Everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin
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Fireworks, food, music, and more – here’s everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin.
Ready to cap off your 2023 in style, New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin promises to light up the night with a stunning fireworks display on Sunday 31 December.
One of the most anticipated family-friendly events of the year, for the uninitiated New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin is a fireworks display synchronised to music, which will play live on 1053AM. It’s a great evening out for everyone and the perfect excuse for a BBQ or picnic to send out the year!
But this New Year’s Eve is looking a little different. Unlike previous years, this Sunday will see a single fireworks show that will delight viewers for up to 15 minutes at 9 pm, replacing the two shorter displays that previously took place at 9 pm and midnight. But don’t worry – it will contain the same volume of fireworks that were spread across two shows into one dazzling display.
To make sure your evening is the best it can be, we’ve put together your ultimate guide to New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin 2023.
So, what’s happening?
This year, the fireworks will be launched from Central Basin and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge with spectacular viewpoints from each of the three hub areas.
Kicking off from 5:30 pm, you’ll be able to purchase food from a range of vendors along the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin at one of three hub areas –Regatta Point (Barrine Drive and Ferry Gate), Commonwealth Place and Rond Terrace. There will also be DJ’s playing live music at each of the hub areas from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm to keep the party going. Just make sure to pack a blanket or picnic rug and camping chairs (maybe even pillows if you’re feeling fancy).
Don’t want to fight the crowds around the lake? Additional vantage points for the public to view the fireworks will include Black Mountain Nature Reserve, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and viewpoints in the suburbs of Acton, Civic, Barton, Campbell, Kingston, Reid, Russell, Yarralumla and beyond. These areas will not have any additional amenities, food vendors or entertainment in place by Events ACT, so you’ll have to bring your own supplies!
Transport and parking
Obviously, the lake is large and there is some parking – but with lots of Canberra expected to join the festivities, why not utilise the free public transport?
Available from 5 pm until the last service at approximately 1 am on 1 January 2024, the easiest way to work out your journey is to use the Transport Canberra Journey Planner. Additional shuttle busses will also be operating to each of the hub locations (Regatta Point, Rond Terrace and Commonwealth Place) at regular intervals throughout the night.
Planning on driving? There will be a large number of carparks around the lake’s perimeter – just remember that parking fees and terms apply as normal so read parking signs. Just a little note: a large number of carparks will be closed between Friday 29 December until Tuesday 2 January as a result of the celebrations. Road closures and speed limit changes will also take effect on Sunday 31 December as a result of celebrations.
For more information visit nye.events.canberra.com.au/faqs – you can also see all road and carpark closures on the event map.
Just remember to take your time and be patient when entering and exiting the event – everyone is there for a good time!
The after party
Want to kick on? Here’s our list of 30+ ways to ring in the New Year in style. There’s plenty is happening around Canberra.
For more information visit nye.events.canberra.com.au
