FAQs

Canberrans will be invited to picnic along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin from 6pm, with the fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.

Check out the event map here to show exact hub locations, and to help you plan your New Year's Eve.

This year, the firework displays will be launched from the Central basin at 9pm and midnight.

We invite you to enjoy the fireworks from one of the hub areas: Wendouree Drive, Rond Terrace, Ferry Gate (Regatta Point) and John Dunmore Lang (Commonwealth Place).

Additional vantage points also include the Black Mountain Nature Reserve, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and Red Hill Nature Reserve, and viewpoints in the suburbs of Acton, Civic, Barton, Campbell, Kingston, Reid, Russell, Yarralumla and beyond.  These vantage points will not have any additional infrastructure installed.

Please note, unlike previous years there will NOT be a hub location on Barrine Drive (Regatta Point). This is due to the construction works in this area. The nearest hub location to this point is Ferry Gate (Regatta Point).

No. Unfortunately the area around the lake is a no fly zone, so please leave your drones at home.

In addition to the permanent toilets already installed around the lake, there will be portable toilets located at the below locations:

North Side of the Lake

• Ferry Gate, Regatta Point (including accessible units)
• Wendouree Drive (including accessible units)
• Rond Terrace (including accessible units)

South Side of the Lake

• John Dunmore Lang, Commonwealth Place (including accessible units)
• Patrick White Lawns (including accessible units)

Yes, there are accessible toilets available at each of the hubs - Wendouree Drive, Rond Terrace, Ferry Gate (Regatta Point) and John Dunmore Lang (Commonwealth Place).

View the event map (coming soon)for all accessible toilets location.

The firework displays will be at 9pm and midnight. The shows will run for approximately 8 - 12 minutes.

This year, Canberra’s Mix 106.3 will be broadcasting the firework soundtrack live at both 9.00pm and midnight. Canberrans can tune in to experience the fireworks in perfect sync with the music, whether you're at one of the lakeside hubs or enjoying the view elsewhere.

With lots of Canberrans expected to join the festivities, we recommend that you utilise public transport to make your trip as hassle free as possible.

The easiest way to work out your journey is to use the Journey Planner.

Travel on Transport Canberra bus and light rail services will be free all day, simply tap on and off as normal to register a zero-dollar fare.

Buses

To help you travel in from home, Transport Canberra will be running additional shuttles connecting the Interchanges with bus stops on Commonwealth Avenue at Albert Hall and Regatta Point from 7:30 pm and following the event

Please visit Transport Canberra website for more information.

Light Rail

For those travelling in on Light Rail, there will be an extended timetable and increased services:

Southbound (from Gungahlin):

i. 6:30pm to 10:30pm – every 7.5-minutes

ii. 10:30pm to 1:00am – every 10-minutes

iii. 1:00am to 2:00am – every 15-minutes

Northbound (from City):

iv. 7:00pm to 11:00pm – 7.5-minutes

v. 11:00pm to 1:30am – 10-minutes

vi. 1:30am to 2:30am - 15-minutes

Due to the festivities, minor delays are expected, but no stops will be missed. Visit the Transport Canberra website for updates and schedules.

There are plenty of places to park around the perimeter of the lake within walking distance of our hubs.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and parking fees and terms apply as normal.

View our handy guide for walking distances between car parks and hub locations here, or see individual guides under each list below.

South of the lake

• Parkes Place West, Parkes
• Questacon, Parkes
• National Library, Parkes
• Treasury West, Parkes
• Treasury South, Parkes
• Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
• John Gorton South, Parkes
• East Block Main, Parkes
• West Block Main, Parkes
• Federation Mall North East, Parkes
• Lennox Garden, Yarralumla
• Kaye Street and Flynn Drive, Yarralumla

Find more information on National Triangle Parking here

North of the lake

• Canberra Centre, City
• 200 & 300 Allara Street Parking, City
• National Convention Center Parking, City
• CIT Dirt Car Park, Reid
• CIT Staff and Student Carpark, Reid
• Constitution Place, City
• Borella Street, Campbell
• Russell Drive, Campbell
• Reg Saunders Way West, Russell
• Reg Saunders Way East, Russell
• Parkes Way, Russell
• Kings Avenue North, Russell
• Kings Avenue South, Russell
• Kelliher Dr, Russell
• Morshead Dr, Russell
• Menindee Drive, Barton

Find more information on Parking in the City here

Find more information on Parking at Russell here

Carpark closures

Please note that the following carpark closures will be in effect during the below dates and times as a result of the celebrations:

The following carpark closures will be in effect from 7:00am Wednesday 31 December 2025 to 5:00pm Friday 2 January 2026 as a result of the celebrations:

• Barrine Drive carpark, closed
• Rond Terrace carpark, closed

The following carpark closures will be in effect from 4:00pm Wednesday 31 December 2025 to 12:30am Thursday 1 January 2026 as a result of the celebrations:

• Regatta Point carpark, closed. Access is permitted along Regatta Place to access accessible parking spaces (permit holders) and taxi rank.

NO!

Please park in designated parking spots only, we don’t want you to go home with a parking ticket as parking attendants will be out on the night.

