20+ ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Canberra
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As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll send out the year.
While you might be wondering where the last 11 months have gone, it’s time to start looking to 2026 and all the possibilities it holds. And after a year full of ups and downs, it feels only right to finish off 2025 with a bang and to send it off in style.
Whether you want to live it up lakeside to watch the fireworks, indulge in a delicious meal or spend the evening dancing the night away, plenty is happening around Canberra to help you ring in the New Year. Grab your family and friends and pop some champagne – here’s how you can spend New Year’s Eve in Canberra.
If you want to head lakeside…
New Year’s Eve on Lake Burley Griffin
Welcome 2026 with spectacular fireworks, food and music on Lake Burley Griffin! This year, there will be two fireworks displays so everyone can enjoy the lights – a family-friendly session at 9 pm and one at midnight for those who want to see in the New Year.
Pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat from the local food trucks at one of the four celebration hubs at Rond Terrace, Wendouree Drive, John Dunmore Lang Place (Commonwealth Place), and at Ferry Gate (Regatta Point) and sit back as local DJs provide entertainment from 6 pm.
As always, a synchronised soundtrack will accompany the two fireworks displays as they launch from Central Basin at 9 pm and midnight, and Canberra’s Mix 106.3 will also be broadcasting the fireworks soundtrack live to air.
One thing to note is that fireworks will not be launched from Commonwealth Avenue Bridge this year, so plan ahead!
From 6 pm | Lake Burley Griffin | Find out more here.
Water’s Edge
Serving up a delicious three-course dinner, Water’s Edge has the best of both worlds – views of the fireworks and fine dining. For $150 per person, each guest will be treated to a curated menu (think: cured sashimi salmon, white pyrenes lamb backstrap and baked meringue yuzu mousse) along with a bottle of Farrier’s Cottage Sparkling Brut on arrival.
Holding two sittings – one at 5.30 pm and one at 8.30 pm – make sure to book a table so you don’t miss out.
From 5.30 pm | 40 Parkes Place East, Parkes | Book here.
Margot Bar
Head to the lakeside for a laid-back evening at Margot Bar. Starting your night with a glass of bubbles and two oysters, you’ll also enjoy focaccia with whipped ricotta, prawns with classic cocktail sauce and a selection of cheeses, served with fresh bread. But that’s not all. You’ll also be treated to a three-hour beverage package, a BBQ feast, a DJ from 6 pm and a front-row seat for the fireworks.
From 6 pm | West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
NYE Party Boat Cruise
Want front row seats to the firework display? The Canberra Party Boat is running a cruise that promises stunning views of the city skyline, festive vibes, and more. Simply bring your own food and drinks or buy drinks and nibbles on board and sit back as you watch the fireworks reflected on the water. Just a note: this special cruise is for adults only, so leave the little ones at home!
From 10.30 pm | Jetty 4, 8 Trevillian Quay, Kingston | Book here.
Love Boats Cruise
This year, Love Boats is running two cruises so you can catch both fireworks shows from the water! There will be a licensed bar on board (which will be serving frozen cocktails), snacks and platters will be available for purchase, and there will even be a photobooth!
From 6.40 pm | Jetty 1, Trevillian Quay, Kingston | Book here.
If you’d rather hit the city…
Amici Deli & Wine Bar
Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Italian way at Amici with delicious food, live music and two fantastic packages to choose from. Starting at 11 am, you can enjoy their full a la carte menu throughout the day, or opt for one of their special packages.
The NYE Boozy Brunch ($75 per person) runs from 11 am to 4 pm and includes 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas plus a selection of cheese and charcuterie platters, burrata with marinated tomatoes, and cannoli to share.
For those who prefer a Prix Fixe experience, also $75 per person, you’ll receive a complimentary spritz on arrival before indulging in charcuterie meats and cheeses, truffle and Parmesan fries, hand-stretched pizzas, Caprese salad, and cannoli.
To top off the evening, enjoy live music from Sophie Edwards from 8 pm to 11 pm. Bookings are highly recommended as spaces are limited.
From 11 am | Amici Deli & Wine Bar, Braddon | Book here.
Such and Such
Such and Such will be open on New Year’s Eve, so why not end the year at one of Canberra’s award-winning restaurants? They’ll be serving their set menu, the a la carte menu, snacks, drinks, and anything else you could want.
It’s worth booking a table, but they will also be accepting walk-ins on the night.
220 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Natural Nine
From show-stopping seafood to slow-roasted duck and sizzling stir-fries, Natural Nine promises an unforgettable New Year’s Eve feast. Bringing together rich, bold Asian flavours in a one-night-only dining experience for $125 per person, indulge in an overflowing banquet featuring 11 dishes before finishing the night with a dessert that brings the heat, literally.
From 6 pm | 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Compa
Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Italian way at Compa with a six-course shared feast. Priced at $145 per person, it will bring together Italian tradition and Australian produce – think: dry-aged MBS 3+ grain-fed sirloin with fennel salad, a traditional fried seafood selection and Cassata Sicilian for dessert. With limited seats available, book ahead for a delicious night out.
From 7 pm | 148 Bunda Street, City | Book here.
