December 31, 2025 | 02:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Brimming with culture in every season, Australia's Melbourne becomes downright irresistible as the final moments of 2025 slip away.
When the calendar turns, the best things to do in New Year unfold into spectacular nights of fireworks, riverside revelry, rooftop parties, and waterfront celebrations that feel nothing short of cinematic.
And whether you’re chasing lively crowds or eager to break free from the winter chill, Melbourne’s end-of-year magic gives you every reason to step out and soak up the city’s radiant buzz.
To map out your perfect countdown, dive into event picks from Melbourne Ticket and What’s On Melbourne here.
List of the Best Things to do in New Year Across Melbourne
1. Rooftop Bars Across Melbourne
There’s no finer way to welcome the final hours of the year than by watching Melbourne glow from above. As the city gears up to ring in 2026, rooftop bars turn into festive hideaways with cocktails, bites, and DJ sets that lift the mood.
With unbeatable skyline views and fireworks front and centre, it’s a New Year celebration that feels both exclusive and unforgettable.
2. Yarra River Cruises
Welcoming 2026 from the water remains one of the standout things to do in the New Year, especially for those who love soaring fireworks reflected across the Yarra.
This River cruises experience place you right in the heart of the festivities, offering space, comfort and clear views of the midnight fireworks. It’s a calm yet exciting way to welcome the new year without the crowds.
3. Southbank Dining
A dining experience at Southbank is not only delicious but also one of the most convenient things to do in the New Year. Seasonal menus and riverside views set a refined tone for the evening, while proximity to the countdown ensures you’re never too far from the festivity.
Enjoy dinner, stroll out for the fireworks, and take in the magical buildup without going away.
4. The Boatbuilder’s Yard, South Wharf
Set along the waterfront, this lively spot becomes one of Melbourne’s most energetic New Year gatherings, complete with music, open-air spaces and a laid-back festive vibe. River breezes, upbeat rhythms and a star-lit setting make it easy to stay well past midnight.
5. Family-Friendly Fireworks at 09:30 PM
If you're celebrating with kids, or just want the fun without the late night, the 9:30pm fireworks are your perfect pick for the best thing to do in the New Year.
Arrive early to enjoy the buzz of food stalls, music and family-friendly entertainment, then watch the sky burst to life well before midnight. It’s all the colour and excitement of New Year’s Eve, without the sleepy start to January 1.
6. Coastal Celebrations Along Melbourne’s Shores
For those who trade skyscrapers for sea breeze, heading seaside is one of the most serene things to do in the New Year.
Melbourne’s coastal stretches promise wide-open spaces for picnics, gatherings, and relaxed viewing of the midnight spectacle from afar. Ideal for groups seeking a slower pace, it’s a welcoming way to start the year with calm horizons.
7. Private Boat Charters
Nothing feels more exclusive than welcoming 2026 aboard your own vessel. Private charters offer intimate celebrations with uninterrupted views, personalised touches, and freedom from crowded decks.
With tailored experiences and dedicated space for your group, it becomes less a cruise and more your own floating New Year celebration.
As the fireworks fade and Melbourne eases into the first morning of 2026, the city shows that New Year’s celebrations extend well beyond the midnight countdown.
From waterfront gatherings and rooftop views to quieter coastal escapes, the experiences of the night carry on as lasting memories into the weeks that follow.
And if your curiosity continues past Melbourne’s glow, discover how the rest of the world marks midnight with New Year traditions around the world to explore global celebrations.
Read: 5 Global New Year Traditions You Can Try at Home
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