Elizabeth Quay Is Lighting Up For New Year’s Eve, Here’s What To Expect

That awkward period after Christmas and before New Years can feel a little hazy, but don't fall into a seasonal snooze, because 2026 is kicking off with a (literal) bang as WA's biggest New Year's Eve fireworks celebration hits Elizabeth Quay and surrounds.

Last year saw over 26,000 attendees, and after the whirlwind chaos of 2025, I wouldn't be surprised if this number continues to grow as we wave a relieved au revoir and welcome next year's blank canvas. It's a Perth party in the most traditional sense, with plenty of roving performances, live entertainment, food trucks, and the main character of NYE, the fireworks.

Whether you're keen to dance, make resolutions you promise you'll keep this time, or just watch the fireworks explode across the sky, this is everything you need to know about the Elizabeth Quay celebrations for NYE.

Jump To:

• Fireworks Times
• Where To Watch The Display
• How To Get There
• Other Festivities To Expect
• Best Spots For Eats and Drinks
• How To Navigate Road Closures
• Where Else In WA To See NYE Fireworks

What Time To Watch The Fireworks

There are two spectacular sky displays to celebrate the coming of 2026 and flash over our city skyline.

• 8:30pm to 8:45pm: Family-friendly, making sure the kids (and adults who have put their going out days behind them) can keep their eyes open long enough to see some fireworks magic
• Midnight to 12:15am: Kicking on right into the new year as the countdown concludes, the way the inventor of fireworks certainly intended

Where Will I Get The Best View?

There are a couple of spots you can settle in to watch the show, with the best viewing being within Elizabeth Quay, from Barrack Square, in the Supreme Court Gardens or on the foreshore near Birdiya Drive.

Elizabeth Quay is likely to be pretty packed, but you can't get much closer to the action than by claiming a seat on the grassed areas or wooden boardwalk. Barrack Square is the place to be if you love a city vibe that overlooks the river, while the Foreshore and Supreme Court Gardens are ideal for laying out your picnic rug and getting comfy.

There will be potential restricted viewing from areas like South Perth and Kings Park (but it might be a little quieter), and only the official event zones listed above will have access to the narrated soundtrack and event facilities.

Image Credit: Elizabeth Quay | Instagram

How Do I Get There?

When it comes to big events like this, public transport is always the way to go. The closest train station is Elizabeth Quay Station, while the closest bus stop is the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. If you're heading home via train, there will be some changes to the usual schedule from 8:30pm to 10pm, but resuming as normal after 10pm.

From 8:30pm to 10pm only, passengers taking the Yanchep Line will board at Perth Underground, Mandurah Line passengers will board at Elizabeth Quay, and those taking Fremantle, Ellenbrook, Midland, Airport, Armadale, and Thornlie-Cockburn will board at Perth Station.

Taxis and rideshare services including Uber will be directed to St Georges Terrace or Mounts Bay Road, as these are the nearest open cross streets.

There will be some major road closures around the city, but if you still want to drive, the closest paid parking is available at three locations:

• Convention Centre (includes 23 ACROD bays). The pedestrian and vehicle exit to William St and Birdya Dr will be closed, so you'll need to exit via Mounts Bay Rd and cross William Street at the pedestrian crossing.
• Terrace Road (includes 8 ACROD bays)
• Council House (no ACROD parking during the weekend)

Other NYE Festivities In Elizabeth Quay and Surrounds

Elizabeth Quay (the place to party):

• 5pm: Event opens
• 5pm-8pm: Live DJ on the floating stage
• 5pm-10pm: LED hula-hoop and circus workshops
• 5pm-11.30pm: Face and glitter painting
• 5pm-12am: Roving performers
• 5pm-12am: Carnival sideshow games
• 9pm-11.45pm: Live DJ on the floating stage

Supreme Court Gardens (the place for family-fun):

• 5pm-11.30pm: Roving performers including face painting
• 5pm-12am: Food trucks
• 5pm-12am: Lotterywest Family Fun Zone (with free carnival rides!)

Barrack Square (the place to be wowed):

• 5pm-12am: Food trucks
• 6.45pm-8:15pm: Interactive Circus Game Show 
• 9pm-10pm: Aerial Cabaret Show

Image Credit: Elizabeth Quay | Instagram

Best Spots To Eat And Drink On The Night

There will be a range of food vendors and trucks available on Barrack Square, Barrack St, in the Supreme Court Gardens and on Birdiya Drive. Most vendors accept EFT payments, but there are several ATMs along St Georges Terrace.

Free drinking water fountains and refill stations will also be available at the event, and bottled water is able to be purchased from the food trucks (but BYO bottles to refill is encouraged). 

There are licensed venues within Elizabeth Quay (including The Reveley and Little Creatures), but the event itself is alcohol-free. Of course, there are still plenty of fabulous CBD bars nearby if you want to get a little New Years buzz, check out our top picks here.

How To Navigate The Road Closures

To keep everything running smoothly (because we can't really afford a delay with a celebration that has a countdown), there will be a few road closures around Elizabeth Quay to keep in mind.

• 2pm - 2am: Barrack Square ring road
• 3pm - 2am: Geoffrey Bolton Ave, Duchess Way, Enchantress Way, Barrack St (from The Esplanade to Barrack Square), Riverside Drive (from Barrack St to Victoria Ave), Governors Ave (from Terrace Road CPP)
• 5pm - 1am: William St (between The Esplanade and the Mitchell Freeway ramp), Birdya Drive (including freeway ramp)
• 7pm - 1am: The Esplanade, Barrack St (from The Esplanade to St Georges Tce), William St (from St Georges Tce to Mounts Bay Rd), Mounts Bay Road (from Mill St to William St)

Access a map detailing this information here. 

Water closures will also be in effect, with the Elizabeth Quay Inlet closed from 4pm to 1am and pens not available for use, plus on-water Exclusion Zones on the Swan River.

Where Else In WA Can I See NYE Fireworks?

• Churchill Park and Bell Park, Rockingham (5pm - midnight) 
• Eastern Foreshore Central, Mandurah (6pm - midnight) 
• Thomson Bay, Rottnest (4pm - 8:30pm)
• The Marina, Mandarie (from 3pm)
• New Year's Eve ticketed festivals (SNACK at Claremont Showgrounds and Gloucester Park in East Perth)