Sydney, New South Wales

Assume your party positions and prepare for the electrifying spectacle of new year’s eve fireworks over Sydney Harbour. Sydney is world-famous for these themed, multi-coloured pyrotechnics, which explode off the iconic Harbour Bridge and six barges around the harbour. Catch the exhilarating display from many vantage points - from Balmain in the inner west to Taronga Zoo in the north and Vaucluse in the east. Get closer at a ticketed event on a harbour island, harbour cruise or waterside restaurant. Warm up for the midnight spectacular with pre-show entertainment and family fireworks at 9pm. Sydney also hosts two set of fireworks in Darling Harbour and smaller displays in Manly and Bondi Beach.

Melbourne, Victoria

Greet the new year in Melbourne with a massive, free celebration at six city venues stretching along the Yarra River. Get into the new year groove with bands, DJs and comedians at Birrarung Marr parklands or enjoy family-friendly movies, magic and dancing at Alexandra Gardens. Join the huge party at Federation Square or mingle with the roving performers and exuberant crowds along Southgate Promenade. Picnic on Victoria Harbour Promenade or grab a spot in the lovely Waterfront City piazza in Docklands. All precincts offer great views of the two sets of fireworks, one for families at 9.15pm and the other at midnight to herald the fabulous new year.

Brisbane, Queensland

Begin the new year with a bang in Brisbane’s South Bank parklands, the venue for live music, an all-ages dance party, free movies, a fairground and two spectacular fireworks displays. Start the celebrations in the afternoon, with chilled DJ beats on Streets Beach, or secure an early spot to watch the fireworks along Clem Jones Promenade. Listen to live music across three stages on Little Stanley Street or merge with the music at the free, high-production dance party at Suncorp Piazza. For families, the Cultural Forecourt hosts carnival rides, fairy floss and kids’ competitions and movies. Feel the crowd’s mood soar when fireworks explode over the Brisbane River at 8:30pm and midnight.

Adelaide, South Australia

Enjoy South Australia's most spectacular fireworks at the big, public new year’s eve party in Adelaide's Elder Park. Dance to party bands beneath the balmy summer skies and sample a multicultural array of food. For children and the young-at-heart there are amusement rides and special entertainers. See the family fireworks in Pinky Flat at 9pm. At the stroke of midnight, pyrotechnics dance with dazzling force off Victoria Bridge. The city also often hosts new year’s celebrations in the pretty port of Victor Harbor, south of Adelaide, and the seaside town of Beachport, on the Limestone Coast in the state's south-east.

Perth, Western Australia

Farewell the old year with lots of goodwill and free entertainment at Perth’s free street party in Northbridge. Soak up the celebratory atmosphere along James Street, which is transformed into a family-friendly pedestrian mall with al fresco dining and roving street performers. Watch non-stop musical action – from DJs to swinging big bands to hip hop crews – across several stages. In past years the entertainment showcase has also included go-go dancers, aerial acrobatics, a laser light show, a huge disco ball, digital sculptures and comedians. You can also shout down to the new year at the annual ticketed event in Gloucester Park, which announces midnight with crackling fireworks.

Hobart, Tasmania

Cheer the new year with crews from the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Hobart’s historic waterfront. People from all around the world join the party at Sullivans Cove, which features band, roving entertainers and two sets of fireworks. Grab a ticket to the Taste of Tasmania party, where you can taste delectable Tasmanian produce from more than 70 food stalls and dance the night away to a foot-tapping mix of music. But you don’t need to pay for a great view of the Sullivans Cove fireworks, which explode in iridescent, futuristic colour over Hobart’s elegant sandstone buildings.