New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular

Ballarat’s biggest fireworks display is back with a bang this New Year’s Eve at Lake Wendouree. This free event is expected to last for about 15 minutes and is proudly brought to you by the City of Ballarat.

The City of Ballarat invites all residents and visitors to enjoy the Fireworks Spectacular:

• Where: Lake Wendouree
• When: 9.30pm on Tuesday 31 December

The change to New Year's Eve follows a resolution from Ballarat City Council in February 2024 to schedule the annual fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

The fireworks display is subject to weather conditions. 

We will post updates on this page closer to the date, you can also see updates by following: 

• facebook/BallaratCityCouncil
• Instagram/cityofballarat
• facebook/ballaratintheknow
• Instagram/ballaratintheknow

The fireworks will be launched from the isthmus at the end of the rowing course, near the Olympic rings, but will be visible from the entire foreshore of Lake Wendouree.

Please note the isthmus and surround areas will be blocked off to the public. See more information below on this page.

As long as you can find yourself near the shoreline, you will have the perfect view of the fireworks.

Parking is free in the Lake Wendouree area, but people must ensure they follow existing parking restrictions signs.

Try to arrive early

• People intending to view the fireworks are encouraged to arrive early
• Roads surrounding Lake Wendouree will experience increased volume of traffic in the precinct. 

We expect large crowds - please be safe and respectful

• Motorists are asked to be extra vigilant of pedestrians
• Be respectful to property owners by avoiding parking on private property or blocking driveways.
• Take care when leaving the area following the display, as many people will be looking to depart at the same time.

The four public toilets around the lake will be open until 10pm. Their exact location can be found by clicking the links below:

• Ballarat Botanical Gardens South
• Ballarat Botanical Gardens North
• Ballarat Yacht Club
• Boatshed (Close to Lake View)

Lake Wendouree will be closed for all waterway activities:

• Date: Tuesday, 31 December 2024
• Time: 9am-11.59pm

Public access to the isthmus at the end of the rowing course (near the Olympic rings) will be restricted:

• Starting: Monday, 30 December 2024 at 9am
• Finishing: Wednesday, 1 January 2025 at 12pm

This is to enable the safe launch and pack up of the fireworks. 

Public access to Yuille Island (the small island off Windmill Drive) will be restricted:

• Starting: Monday 30 December 2024 at 12pm
• Finishing: Wednesday 1 January 2025 at 12pm

The area will be fenced off and there will be onsite security during this period.

Although humans mostly love fireworks, the same can’t be said for all of our pets.

Residents are encouraged to take care of their pets during the fireworks display and keep them indoors if they are likely to be spooked by loud noise.