Canberrans can welcome 2026 with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

Here’s everything you need to know about the free community event.

What time will the fireworks happen?

There will be two fireworks displays on Wednesday 31 December.

The first will be at the family friendly time of 9 pm. The second will be at midnight.

The fireworks show will be accompanied by a synchronised soundtrack by Mix 106.3.

Where is the best place to see the fireworks?

Fireworks will launch from Central Basin this year.

There will be four celebration hubs around Lake Burley Griffin that provide great vantage points to view the fireworks.

These will be at:

• Rond Terrace

• Wendouree Drive

• Ferry Gate (Regatta Point)

• John Dunmore Lang Place (Commonwealth Place).

When should I get there?

Festivities will begin at each hub from 6 pm.

Get together with family and friends for a relaxing evening on the foreshore.

What food and drink will be available?

Each of the four hubs will feature local DJs, food and beverages and amenities such as toilets (including accessible) and first aid.

Bring a picnic or support the great local food and drink vendors onsite.

What’s the best way to get there?

Save the hassle of driving and finding a park and catch public transport.

More detail on public transport to and from the event will be available on this site soon.

Do I need to be aware of any traffic changes?

If you are planning to drive to the event, make sure you stay up to date with traffic changes and road closures on the Built for CBR website.

You can find parking options in the city centre on the Our Canberra website.

What else is happening in the city on New Year’s Eve?

You can head into the city after the 9 pm fireworks display to keep the party going at Canberra’s wonderful restaurants and entertainment venues.

New Year’s Eve has been declareda special event under the Liquor Act 2010.

This will allow Canberra businesses to ring in 2026 with extended trading hours.

Venues will be able to automatically extend their trading hours and supply liquor in open containers at the premises past their usual licensing times, up to 2 am on 1 January 2026.

To find out more about the special event declaration on the Access Canberra website.

Find out what else is on for New Year’s Eve on the Events Canberra website.