Plan your Gold Coast NYE 2026
Fireworks times, the run sheet for the night, getting there on the G:link and buses, road closures, alcohol rules, accessibility and what to bring.
Fireworks times & the night's schedule
Times are based on the 2025 program. The City of Gold Coast usually publishes the final 2026 program in December. All times are Queensland time (AEST, no daylight saving).
Families head to the beach and parklands. Free community events at Broadwater Parklands, Miami and Robina start from about 4pm.
Entertainment starts at Paradise Point, Varsity Lakes and Coomera. Early dinner sittings begin across the coast.
In recent years The Esplanade and Orchid Avenue in Surfers Paradise closed to traffic from 6pm and became pedestrian zones.
Family fireworks at Surfers Paradise, Kurrawa Park Broadbeach, Broadwater Parklands and Coomera (2025 times).
Fireworks at Varsity Lakes (8:30pm), then Coolangatta, Paradise Point and Southport Sharks (9pm). In 2025 public transport became free from 8pm.
Parties, rooftops and cruises are in full swing. The beach at Surfers Paradise fills up for the main show.
Midnight fireworks at Surfers Paradise, Kurrawa Park and Coolangatta, plus private displays at The Star, Main Beach marina and Sanctuary Cove, to welcome 2027.
G:link and extra buses run through the night. In 2025 free travel ran until 5:30am. Allow time for queues.
Getting there: public transport
Public transport is the easiest way to get to the beach on New Year's Eve. In 2025 the Queensland Government made all Translink services free from 8pm on New Year's Eve until 5:30am on New Year's Day, with 50 cent fares at other times. The G:link light rail ran every 7–8 minutes through the night and extra buses ran across the Gold Coast.
- Plan your trip on translink.com.au and check the 2026 New Year's Eve arrangements in December.
- For Surfers Paradise, use the G:link stations at Cypress Avenue, Cavill Avenue or Surfers Paradise. For Broadbeach, use Broadbeach North or Broadbeach South.
- For Coomera, the 2025 Park & Ride ran from Dreamworld with buses every 10 minutes between 5pm and 9:30pm.
- After midnight, expect queues at the tram stops. Taxis and rideshare are available but in high demand, with surge pricing.
Road closures & driving
In recent years The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise (between the Peppers Soul and Hanlan Street roundabouts) and Orchid Avenue closed to traffic from 6pm on 31 December until 4am on 1 January, with detours via Staghorn Avenue and Clifford Street. Parking near the beach fills early. If you drive, park further out, for example in Southport, and take the G:link in. Check the City of Gold Coast and Queensland Police for 2026 closures.
Alcohol & safety rules
Drinking alcohol in public places, including beaches, the foreshore and parks, is generally not allowed in Queensland, and there is a large police presence on New Year's Eve. Glass is not allowed on the beach. Council family events like New Year's Eve by the Sea at Broadwater Parklands are alcohol-free. Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are Safe Night Precincts, where many late-night venues scan ID on entry, so bring photo ID if you're heading out.
Boating on the Broadwater
The Broadwater is busy on New Year's Eve. Private boats must follow Maritime Safety Queensland rules, keep clear of fireworks barges and have a sober skipper. For most people a licensed NYE cruise is the easiest way to see the show from the water.
Accessibility
The G:link is step-free at every station, and the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach foreshores have paved paths close to the sand. Beach viewing on soft sand can be hard going, so the Esplanade path and Kurrawa Park are better options for wheelchairs and prams. Many venues in our directory have step-free access. Contact the venue to confirm.
Safety & wellbeing
- Drink plenty of water. It's usually hot and humid in late December.
- Agree on a meeting point with your group.
- Swim only between the flags, and never swim at night after the lifeguards have gone.
- Keep pets inside and secure. Fireworks scare animals.
- Follow police and staff directions, and look after your mates.
Planning FAQ
What time are the Gold Coast New Year's Eve fireworks in 2026?
On Thursday 31 December 2026 the City of Gold Coast normally runs two free beach displays: an early family show and a midnight show. In 2025 Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach (Kurrawa Park) had fireworks at 8pm and midnight, Coolangatta at 9pm and midnight, Broadwater Parklands and Coomera at 8pm, Varsity Lakes at 8:30pm and Paradise Point at 9pm. The 2026 program is usually confirmed in December, so check the council's website closer to the night.
Is public transport free on New Year's Eve on the Gold Coast?
In 2025 the Queensland Government made all Translink public transport free from 8pm on New Year's Eve until 5:30am on New Year's Day, with 50 cent fares at other times. G:link trams ran every 7–8 minutes through the night and extra buses ran across the city. Check translink.com.au for the 2026 arrangements before you go.
Can I drink alcohol on the beach on New Year's Eve?
No. Drinking alcohol in public places, including Gold Coast beaches, foreshores and parks, is generally against the law in Queensland, and police are out in force on New Year's Eve. Council family events such as New Year's Eve by the Sea at Broadwater Parklands are alcohol-free. If you want a drink with the fireworks, book a licensed beachfront bar, restaurant or cruise. Glass is not allowed on the beach.
What are the best family-friendly NYE options on the Gold Coast?
The early 8pm fireworks at Surfers Paradise, Kurrawa Park, Broadwater Parklands and Coomera are made for kids. Free community events with rides, food trucks and entertainment run at Broadwater Parklands, Coomera, Varsity Lakes, Paradise Point, Miami and Robina Town Centre. Spirit of Gold Coast runs a family cruise for the 8pm show, and several restaurants offer early sittings with child pricing.
Why does Coolangatta celebrate New Year an hour after Tweed Heads?
Queensland doesn't use daylight saving, but New South Wales does. Tweed Heads, just over the border from Coolangatta, reaches midnight at 11pm Queensland time. The Gold Coast's own midnight fireworks run at midnight Queensland time (AEST).
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