Canberra ushered in 2026 with a spectacular bang, as the capital's largest-ever New Year's Eve fireworks display illuminated the skies over Lake Burley Griffin.
A Dazzling Start to the New Year
The celebrations kicked off with a major eight-minute pyrotechnic show at 9pm on December 31, 2025, serving as a precursor to the main midnight display. Crowds flocked to four official vantage points around the lake: Rond Terrace, Wendouree Drive near the Carillon, John Dunmore Lang Place in front of Questacon, and Ferry Gate at Regatta Point. Many more watched from private balconies and parties across the city.
The event, organised by Fireworks Australia, featured an increased firing capacity with two extra barges loaded with pyrotechnics compared to the 2024 display. This expansion was partly due to adjustments made for construction work on Commonwealth Avenue bridge, which led to the cancellation of activities at Barrine Drive on Regatta Point.
The Cost and Contract Behind the Colours
The vibrant show came with a significant price tag for ACT taxpayers. The territory government has a three-year contract with Fireworks Australia, spanning the 2025, 2026, and 2027 New Year's Eve events. The total contract value is $462,000, which breaks down to $154,000 for each annual display.
This represents an 11 per cent increase, or an extra $16,000, compared to the $138,000 cost of the 2024 fireworks. The contract period officially runs from August 7, 2025, to June 30, 2028.
Celebrations and Economic Spark
The fireworks were the centrepiece of a broader festive atmosphere. Local DJs provided soundtracks and food trucks catered to revellers at the designated sites around the lake. The event also provided a boost for local hospitality, with hotels like The Sebel reporting a surge in bookings.
Most of these interstate bookings came from Sydney and Melbourne, with the hotel's proximity to Blundell's Cottage offering a prime view of the lakefront spectacle. For many, it was a chance to celebrate without the hassle of cleaning up afterwards.
As the final echoes of the midnight display faded over the water, Canberra residents and visitors were left with a bright and booming start to the year 2026.
