Any parent / grandparent / carer will know that dragging the kids out after dark can be daunting (because #bedtime), but when it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Gold Coast, there’s no shortage of early options the whole family can enjoy. So as we prepare to say SEE YA to 2021, here’s our round up of some of the best spots to catch the Coast’s free (and early!) fireworks displays. Everyone can celebrate and the little ones will still be tucked up and fast asleep long before the clock strikes midnight.
SURFERS PARADISE FIREWORKS
Whoever came up with the idea for the family-friendly 8pm fireworks at Surfers Paradise Beach each New Year’s Eve is a genius (and probably a parent). Early, safe and fun for the littles with plenty of great places to fill hungry bellies too. Within little leg walking distance you’ll find Betty’s Burgers, Steampunk, the Surfers Paradise Surf Club and Vapiano’s offering kid-friendly menus. If you’re thinking of driving, give yourself plenty of time to nab a park, but there’s plenty of Council and private car parks dotted throughout the city costing as little as $5 per day. Alternatively, the G:Link is a super easy option for families, with additional services running every 7.5 minutes all day and night on New Year’s Eve.
BROADBEACH NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
For some central New Year’s Eve revelry that’s just as family-friendly, add the Kurrawa Pratten Park fireworks to your 31st December plans. BYO kids, picnic rugs, chairs and fave movie snacks and settle in for a special screening of Abominable at 7pm as part of Movie Under the Stars’ Summer Series, before the fireworks kicks off from 8.30pm. Arrive early to score a table at Broadbeach’s only beachfront venue, the Kurrawa Surf Club, or peruse the line-up of casual eateries including the option to takeaway a pizza from Mario’s or Double Zero; loaded Greek souvlakis from The Lamb Shop and drool-worthy desserts from Cowch. The G:Link also stops just a short stroll from the action at the Broadbeach North station. Some street parking will be available, while The Oasis offers three hours free for customers and diners. Otherwise, pre-book your Cab or Uber XL and give yourself the night off.
ROBINA TOWN CENTRE FIREWORKS
Robina Town Centre has become a firm favourite among families on New Year’s Eve thanks to its line up of entertainment designed with young attendees in mind. Watch fireworks over the water from 9pm, but arrive earlier for pre-show celebrations on The Promenade that are equally popular, including rides, face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers and a photo booth kicking off from 4pm. An early bite to eat is made easy with over 10 lakeside restaurants serving everything from healthy burgers to Mexican and American-style comfort food, and provide the perfect vantage point to listen to live music and ring in the New Year.
BROADWATER PARKLANDS FIREWORKS
The Northern end of the Coast will also come alive this New Year’s Eve with the Broadwater Parkland’s family-friendly festivities. Jump on the G:Link and arrive right on the doorstep of this free event, then throw down a rug and make yourself comfortable. Live music from popular 80s and 90s tribute bands will get the good times rolling, while kids can keep themselves busy with arcade-style games and activities and plenty of space to play, before the fireworks extravaganza lights up the sky at 8pm. When hunger strikes, food trucks are in place for this special celebration – and did we mention the free popcorn?!
COOLANGATTA FIREWORKS
Celebrate the last night of 2021 on the southern Gold Coast at the Coolangatta 9pm fireworks. The stunning display will light up the skies and there are plenty of family friendly spots to watch from. Bring your picnic rug and packed dinner to the foreshore along Marine Parade (extra points if you set up next to playground). Local venues that will give a good view of the sky show along with enticing eats include Rainbow Bay Surf Club or Coolangatta Surf Club, Little Cooly or Bin 72 at The Strand or Bread and Butter in Kirra.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.