15 Spectacular Places To See The Melbourne Fireworks On New Year’s Eve

2023 is drawing to a close, and there’s no better way to start the new year than by watching the dazzling fireworks. The theme this year is All That Sparkles, and you’re invited to dress up and see a shimmering fireworks display across the Melbourne skyline. Look forward to sensational fireworks and laser displays that will light up the sky from 27 rooftops around the CBD. The dazzling eight-minute display is designed to be viewed from afar, so if you can see the city skyline, you can see the fireworks. We’ve found some spectacular places around Melbourne for you to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks, from the official inner city Celebration Zones, to viewpoints further out.

The four official Celebration Zones are free to attend, and feature food trucks, performances and music from 6pm to 1am. The other lookout points might be a bit quieter than the Celebration Zones, but they’ll still offer a fantastic experience. Here are our recommendations.

1. Flagstaff Gardens

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This garden is one of the four official Celebration Zones. Perfect for viewing fireworks in Melbourne, Flagstaff Gardens will also have live entertainment on New Year’s Eve. The celebrations will kick off at 6pm. After the midnight fireworks, the night will end with a DJ set, finishing at 1am.

📍309-311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003

2. Kings Domain

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Another official Celebration Zone, Kings Domain will have wonderfully scenic views of the fireworks. Nestled in the lush gardens, you’ll enjoy live entertainment from 6pm to 1am. The majority of the entertainment will be set up near Birdwood Avenue and Government House Drive.

📍Kings Domain, Alexandra Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004

3. Docklands

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Enjoy fireworks and festivities by the water at the official Docklands Celebration Zone. Once again, there will be live entertainment. Scattered around the waterfront, you’ll find plenty of bites to eat. This zone is open from 6pm to 1am.

📍Docklands, Melbourne VIC 3008

4. Treasury Gardens

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The final official Celebration Zone, these gardens in East Melbourne will feature splendid city views. Located on the city’s edge, you’ll count down to the new year with plenty of entertainment and activities. The party starts at 6pm and ends at 1am.

📍2-18 Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3002

5. Birrarung Marr

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This park near Fed Square and next to the Yarra River should provide plenty of skyline views. In this central location, all you’ll need to do is look up and enjoy the show.

📍Birrarung Marr, Melbourne VIC 3004

6. St Kilda Beach

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Head a little further out and enjoy views of the fireworks by the beach. Stand on the iconic pier and watch the dazzling display from afar, with the added bonus of the little anchored boats bobbing along the waves.

7. The Strand and Nelson Place, Williamstown

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In Melbourne’s west, Williamstown is a wonderful place to be for New Year’s Eve. Along the streets, The Strand and Nelson Place, you’ll find plenty of green spots with lovely views of Port Phillip Bay, the boats, and Melbourne’s skyline.

8. Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North

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Have a family-friendly New Year’s Eve at Edinburgh Gardens. They’re ringing in the new year with a pop-up cinema and food trucks. The festivities will kick off at 4pm, and include films such as E.T and Barbie. The celebration will continue until midnight. As this is a family-friendly event, alcohol is not permitted. 

9. Footscray Park

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Head to the Eastern Lawn at Footscray Park and avoid the midnight rush with their family-friendly fireworks display. The City of Maribyrnong is lighting up the sky with fireworks at 9:30pm. You’re invited to come along, pack a picnic or grab a snack from one of the food trucks on-site. There will also be live music from performers like Regurgitator, as well as roving entertainment, carnival rides and games. This is an alcohol-free event. 

📍40 Maribyrnong Blvd, Footscray VIC 3011

10. Albert Park

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Find a picturesque spot in Albert Park, and see the majestic fireworks reflect in the lake. Not too far from the city, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the fireworks, while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

11. Wurundjeri Spur Lookout, Kew

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This high lookout spot on Yarra Boulevard is great for sunsets, stargazing, and yes, views of the Melbourne fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy fantastic views of the city, while surrounded by native bushland.

12. Ruckers Hill, Northcote

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This high spot in Northcote provides endless views of Melbourne’s skyline. Before the midnight fireworks, grab a drink or a bite to eat from a nearby restaurant.

13. Anderson Park, Hawthorn

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This Hawthorn haven features plenty of wide open spaces, shady trees and, most importantly, city views. Take in the terrific sights on New Year’s Eve in this urban oasis.

14. Point Ormond, Elwood

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This elevated lookout spot in Elwood is gorgeous any time of the year, but is particularly special on New Year’s Eve. Head up the hill and watch the curving coastline, with the city skyline glimmering in the distance.

15. Green Point, Brighton

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This park by Brighton Beach features views of Melbourne’s skyline, as well as the iconic Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes.