planning and creativity. You can head to some local events in the big cities, or just enjoy your own festivities with friends in any location. Either way, don’t miss the chance to celebrate the new year in Australia!

What are some New Year's traditions in Australia?

Most Australians celebrate their New Year with some sort of outdoor activity, whether it be a beach day, a BBQ in the park, or attending a local fireworks display. Fireworks are probably the most popular New Year’s tradition in Australia, with spectacular displays igniting the night sky all over the country. Fireworks displays are often accompanied by New Years dinners or banquets at local restaurants and bars, or just a casual gathering at a park or beach with loved ones. 

Where is the best place to spend New Years Eve in Australia?

Many would consider Sydney to be the best place to spend the New Year in Australia, thanks to its world-famous fireworks show in the iconic harbour. If given the chance, definitely try to see the magical fireworks over iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s a sight you will never forget! 

But in reality, the best place to spend New Years Eve in Australia is just wherever you can enjoy the company of friends or family. Even if you’re in an industry that requires you to work on New Years Eve, try to find a few moments of joy with your coworkers and join in on that exhilarating countdown to midnight. 

Cheap Ways To Celebrate New Years Eve In Australia For Backpackers

Backpackers on a budget can have a fabulous New Years Eve in Australia! From free fireworks displays to outdoor adventures and tours, it’s easy to find a fun and affordable way to spend your final hours of 2024. 

Attend local fireworks

Most fireworks displays in Australia’s major cities and towns are free! You just have to find a place to stay for the night and try to show up early enough to get a good viewing spot in the local parks or beaches. 

Go bar-hopping

If you’re in a popular party town like Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Airlie Beach, Byron Bay, or anywhere in between, there are likely lots of local bars and clubs where you can enjoy some drinks with friends. 

Have an outdoor picnic or BBQ

No matter where you are in Australia, find a local park or beach and have an outdoor celebration with friends! Bring some picnic blankets, make use of public BBQ facilities, or bring take-away food and drinks and cheers the previous year away together. 

Book an overnight tour

If you’re struggling to plan something on New Years Eve, or you have no one to celebrate with, book a multiday tour and have everything planned for you! Whether it’s a sailing tour in the Whitsundays or a 4WD camping trip on K’gari (Fraser Island), enjoy iconic Australian adventures with other backpackers!

Go camping

Those who love outdoor adventures can embark on a camping adventure for New Years Eve! Go hiking, swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing in nature with loved ones as you toast to 2025. Just remember to book campsites in advance as they will fill up quickly. 

Popular New Years Eve Fireworks Events In Australia 

If you are hoping to attend some formal celebrations in Australia for your New Years Eve, you have lots of options! Most major cities around the country will have ticketed events, theme nights at local bars and restaurants, or a public fireworks display by the waterfront. Here are some popular New Years Eve Events along the East Coast!

Sydney Fireworks

Of course, the Sydney Fireworks have to be at the top of the list because it’s one of the most famous New Years Eve events in the world. If you are going to make the trip to Sydney for New Years Eve, it’s so important to book your trip in advance because it’s one of the busiest nights in the city. Book your accommodation early, and don’t be surprised if prices are steeper at this time. But, it’s totally worth it!

Brisbane Festival

For the biggest fireworks display in Queensland, head to the capital city of Brisbane for Riverfire. This epic fireworks celebration over the Brisbane River is just as impressive as Sydney’s fireworks, and they have two shows at 8:30pm and midnight. Head to scenic spots like the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or the Howard Smith Wharves for some of the best vantage points!

Melbourne Fireworks

Backpackers who find themselves down in Victoria over New Years Eve can head to Melbourne for a fireworks show! If you want to treat yourself, book a spot at a fancy rooftop bar for fireworks viewing, or find somewhere on the St Kilda Foreshore to watch them for free. There is also an early fireworks display at 9:30pm for those who want an earlier night. 

Cairns Fireworks

Spend New Years Eve in the tropics! Cairns is another popular spot for backpackers to celebrate the start of a new year. The city comes to life with early, family-friendly events starting in the early evening with live performances and 9pm fireworks. Hang around and go bar-hopping until it’s time for the midnight fireworks!

NYE Sky Show Kiama

Just a few hours south of Sydney, in the charming coastal town of Kiama, you can partake in another New Years Eve celebration. Held a bit earlier from 4pm to 9:30pm, this lighthearted event has streed food and snacks, live performances, outdoor games, DJs, and fireworks at 9pm. 

Taste of Summer, Hobart

Kick off the new year down in Tassie! Hobart does have New Years Eve fireworks, but it also hosts a week-long festival called the Taste of Summer from the 28th December to the 4th of January. This gives you a chance to celebrate outside of December 31st if you want, and it’s the perfect option for foodies! Some of the best local food vendors will be here showcasing their incredible farm-to-table delights, with fireworks finishing up the night. 

NYE Night Session at Cali Beach Club, Gold Coast

If you’re in the Gold Coast this New Years Eve in Australia, book into an upscale party in Surfers Paradise! Here you can enjoy DJs, live performances, food, cocktails, beach views, poolside partying, and views of the fireworks from 7pm until late at night. 

If you need any help planning your East Coast adventure, contact our travel experts! We'll provide personalised recommendations and advice for your trip.