Canberra will farewell 2025 and welcome 2026 with its largest New Year's Eve fireworks display, featuring two shows launched from barges on Lake Burley Griffin. Around 50,000 people are expected to gather on the lake's shores for the event, which includes a 9pm family-friendly show and a midnight 'full feral' display.
Martin Brady from Fireworks Australia said this year's show is the biggest they have ever done in the capital, with two additional barges and larger vessels compared to last year. Each display will last about 10 minutes and be synchronized to music. The 9pm show will feature special shells with shapes like smileys and love hearts for children, while the midnight show promises to be 'super loud and massive'.
Due to roadworks on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, fireworks will not be launched from that location this year. Instead, more barges have been brought in to widen the display area. Brady advised spectators that any spot with a clear view of the middle of the central basin will offer a good vantage point.
Celebration hubs with local DJs and food will be set up at Rond Terrace, Wendouree Drive, John Dunmore Lang Place, and Ferry Gate. Additional security measures, including hostile vehicle mitigation and increased police patrols, have been implemented in consultation with ACT Policing. Detective Acting Superintendent Brett Coutts said officers will target anti-social behavior, underage drinking, and drink/drug driving, noting that the national terrorism threat level remains 'probable'.
For some Canberrans, the night also marks the final closure of queer nightclub Cube after two decades. Venue manager Seth Byrnes described it as a 'big night to remember' with drag queens, dancing, and drinks. Free bus and light rail services will run all day to encourage public transport use.
