AceBreakingNews – Revellers are gathering across Australia for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with some in Sydney queuing for three days to gain the best vantage point for harbourside fireworks.

Ace Press News From Cutting Room Floor: Published: Dec.31.2023: ABC NYE News: TELEGRAM Ace Daily News Link https://t.me/+PuI36tlDsM7GpOJe

Celebrations are kicking off around the country ahead of spectacular fireworks shows tonight.

For those staying in, you can also follow the ABC’s exclusive broadcast of the Sydney Harbour fireworks on ABC TV and iview from 8.30pm (AEDT).

Jump to see the festivities from your capital city:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Canberra
• Hobart
• Adelaide
• Brisbane
• Darwin
• Perth

Sydney

Crowds have crammed onto the steps of the Sydney Opera House ahead of tonight’s firework celebrations.

The City of Sydney confirmed the Opera House was at capacity this afternoon, along with other spots along the 6 kilometre foreshore.

The Botanic Gardens, the Domain and Campbells Cove are also full.

Partygoers have been camping out for days to get the best vantage spot.

At Mrs Macquaries Point, the earliest group arrived three days ago to claim the best chance at a great viewing spot.

One member of the group, who travelled from Melbourne, said it was worth the trip.

“It’s a cold day. Yeah it’s hard, but it’s very exciting,” they said.

Another group from Melbourne said they came to Sydney especially for the fireworks.

“We heard they are some of the best in the world so we went all the way here just for the fireworks,” they said.

Others have come from all over the world, including Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and China.

Friends who used to study together have reunited in Sydney to queue at 3am after travelling from Germany and the Netherlands.

They said they were “a little excited, very tired” but “pretty hyped”.

“It’s just a nice environment to be in, everyone’s very happy,” one said.

The gates were opened an hour early, with those who had waited sprinting in to gain a premium spot on the harbour.

Rain hasn’t dampened the mood, but many who waited overnight have set up tents and tarpaulins to stay dry.Kayhan Sumaktas owns a food truck that has set up shop at Mrs Macquaries Chair.

It’s not his first time catering to New Year partygoers.

“I expect a lot of drunk British staggering their way through here and a lot of happy people, a lot of people are going to come through here tonight,” Mr Sumaktas said.

“It will start off slow, but…. It’s fantastic.

“The atmosphere is electric, oh my god. It’s so small but everyone is alive it’s beautiful.”

British tourists Ben Upton and Naeve Oakman have been camping out from 7am.

The pair brought food, games and a paint set to keep them occupied while they wait for the show to start.

“This is our first New Year’s in Sydney,” Ms Oakman said.

“We usually see it on the TV back home, it’s surreal being here,” Mr Upton said.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said about a million people were expected to see the fireworks from around the foreshore, with about 425 million watching around the world.

“They eyes of the world will be watching Sydney as we optimistically bring in the new year with our iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks,” Ms Moore said.

The City of Sydney said all vantage points in the city and in North Sydney were full as of 7pm AEDT.

Melbourne

In Melbourne, New Year’s Eve enthusiasts were setting up picnics on the banks of the Yarra River as early as midday.

Hundreds of thousands of revellers are expected to cheer in 2024 in the city’s CBD tonight.

There will be an eight-minute fireworks display at midnight, after an earlier show lit up the sky at 9.30pm.

Kirsty and her fiancé were among those enjoying their afternoon along the river, and said they were looking forward to 2024 when they will be getting married.

“In Scotland we call [New Year’s Eve] Hogmanay,” Kirsty said.

We’re here for a good time tonight in Melbourne and we’re looking forward to a good evening.

“We started early … Scottish tradition.”

Friends Ash Olsen, Amy Du and Catherine Hu were enjoying the early evening at Southbank on the banks of the Yarra River, but planned to watch the fireworks from an apartment with a prime view.

“Our theme for our party was 80s disco-core,” said Ms Du, who wore a bright blue wig for the occasion.

Canberra

Thousands of people have gathered around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra to ring in the new year.

But there’ll be just one fireworks display tonight after the ACT government decided to axe the traditional midnight spectacle.

The 15-minute fireworks display will be launched from the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge at 9pm.

Hobart

It’s been a busy few days on the Hobart waterfront with the Sydney to Hobart yacht race — and those crowds are only expected to increase as locals prepare to bring in the new year.

For the 25th year, fireworks will be on show from two barges on the River Derwent, with two nine-minute displays set for 9:30pm and midnight.

The best viewing spots are expected to be from the Regatta Grounds, Parliament House lawns, the Taste of Summer food festival and Princes Park, but the spectacle will also be visible from Hobart’s eastern shore.

Back on the waterfront, an accessible viewing area will also be set up beside Brooke Street Pier.

The council has recommended those hoping to nab a spot there should arrive at least 30 minutes before the fireworks, as capacity is limited.

