A New Years’ Eve celebration is never complete until you’ve watched the magnificence of brightly coloured fireworks illuminate the night sky. There’s something about the dazzling lights and large pops of noise that inspire, enliven and cast you back to a nostalgic place where you can reflect on the past then look to the future with hope and promise.
There are three free community firework events this year:
WHERE: Bowen Foreshore
WHEN: 8.30pm
WHERE: Collinsville Showgrounds
WHEN: 9pm
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore
WHEN: 8.30pm and 12am
Wear your best Hawaiian shirt and join a sea of bright, bold colours as you welcome the New Year in with a tropical party. Each guest will receive free Leis on arrival and legendary musician Lloyd Saunders will be performing from 8pm until late. Fireworks can be seen from across the road.
WHEN: open 11am until 2pm
PRICE: Free entry before 9.30pm and $10 after
Enjoy an Indonesian Smorgasbord at Whisper Restaurant and Gin Bar this New Year’s Eve, the perfect beginning to the night’s festivities. Located at Mirage Whitsundays, this exclusive venue has uninterrupted sea views, and a delicious Gin cocktail will be served on arrival. The event wraps-up at 10pm and a free shuttle into Airlie Beach is running from 8pm until close.
WHEN: open 10am until 10pm (Indonesian Smorgasbord from 6pm until 8pm)
PRICE: $99 for adults and $59 children aged 4 to 12
Celebrate New Year’s Eve evening at Coral Sea Resort with poolside vibes, panoramic sea views and the sweet tunes of DJ Dave Brannon. There will also be real life mermaids, fire twirlers, a light show and fireworks at 9pm. The a la carte restaurant is open with Lobster specials and there are food stations dotted across the venue including the Wagyu beef slider station and the Moreton Bay bug roll station.
WHEN: From 4pm until 9pm
PRICE: $60 entry only
Everyone is invited to dance the night away at the Grand View Hotel this New Year’s Eve with live band Rebelquin booked to get the party started and play throughout the evening. A range of cocktail specials will also be on offer.
WHEN: open from 10am till late
PRICE: Free
The party will be rocking all night long at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel. With its bar-top stage, pumping atmosphere and friendly bar staff, this New Year is guaranteed to be fun. Start the party early with Gold Coast entertainers Geed Up - boasting their polished three-piece harmonies, impressive dance moves and unique humour – this band always impress. This event gets the crowd warmed-up for the headline act – Dreams – Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute Show. Re-live one of the legendary bands and performers of the seventies and eighties with a group of musicians dedicated to the task of bringing this era to the stage for all to enjoy.
Geed Up
WHEN: from 2.30pm
PRICE: Free
Dreams Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute Show
WHEN: 5pm until 12am (show starts at 8pm)
PRICE: $120 pre-sale ($150 on the door)
Kids eat free this New Year’s Eve at the Jubilee Tavern and families are invited to enjoy a meal together before heading into Airlie Beach to watch the fireworks.
WHEN: 5.30pm to 830pm
PRICE: Kid’s eat free with purchase of adult’s meal
Photo credit: Matthew Newton