New Year's Eve Events In Cairns 2025
Celebrate the coming of 2026 in the tropics with New Year's Eve in Cairns! This lively city is a fabulous place to holiday for New Year's 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 Year's Eve, and we’re here to help you decide which events to attend on the final day of the year.
Is Cairns good for New Year's?
Cairns is an amazing place to spend New Year's 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 Year's hotspots in Australia, such as Sydney or Melbourne.
What’s On In Cairns For New Year's Eve 2025
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cairns on New Year's 2025, 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: 8:30pm
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
Other Cairns NYE Events 2025
New Year's Eve Party at The Benson Hotel
- Location: The Benson Restaurant and Bar, 50 Grafton Street #Level 3 Cairns City
- Time: 9pm
- Cost: $38 General Entry
Dress to the nines and ring in the new year with some bites and bubbles at the Benson Hotel! Enjoy delicious snacks and cocktails available for purchase on the rooftop terrace, soak up the music and dancing, and enjoy prime views of the midnight fireworks.
New Years Eve Island BBQ Feast By Moku
- Location: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort 122 Lake Street, Cairns City
- Time: 6pm - 8pm
- Cost: $89 adults, $69 teens (13-17 yrs), $39 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 2025!
Other Port Douglas NYE Events 2025
Midnight in Paris: A Cabaret New Year's Eve
- Location: Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Mitre Street Port Douglas
- Time: 6pm - 12am
- Cost: $219 adults, $159 teens (13-17 yrs), $99 kids (4-12 yrs)
Head a bit further north of Cairns to celebrate New Year's Eve in Port Douglas! This exquisite, family-friendly event includes a french-inspired menu, sparkling wine on arrival, and a captivating Cabaret performance. As midnight comes around, a live 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
- 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.
Road closures in Cairns on New Year's 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 Aplin Street
- Closed: 11:00am on 31 December to 5:00am on 2 January
Spence Street to Shields Street
- Closed: 4:30pm on 31 December to 1:00am on 1 January
Aplin Street to Minnie Street
- Closed: 7:00pm on 31 December to 1:00am on 1 January
Visiting Cairns During New Year's 2025/2026
If you're planning a trip to Cairns over the New Year for 2025/2026, 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!