Hobart City Council Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was always an exciting time to be in the city, with this year’s fireworks set to be “a great show”.

She said this year the council had put particular focus on improving the accessibility of the event, and increasing the amount of space people have to move around.

“We’ve got more spaces for people to gather, we’ve got more seating on the waterfront — so we’re really encouraging everyone and anyone who is keen to see in the new year to come down to the waterfront,” Cr Reynolds said.

The roads around the waterfront will be closed to vehicles, and the number of public toilets, bins, security and safety angels has also been increased.

There is free parking at the Regatta Grounds, and from 6pm bus fares will only be $2 — but it’s cash only, so bring your coins.

At Princes Wharf No.1, a crowd of roughly 5,000 people will be enjoying the food and live entertainment at this year’s Taste of Summer festival, with Jon Stevens from Noiseworks the headline act.

Taste chief executive officer Stephen McMullen said tonight was always a highlight of the festival.

“It’s a big site, a lot of different experiences and the forecast is going to be amazing,” Mr McMullen said.

“We’re in the middle of the action, and if you’re a patron here, you’ve got the best seat in the house.”

Over in Launceston, in the north of the state, organisers of the annual New Year’s event BeerFest are expecting a crowd of about 10,000 people to head along — with plenty of food, drinks and music to keep people entertained.

Fireworks are also happening in Devonport, while the Burnie City Council has instead opted for a drone sky show for the first time.

Adelaide

Tens of thousands of people have gathered for Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Elder Park/Murlawirrapurka.

Around 25,000 people are expected to attend the free event and watch the fireworks display on the banks of Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens.

The event will feature two fireworks shows at 9pm and midnight.

“We’re just going to sit along the Adelaide shore here, enjoy some time with the family and of course the lovely weather Adelaide put on today,” one attendee said.

“Eat some cheese, drink some soft drinks, listen to the music, sit here for the fireworks — which are always quite spectacular.”

Brisbane

In Brisbane, South Bank Parklands will play host to Brisbane’s major celebrations, with the evening featuring two fireworks shows — one at 8:30pm for kids and another at midnight.

Recommended vantage points include the Clem Jones Promenade, Streets Beach, River Quay Green and Riverside Green, and the Cultural Forecourt.

Meanwhile, Michael McKee-Duff hopes to help Queensland singles ring in the New Year with a “rom-com moment”.

The event organiser says he’s expecting people from as far as the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, with 110 tickets sold to the singles mixer so far.

Everyone here’s aim is just to have a good time,” Mr Mckee-Duff said. “Everyone’s gonna be single, having fun. That’s their main goal, and hopefully someone leaves with someone — then it’s a success.

“Our main goal is massive New Year’s rom-com type moments. We can’t always predict or control those, but we can help make them happen.”

Mr McKee-Duff says most attendees are keen to meet someone “off the apps”.

“The majority of them are sick of the apps, they’re impersonal, they’re not really connecting with someone. They just want to connect with someone for real,” he said.

Darwin

Big crowds are expected at Darwin’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks display and concert at the Darwin Waterfront, after last year’s event was a washout. 

The outlook for tonight is fortunately much drier, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting only a slim chance of rain in the Top End.

At 9pm and midnight the sky over the waterfront will light up with fireworks displays, and there will be New Year’s Eve-themed liquid light displays on show.

The family-friendly event will also feature live music throughout the evening from a wide range of local acts.

“It’s a free event, it’s family friendly, it’s safe, there’s no alcohol allowed in the public domain, so it’s a nice safe experience for people,” Darwin Waterfront Corporation senior events and marketing coordinator Yasmine Welsh said.

We have lots of security, lots of entertainment happening.

“It’s an awesome location to ring in the New Year.”

Meanwhile, NT Police are reminding residents not to set off private fireworks, which are illegal on New Year’s Eve.

For one day a year private fireworks are legal in the NT, but that exemption only lasts during approved times on Territory Day on July 1.

Anyone caught igniting or in possession of fireworks outside of the approved times faces a fine of $1,760.

NT Police duty superintendent Greg Pusterla said police would be taking action if people let off private fireworks tonight.

Perth

In Perth, organisers are preparing for crowds to flock to a free fireworks display at Elizabeth Quay, with entry from 5pm.

There will also be the traditional midnight rooftop fireworks display in Perth and Northbridge, as well as other displays across Perth’s suburbs and throughout the state.

There is also is the chance that one of the best tennis players of all time could be in action as the clock strikes midnight.

Novak Djokovic’s Team Serbia are in action at the United Cup in Perth, playing Team China this evening, and there is no guarantee the tie will finish in 2023.

With Djokovic on the schedule to play in the doubles, the 36-year-old may be in action at Perth Arena as the fireworks begin to ring out across the city.

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