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New Years Eve Events In Cairns 2024

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Gabby Boucher
Updated Tue 17 Dec 2024

Celebrate the coming of 2025 in the tropics with New Years Eve in Cairns! This lively city is a fabulous place to holiday for New Years Eve, with plenty of fun outdoor adventures to enjoy during the day and a range of local events and fireworks in the evening. People of all ages can have a blast in Cairns on New Years Eve, and we’re here to help you decide which events to attend on the final day of the year. 

girls posing in front of cairns ferris wheel at night


Is Cairns good for New Years?

Cairns is an amazing place to spend New Years Eve, with its array of free and ticketed events for travellers of all ages! There is also so much to do around Cairns outside of the fireworks and nightlife, whether you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef or the surrounding rainforests. It’s also a slightly more affordable option than other New Years hotspots in Australia, such as Sydney or Melbourne

snorkelling in the great barrier reef cairns


What’s On In Cairns For New Years Eve 2024

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cairns on New Years 2024, we’ve got you covered! Find all the details about the best family-friendly gatherings, fireworks displays, and fancy events that suit all types of travel styles and budgets. 

Try these fun Cairns activities during the day on your New Years holiday!

New Years Eve Fireworks in Cairns

You have a few options for New Years Eve fireworks in and around Cairns. You’ll find the classic Midnight fireworks display, as well as some earlier options for families or those who prefer to skip the late night. All public fireworks displays are free!

Cairns City Family Fireworks

  • Location: Western Events Lawn 
  • Time: 9pm 

Cairns City Fireworks

  • Location: Esplanade
  • Time: Midnight

Edmonton Fireworks

  • Location: Walker Road Sports Precinct
  • Time: 8:30pm

Palm Cove Fireworks

  • Location: Palm Cove Jetty
  • Time: 8:30pm

fireworks display against the night sky


Other Cairns NYE Events 2024

New Year's Eve Hollywood Party at The Benson Hotel

  • Location: The Benson Restaurant and Bar, 50 Grafton Street #Level 3 Cairns City
  • Time: 4 - 11:30pm
  • Cost: $45 General Entry, $650 for a VIP booth

Dress up in a glamorous Hollywood style and walk the red carpet into the lavish Benson Hotel! General entry tickets include a free welcome drink, and there are delicious snacks and cocktails available for purchase on the rooftop terrace. There will be music, dancing, and prime views of the midnight fireworks.

New Years Eve Poolside BBQ By Moku

  • Location: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort 122 Lake Street, Cairns City
  • Time: 6pm - 8pm
  • Cost: $79 adults, $39 teens (13-17 yrs), $29 kids (4-12 yrs), free for infants (0-3 yrs)

Feast on a delicious, freshly prepared BBQ hosted by Moku Bar and Grill at Novotel Cairns. Relax by the pool, enjoy entertainment for all ages, and sip on some drinks as you toast to the end of 2024!

rooftop cocktails at sunset in cairns


Other Port Douglas NYE Events 2024

New Years Eve - Eat, Drink, Dance

  • Location: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Mitre Street Port Douglas
  • Time: 6pm - 11:30pm
  • Cost: $219 adults, $179 teens (13-17 yrs), $79 kids (4-12 yrs)

Head a bit further north of Cairns to celebrate New Years Eve in Port Douglas! This exquisite, family-friendly event includes sunset cocktails, live music, and a 5 course degustation menu with locally sourced ingredients and expertly paired wines. From 9pm a DJ takes the stage for a dance party!

New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at Feast

  • Location: Feast Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Avenue of Palms, Port Douglas
  • Time: 5:30pm - 9pm
  • Cost: 195 adults, $89 kids (5-12 yrs), free for infants (0-4 yrs)

Foodies who want to celebrate the new year with an incredible meal can book into the buffet dinner at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Tickets include a welcome drink on arrival and a spectacular buffet prepared by top-tier Chefs. 

meal and glass of wine on a table at a restaurant


Road closures in Cairns on New Years Eve

Due to all the public festivities, some roads in Cairns city will be closed. So be sure to plan your movements accordingly! These include:

Shields Street to Florence Street

  • Closed: 11:00am on 31 December to 9:00am on 2 January

Spence Street to Shields Street

  • Closed: 4:30pm on 31 December to 1:00am on 1 January

street sign and flowers in cairns city center


Visiting Cairns During New Years 2024/2025

If you're planning a trip to Cairns over the New Year for 2024/2025, you're in for a real treat! There are so many amazing things to do in Cairns outside of the fireworks and festivities. You can snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef, tour tropical islands, immerse yourself in local culture, or traverse the lush landscapes of the rainforests. If you are visiting Cairns in December or January, just be sure to book your travels well in advance. It's a busy holiday season, so tours and accommodations may sell out quickly!

cairns esplanade lagoon on a sunny day


If you have any questions about visiting Cairns for New Years, contact our local travel experts! We'll provide personalised advice and expert local tips!

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