Wollongong residents and visitors planning to ring in 2026 at the harbourfront fireworks display will need to plan their travel carefully, with a series of major road closures announced for the evening. Transport for NSW has released the full schedule of traffic changes to accommodate the expected crowds at Belmore Basin.
Key Road Closures and Times
The most significant traffic disruptions will occur from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. A large section of the Wollongong foreshore will be affected to ensure pedestrian safety and event operations.
The following roads will be closed during that period:
- Cliff Road between Marine Drive and Georges Place
- Harbour Street between Market Street and Cliff Road
- Campbell Street from Corrimal Street to Wilson Street
- Wilson Street
- Smith Street between Corrimal Street and Harbour Street
- Market Place
- Marine Drive
- Endeavour Drive
- Hinton Street
- Hector Street
An additional closure will be in place on Crown Street, between Harbour Street and Marine Drive, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Public Transport Boosted for Celebrations
Authorities are strongly encouraging revellers to avoid bringing their cars into the foreshore area. To support this, the free Gong Shuttle bus service will increase its frequency to run every 10 minutes throughout the event period, making it easier for people to travel to and from the celebrations.
Standard bus services will also be diverted due to the road closures. Passengers are advised to check the Transport for NSW website for specific route changes and to plan their journey in advance. The dedicated event page at transportnsw.info/events/2025/12/new-years-eve-at-wollongong-harbour has the latest trip planning information.
Staying Informed on Traffic Conditions
For real-time updates on road conditions and closures, motorists can visit the Live Traffic NSW website or download the official app. To get direct notifications about the Wollongong closures, users can search for "Wollongong Cliff Road" in the app, select the relevant incident, and tap the 'Follow' function.
More detailed information on the traffic management plan is available at the Live Traffic NSW incident page for reference number 257733.
With these preparations in place, the stage is set for a safe and spectacular New Year's Eve celebration at Wollongong Harbour. Planning ahead using public or active transport is the best way to ensure a smooth start to 2026.
