Wollongong residents planning their New Year's Eve celebrations will have a new decision to make this year: head to the iconic harbour or venture into the city centre for the midnight countdown.
A New Choice for Revellers
The traditional fireworks display over Wollongong Harbour will have some competition this year, thanks to an early announcement from The Illawarra Hotel. The venue has revealed plans to launch a second fireworks show at 9pm on December 31, 2025, from the top of the Wollongong Central carpark.
Organisers say this new display is intended to "complement" the Wollongong City Council's official show down at the harbour, which includes the traditional midnight fireworks. The early announcement, made in August 2025, gives locals plenty of time to plan their evening.
Locals Weigh In on the Harbour vs CBD Debate
Reaction to the news of dual displays has been mixed among locals enjoying the Blue Mile. Ashleigh Moir from Mangerton said she usually visits the harbour but is considering the CBD option this year. "That's just where we all live, sort of close to there," she explained.
Michael Marzano from Tarrawanna, who usually attends the Lost Paradise music festival, gave his hypothetical vote to the harbour. "It's a core component of Wollongong. The beach and stuff, so having fireworks it's more Wollongong than anything else," he said.
Meanwhile, Whitney Geoghegan, also from Tarrawanna, didn't have a strong preference, while Dan Kelly of Wollongong pointed out a practical advantage for the harbour location: "There's just a better view from the harbour."
An Embarrassment of Pyrotechnic Riches
With the addition of the 9pm show, Wollongong will effectively host three fireworks displays on New Year's Eve when the midnight "dog frighteners" from the CBD are included. This stands in contrast to nearby regions like Kiama, which may view Wollongong's festive offerings as an embarrassment of riches.
The move by The Illawarra Hotel to create a new CBD focal point four and a half months before the event signifies a growing diversification of New Year's Eve entertainment options in the Illawarra, offering residents more choice in how they ring in the new year.
