How To Spend New Year's Eve In Darwin

Alison Condon

Updated Tue 17 Dec 2024

Enjoy a New Year's Eve like no other and ring in 2025 from Darwin - the gateway to Australia's Northern Territory. The beautiful city treats its residents to spectacular nights under the stars, lush beach days, and a lovely, laid-back atmosphere. Come New Year's, Darwin puts on quite the display - from breathtaking fireworks shows and waterfront events to beachside parties and festive dinners overlooking the harbour. If you're planning to be around the Top End of Australia this December, you'll be spoiled for choice of activities. Here are our top recommendations for New Year's celebrations in Darwin.

New Year’s Eve In Darwin

Darwin is a wonderful place to spend New Year's, whether you're in the mood for a lively, late-night party, a family-friendly celebration, or a day out among the breathtaking natural landscapes. The main event of the evening will be the spectacular fireworks show down at the waterfront. Locals and visitors alike will gather around the city's waterfront for the free event, complete with two fireworks displays, Liquid Light show, music from local talent, a neon disco for kids, and a range of food trucks to choose from. But elsewhere around the city and beyond, all sorts of festivities will be in full swing.

Here's a line-up of what's on around the city this New Year's Eve:

	Fireworks on the Waterfront Time: 5pm to Midnight (Entry from 3pm) Location: Darwin Waterfront Price: Free What better way to celebrate New Year’s than with fireworks? Darwin will be lighting up the sky at both 9pm and at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The earlier fireworks display is perfect for families and those who want to ring in the new year with little ones. Grab a blanket or some camping chairs and pick a spot along the waterfront to enjoy an impressive display of fireworks!
	NYE Wet N Wild Block Party at Monsoon's Time: 8pm Location: Monsoon's Price: $65 Want to go wild this NYE? Monsoon - a bar and restaurant that turns into a club after dark - can provide! The venue is organising a Wet ‘N’ Wild Block Party on the 31st of December complete with two stages, a whole host of artists, a foam party, a drag show, and a midnight confetti drop! The final release of tickets are on sale at the time of writing, as well as VIP packages, so be sure to book in early if this sounds like a bit of you!
	NYE Glam & Glitter 70's Party Time: 8pm Location: Wharf One Price: $150 Ring in 2025 with a 70s Disco Party! The oh, so, swanky Wharf One is hosting a fabulous fancy-dress party complete with a perfect view of the waterfront fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight! For the price of your party ticket, you’ll get a 4.5 hour drinks package, plenty of finger food, a fancy-dress contest, fabulous DJs.
	New Year's Eve at Dock One Time: 9.45pm Location: Dock One Price: $54.26 On the other side of the waterfront, you'll find celebrants ringing in the New Year at Dock One. Upon entry to this family-friendly event, you'll be treated to a free welcome drink and a selection of delicious canapés, as well as exceptional music to keep you dancing into 2025!

New Year's Eve at The Oyster Bar Time: 7pm Location: The Oyster Bar Price: $91 Start off the new year in style at a classy soirée at The Oyster Bar! Inside the ticketed NYE event, mouthwatering canapés will be passed around throughout the evening. Think lobster rolls, octopus tacos, and salmon tostada! Meanwhile, looking outside, guests will be treated to a wonderful view of the waterfront fireworks display. It's the best of both worlds!

New Year's Eve 5 Course Dinner at Il Piatto Location: Mindil Beach Casino Resort Price: From $165 Kick off 2025 in the lap of luxury and treat yourself to a fabulous five-course meal at Il Piatto restaurant. Their exclusive five course dinner is available for one night only, and includes mouthwatering delicacies like smoked duck breast, crispy barramundi, and raviolo veal. What a treat!

Tours from Darwin this New Year's

If you'd rather spend the end of 2024 exploring and discovering the very best of Australia's natural beauty, you've come to the right place. Darwin boasts some spectacular sights and tours. Whether you're keen for a day trip to Kakadu or Katherine Gorge, or you're in the mood for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight expedition, there are so many things to see and do around Darwin and beyond.

Day Tours from Darwin

Not only is Darwin a beautiful city, but it's also conveniently close to some of the most beautiful sights around Australia's top end.

Darwin to Kakadu Day Trip

Kakadu National Park is less than a 2 hour drive from Darwin. There, you can take a crocodile cruise, discover ancient Ubirr Rock Art, and see indigenous sites and landmarks. Save yourself the drive and set off on an air-conditioned bus with an expert local tour guide on this one-day tour.

Darwin to Katherine Gorge Nitmiluk & Edith Falls Day Tour

A little further from Darwin, you'll find the famous Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk). The natural wonder is a bucket list destination for anyone doing Australia, complete with a river cruise, 70m tall cliffs, and vibrant rock formations. Nearby, you'll also find Edith Falls - a breathtaking waterfall that flows into a natural plunge pool. While you're there, why not treat yourself to a cool dip to beat the December heat?

Litchfield Park Tour and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Want to stay more local? Litchfield National Park is less than an hour's drive from Darwin and is a must-do for anyone who wants to get a closer look at Australia's famous wildlife. Set out on a private wildlife and crocodile cruise, visit and swim in magnificent waterfalls, and visit famous giant termite mounts on this action-packed day tour. Want to get back in time for an afternoon of New Year's festivities? Opt for the shorter Jumping Crocodile Cruise Half Day Tour and you'll be back to your Darwin accommodation before lunchtime!

Overnight Tours from Darwin

Want to do something a little different this New Year's Eve? Consider an overnight tour exploring Australia's top end!!  Spend the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 soaking in magical sunsets, swimming under sensational waterfalls, hiking through jaw-dropping landscapes, and sleeping under the stars with one of our overnight Top End tours! These tours can take you as far as Broome, Alice Springs, Adelaide, or give you extra time to explore Kakadu!

Visiting Australia's Top End in 2025

Maybe you won't make it to the Top End before the end of 2024, but planning a visit in 2025 would certainly get the new year off to a marvellous start! There is so much to do across the Top End of Australia, whether it's camping at Litchfield National Park or Arnhem Land, or exploring Katherine Gorge or Kakadu National Park. If you're planning to visit around July, August or September, be wary that this is the Top End's busiest season, so it's a good idea to book your visit in advance!

Are you planning to end 2024 in Darwin or around Australia's Top End? Get in touch with our team of travel experts to plan your visit!

For more information on visiting the Top End, Outback, and Western Australia, check out our Before You Go section.