Everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin 2024/25
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Midnight fireworks, DJs, food trucks, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about Canberra’s favourite NYE event.
Helping you to end your 2024 with a bang (literally), New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin is back for another year to light up the night with a stunning fireworks display on Tuesday 31 December.
One of the most beloved and 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 be broadcast by Canberra’s Mix 106.3.
But locals are in for a treat this year. After testing a single firework show at 9 pm at New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin 2023/24, this year will see the return of the two displays that take place at 9 pm and midnight.
That’s right, midnight fireworks are back on the agenda.
To make sure your evening is the best it can be (and to keep you inspired to stay up past your bedtime), we’ve put together your ultimate guide to New Year’s Eve at Lake Burley Griffin 2024/25.
Here’s how to ring in the New Year, lakeside.
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 four hub areas: Rond Terrace, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, and two hubs at Regatta Point, with one closest to Commonwealth Avenue and Nerang Pool (you can see the event map here).
Kicking off from 6 pm, to make it a real party – it is New Year’s Eve after all – each hub will feature local DJs, food and beverages and amenities. While we don’t yet know the details, we do know that there will be an array of food vendors (showcasing a wide variety of cuisines), and live music catering to diverse tastes.
Just make sure to pack a blanket or picnic rug and camping chairs (maybe even pillows if you’re feeling fancy)!
But that’s not all. Promising a relaxing evening on the foreshore, Canberra’s Mix 106.3 will also be broadcasting the firework soundtrack live this year at both 9 pm and midnight.
Don’t want to fight the crowds around the lake? You can tune in to experience the fireworks in sync with the music, even if you’re enjoying the view elsewhere with additional vantage points including: Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and the surrounding suburbs of Barton, Campbell, Civic, Kingston, Reid, Russell and Yarralumla.
Just remember that 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 Canberrans expected to join the festivities, why not utilise the free public transport?
That’s right, for those attending New Year’s Eve celebrations, Transport Canberra will be providing FREE travel from 5 pm until the last service for bus and light rail services. Just some things to note:
- On New Year’s Eve, the regular bus timetable will run until 7:30 pm, followed by additional rapid services scheduled after 7:30 pm (excluding route 8).
- The light rail will deliver an extended timetable and increased services on New Year’s Eve. This will offer a 7.5-minute frequency from 6:30 pm, and then a 10-minute frequency from approximately 10:30 pm until the last service from Alinga Street at 1:30 am.
- Passengers are encouraged to tap on and off with their preferred payment method, which includes a debit card, credit card, MyWay+ card, smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or QR code. You will NOT be charged a fare after 5:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, no matter how you decide to tap on or off.
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.
Make sure to pre-plan your evening, park safely and legally if driving, and embrace this opportunity to come together and celebrate responsibly. And 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? There’s plenty happening around Canberra with businesses ringing in 2025 with extended trading hours.
And if you want to make it even more special, here’s our foodie’s guide to New Year’s Eve in Canberra (because spending the evening gorging yourself on some scrumptious food pre- or post- fireworks is always a good idea).
For more information on New Year’s Eve 2024 and to plan your celebrations, visit events.canberra.com.au/nye
