Ring in the New Year, Aussie Style
Australia knows how to celebrate New Year’s Eve. From world-famous fireworks over Sydney Harbour to laid-back coastal countdowns and vineyard festivals, there’s a celebration for every traveller.
With a Redspot rental car, you’ll have the freedom to create your own perfect New Year’s getaway. Whether you’re chasing big-city parties, live music festivals, or regional escapes, these are some of the best places in Australia to welcome the new year.
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales
If there’s one place on every New Year’s bucket list, it’s Sydney Harbour. Each year, over a million people gather along the foreshore to watch the world-famous fireworks display explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
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Best viewing spots: Circular Quay, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Barangaroo Reserve, and Darling Harbour.
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Ticketed events: Exclusive vantage points like the Royal Botanic Garden or harbourside restaurants often require pre-booking months in advance.
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Relaxed options: For a quieter evening, head to suburban waterfronts such as Balmain, Cremorne Point, or Watsons Bay.
👉 Redspot Tip: Pick up your rental at Sydney Airport or Sydney city branch and head to a harbourside hotel before the crowds arrive. Parking is limited near the city, so plan ahead.
Sydney Harbour Fireworks
Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne puts on a spectacular show with fireworks launched from rooftops across the CBD. The city also boasts a huge range of live music events, river cruises, and rooftop parties.
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Southbank Promenade: One of the best spots for riverside fireworks views.
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Docklands: Family-friendly celebrations with food trucks and entertainment.
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Fitzroy & Collingwood: Bars and live music venues for a more alternative NYE.
👉 Redspot Tip: Base yourself just outside the city — St Kilda or Richmond are excellent areas — and use your Redspot rental to explore the wider region, from the Great Ocean Road to the Yarra Valley.
Brisbane & The Gold Coast, Queensland
Queensland is perfect for those who want to celebrate NYE in warm, tropical style.
Brisbane
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Fireworks light up the Brisbane River, with prime viewing at South Bank Parklands.
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Plenty of rooftop bars and river cruises add glamour to the night.
Gold Coast
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Surfers Paradise throws the biggest beach party in the country, with fireworks at 8pm and midnight.
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Nightclub tours give partygoers access to multiple venues with VIP perks.
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Family-friendly beach countdowns mean there’s something for all ages.
👉 Redspot Tip: Gold Coast Airport rentals make it easy to drive straight into the action or escape south to Byron Bay the next day.
Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide’s laid-back vibe gets a festive twist on New Year’s Eve.
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Elder Park hosts live music, food trucks, and fireworks over the River Torrens.
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Glenelg Beach is another popular spot, perfect for families and beach lovers.
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For a more unique experience, spend NYE in the Barossa Valley, enjoying wine tastings and a quieter midnight toast.
👉 Redspot Tip: With branches throughout Adelaide, it’s easy to combine your NYE celebrations with a road trip to South Australia’s vineyards or coastlines.
Perth & Fremantle, Western Australia
Perth rings in the new year with a mix of urban excitement and coastal charm.
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Perth CBD & Elizabeth Quay: Fireworks and riverside dining.
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Kings Park: A relaxed picnic with city skyline views.
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Fremantle: Beach parties, live music, and harbour-side countdowns.
👉 Redspot Tip: Pick up your Redspot rental in Perth and spend New Year’s Day exploring Rottnest Island or Swan Valley wineries.
Hobart & Tasmania
For a New Year’s Eve with a gourmet twist, head to Hobart.
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Taste of Summer Festival (formerly Taste of Tasmania) offers incredible food, local wine, and live entertainment on Hobart’s waterfront.
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Fireworks light up the Derwent River at 9:30pm and midnight.
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Extend your stay to catch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race finish around New Year’s.
👉 Redspot Tip: Hobart is compact and walkable, but a rental car makes it easy to explore Freycinet, Bruny Island, or Mt Wellington during your holiday.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Byron Bay offers a more alternative, laid-back New Year’s Eve.
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Beachside countdowns bring together locals and travellers.
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Music, wellness, and arts events create a more chilled vibe than big city fireworks.
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Surrounding hinterland towns like Bangalow often host their own celebrations.
👉 Redspot Tip: Gold Coast is only an 1hrs drive from Byron put you right at the doorstep of its coastal neighbours.
Regional Festivals & Unique Celebrations
Beyond the capital cities, Australia offers plenty of unique NYE experiences:
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Falls Festival (multiple states): A major music event held in regional coastal towns (line-ups change yearly, but always feature big international and Aussie acts).
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Tropical North Queensland: Celebrate in Cairns or Port Douglas, where reef tours and island resorts mix relaxation with fireworks.
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Alice Springs: A desert celebration under the stars with live music and outback hospitality.
👉 Redspot Tip: Festivals and regional events often sell out accommodation early. Secure your rental car in advance to maximise flexibility.
Redspot’s New Year’s Travel Tips
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Book early: December is peak travel season, so lock in your flights and car hire months ahead.
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Plan parking: Major cities close roads and limit parking near event zones. Use your rental car to base outside the CBD and take public transport in.
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Stay safe: If you’re planning to drink, always have a designated driver or use your Redspot rental for day trips instead of late-night returns.
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Extend your trip: Combine your NYE celebration with a summer road trip. Australia’s coastlines, wine regions, and national parks are at their best in January.
Celebrate in Style with Redspot
Wherever you choose to spend New Year’s Eve in Australia, Redspot makes getting there simple. With branches in every major airport and city, a modern fleet, and flexible rental options, you can celebrate your way — and start the new year on the open road.