Canberra will welcome 2026 with its largest ever New Year's Eve fireworks display, with two shows scheduled at 9pm and midnight from barges on Lake Burley Griffin's central basin. About 50,000 people are expected to gather on the lake's shores for the event.
Martin Brady from Fireworks Australia said the display is the 'biggest show' they have ever done in Canberra, featuring two more barges than last year and larger ones. Each display will last about 10 minutes with a synchronised soundtrack. The 9pm show will include special shells for children, such as smiley faces and love hearts, while the midnight show will be 'full feral … super loud and massive'.
Fireworks will not be launched from Commonwealth Avenue Bridge this year due to roadworks, prompting the use of additional barges for a wider spread. Brady advised that spectators positioned to see the dead centre of the central basin will have a good view from either side of the lake.
Celebration hubs will be set up at Rond Terrace, Wendouree Drive, John Dunmore Lang Place, and Ferry Gate, featuring local DJs and food, according to Events ACT's Ross Triffitt. Additional security measures include hostile vehicle mitigation and increased police patrols, coordinated with ACT Policing.
ACT Policing's Detective Acting Superintendent Brett Coutts said officers will target anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, and drink or drug driving, noting the national terrorism threat level remains 'probable'. Last year saw only a handful of arrests, and he hopes for similar good behaviour.
Bus and light rail services in Canberra will be free all day to encourage public transport use. Meanwhile, queer nightclub Cube will close its doors for the final time on New Year's Eve after two decades, with venue manager Seth Byrnes expecting a memorable farewell party.