Rizla
Oysters, French Champagne and a premium wine to share between two. What’s not to love? This New Year’s Eve, Rizla is hosting a nine-dish set menu that will be available from 12 pm until 9 pm. You’ll also be able to book in for a quick drink or a la carte service as usual!
From 12 pm | Unit 146 Mode3/24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | Book here.
If you’re all about the views
QT
With floor-to-ceiling views of Canberra, bottomless bubbles, roving entertainment delights and more, this promises an unforgettable night. Priced at $195 per person, begin your evening with Sydney Rock oysters dressed in Champagne jelly and caviar, dive into Bluefin tuna tataki, lobster rolls, and spicy crumbed chicken and nibble on spiced apple cake pops. Add in four hours of free-flowing premium beverages, a Champagne tower, roving entertainment and DJs, and you’ll be raising your glass to a night of sparkle and spectacle.
From 8.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Leyla Bar
Who can resist a New Year’s Eve Champagne Party? With some of the best views of Canberra, Leyla Bar is hosting an unmissable party. Priced at $220 per person, your ticket includes a five-hour premium food and beverage package, DJ entertainment, and uninterrupted views of the fireworks from Canberra’s best rooftop. Looking for something even more luxe? You can purchase a VIP booth or lounges with guaranteed seating and even your own personal server,
From 7 pm | 1/1 Burbury Close, Barton | Book here.
Lunetta
As the last golden glow of the year’s sunset fades over Red Hill, join Lunetta for an evening of reflection and celebration.
Executive chef Tristan Rebbettes presents a special edition five-course shared menu shaped by his tenure at restaurants such as Saint Peter, Café Paci, and Sepia, crafted for this one-night-only event which kicks off at 6 pm.
The Curated Set Menu is $220 per person, with drinks charged on consumption. A curated wine journey pairing is available at the time of booking for $220 per person.
From 5 pm | 60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill | Book here.
Howling Moon
Celebrate under the stars at The Howling Moon. End the year at one of Canberra’s rooftop bars with flowing drinks, delicious antipasto and views of the fireworks!
150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
The Yacht Club
Looking for something relaxed? The Yacht Club is the place to go. Hosting a four-course dinner and a four-hour beverage package, take in the stunning views, enjoy great food and drinks and celebrate in style without the fuss.
From 8 pm | Lotus Bay, 1 Mariner Place, Yarralumla | Book here.
If you want something outside of the CBD…
Lunetta Trattoria
Meanwhile, downstairs at Lunetta Trattoria you’ll enjoy a special shared Set Menu designed by Head Chef Will Moyle. Priced at $150 per person, the special four-course shared set menu celebrates Italian flavour and will include delicious items, including BBQ octopus with confit garlic, Bavetta MBS 5+ flank steak with barbecued leek and tiramisu, all enjoyed in the downstairs restaurant.
From 5 pm | 60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill | Book here.
The Promenade Cafe
Rather be down the coast? This is just as good. Book into The Promenade Café to indulge in their signature Seafood Buffet this New Year’s Eve. Featuring an abundant array of fresh seafood, live stations, hot dishes, gourmet salads and decadent desserts, for $170 per person, your ticket also includes a glass of bubbles on arrival.
From 6 pm | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, City | Book here.
The Hyatt Hotel
Looking for something equal parts relaxed and elegant? Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Twilight in the Gardens at the Hyatt. Set in the Rose Courtyard, you’ll enjoy live music, garden games and a two-hour grazing buffet including an oyster station, slider station, charcuterie table and live grill.
Ideal for catching up with friends and family, tickets are $75 per person and $37.50 for children aged six to 12 years. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic blanket and a cash-bar will be available on the night.
6 pm – 8.30 pm | Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, City | Book here.
Hotel Kurrajong
Go back to the Roaring 20s to ring in 2026 in style. Held in the outdoor courtyard – which will be draped in twinkling fairy lights – for $159 per person, you’ll be treated to a night of exceptional drinks and gourmet delights. Including a cocktail on arrival, your ticket also includes a four-hour beverage package featuring a curated selection of premium wines, beers, and sparkling as well as a delectable array of live stations including antipasto, risotto and desserts along with canapés. Make the most of the DJ and dance the night away before counting down to the new year!
From 7 pm | Hotel Kurrajong, 8 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
1882 Hall
A wine pairing is always a good idea, and New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse. This year, 1882 Hall is hosting a four-course meal matched with some of Canberra’s best wines from some of the region’s great wineries. Including drops from Clonakilla, Long Rail Gully, Pankhurst and Nick O’Leary wines, it’s priced at $130 per person.
From 6.30 pm | 13 Gladstone Street, Hall | Book here.
Three Blue Ducks Nimbo
Take a road trip this New Year’s Eve to be surrounded by good food and good company. For $150 per person, they’ll be serving up a seven-course feast with a glass of sparkling wine or beer on arrival. Featuring standout local produce, you’ll be eating your way through Snowy Mountain trout, MB5+ Gundagai lamb, and dark chocolate cremoso as you count down to midnight.
From 6 pm | 330 Nimbo Road, Killimicat | Book here.