Northside

If travelling from the North side of Canberra, we advise you use the below routes:

• Westbound Horse Park Dr / Majura Rd / Fairburn Av / Northcott Dr - park at Russell carparks and follow the walking map to the celebration hubs
• Northbound Federal Highway / Majura Rd / Fairburn Av / Northcott Dr - park in the city and follow the walking map to one of the celebration hubs
• Southbound Gungahlin Dr / Ginninderra Dr / Mouat St / Northbourne Av / Wakefield Av / Limestone Av / Anzac Parade - park in the city and follow the walking map to one of the celebration hubs’
• Eastbound Belconnen Way Fairfax St / MacArthur Av / Limestone Av / Anzac Parade - park in the city and follow the walking map to one of the celebration hubs
• Eastbound William Hovell Dr / Southbound Glenloch Interchange / Lady Denman Dr / Clunies Ross St / Barry Drive / Cooyong Street - park in the city and follow the walking map to one of the celebration hubs

Southside

If travelling in via the Tuggeranong Parkway, we advise you use the below route

• Tuggeranong Parkway North or Southbound / Cotter Road / Adelaide Avenue / Flynn Drive - park in the National Triangle
• Tuggeranong Parkway North or Southbound / Cotter Road / Adelaide Avenue / Kings Avenue - park at Russell carparks and follow the walking map to the celebration hubs

If travelling from the South side of Canberra, we advise you use the below route

• Northbound Yarra Glen / Adelaide Avenue / Flynn Drive - park in the National Triangle
• Northbound Yarra Glen / Adelaide Avenue / Kings Avenue - park at Russell carparks and follow the walking map to the celebration hubs
• Northbound Monaro Highway / Morshead Drive / Kings Avenue - park at Russell carparks and follow the walking map to the celebration hubs, or continue across the bridge and park in the National Triangle

Please park electronic hire scooters in the designated scooter parking areas only. These parking areas are visible on the parking maps in the phone app for Neuron.

Please be aware there will be a lot of people enjoying the festivities. Please ensure you keep a safe speed and consider dismounting and walking through crowded areas.

Please note that scooters will be limited to 15kmph around the lake.

Absolutely, bring a picnic, relax, and enjoy the show.

Absolutely! With a first firework viewing at 9pm, there is plenty of time to support our local restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes for dinner and then make your way to the lake or another viewing location.

If you're enjoying a meal in town, follow the walking trail from the city to Commonwealth Park and then make your way to the celebration hubs with the event map here.

Yes, food vendors will be located at hub areas, serving delicious food from 6pm. 

Check out the list of the food options available at each hubhere.

Please also note that none of the food vendors will be selling alcohol.

Yes , however we want a family, friendly safe event and strongly encourage everyone to drink in moderation and not provide alcohol to underage attendees.

Roving police and security patrols will be on duty to monitor crowd behaviours and alcohol consumption throughout the night.

Yes, first aid tents will be located at the following locations.

1. Ferry Gate (Regatta Place)

2. Rond Terrace

3. Wendouree Drive

4. John Dunmore Lang (Commonwealth Place)

Please call 000 noting the required emergency services needed and your location, please provide an easily identifiable marker – ie a building entry, street corner, etc.

As we're expecting large crowds, we recommend chatting with your children prior to the event to plan for a meeting spot should you get separated. We also recommend you affix your phone number to their person (i.e. write phone number on their arm or pick up a wristband from the information marquee). 

However, should you get separated, immediately alert personel in high vis vests and they'll be able to assist you. 

There will be music but no main stages.

There will be a DJ set up at each hub (Ferry Gate, Rond Terrace, Wendouree Drive and John Dunmore Lang) playing music from 6pm until 9pm and again from 9:15 until midnight. BoomBox2U will be your DJs for New Year’s Eve.

There will also be a synced soundtrack for each firework display which will be played within the hubs as well as be available on Mix106.3 for you to tune into on your own device.

Please keep an eye on Events ACT social media and website, and listen to Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7  for weather updates on New Year’s Eve, from 11am onwards.

If an electrical storm comes through while you are picnicking it is advised that you seek shelter in a permanent structure or vehicle (not under trees or in a marquee).

Please ensure any umbrella, pop up marquee or temporary shade structure are secured sufficiently to limit any possibility of wind movement.

We encourage attendees to limit the use of these structures as a public safety measure. 

In the interest of public safety, our staff may request that umbrellas, gazebos be dismantled in the case of high winds.

We discourage bringing your furry friends to the event as fireworks can cause unnecessary upset with the noise and sudden flashes of light, so for their safety we suggest leaving them at home, securely locked up or inside with a good movie to pass the time.

Being the bush capital, Canberra has an abundance of native wildlife, including eight species of snakes.

• If you do come across a snake, don't think of it as a showdown.
• Just calmly back away and give it a wide berth.
• Snakes need food, water and shelter to survive.
• If you see a snake it's most likely just passing through, looking for food, so just leave it alone.
• When walking, wear enclosed shoes and avoid walking in long grass.
• Snakes are an important part of the environment. Give them their space and they will give you yours.

For more information you can visit Snakes - Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate - Environment (act.gov.au)

If you come across injured wildlife please contact Access Canberra on 13 2281, the RSPCA on 6287 8100 or ACT wildlife on 0432 300 033.