New Year's Eve: How to get home from your city's fireworks and festivities
As organisers in every city put the final touches on their New Year's Eve celebrations, those planning on venturing out are being urged to take public transport.
With millions expected to flock to fireworks and festivities around the country, partygoers are being reminded of significant road closures that threaten to cause considerable traffic congestion.
Here's everything you need to know on getting home from your NYE celebrations.
Sydney
More than 4500 extra public transport services will be on offer for those in Sydney. Source: Getty
Sydney's $7 million display this year is expected to bring even more traffic than usual into the city.
It will include a rainbow waterfall of fireworks cascading from the Harbour Bridge to celebrate the victory of same-sex marriage in Australia.
NSW authorities are warning of significant road closures on New Year's Eve throughout Sydney, including the Harbour and Anzac bridges, and have urged the public to use trains and buses rather than cars during the evening.
More than 4500 extra public transport services will be running to and from the city as Sydney and the harbour are swamped with revellers celebrating the end of 2017.
Displays on the harbour start at 6pm with fireworks at 9pm and midnight.
Dozens of officers armed with Colt M4 semi-automatic rifles will also be on guard to protect crowds during the massive celebrations.
Melbourne
Public Transport Victoria has controversially decided not to operate its Night Bus service on Sunday night.
It may make getting home difficult for those living in Altona Meadows, Mernda, Point Cook, Meadow Heights and Endeavour Hills who may instead have to fork out for a premium Uber or taxi fare.
Metropolitan trains, trams, buses and regional town buses will also be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve until 6am on New Year's Day.
Extra police and barricades will be present in the city following a vehicle mowing down pedestrians in the CBD just before Christmas.
Fireworks will be set off at 9.30pm and midnight.
Adelaide
Adelaide Metro will be offering all revellers free public transport after 5pm up until dawn on New Year's Day.
With Adelaide Oval again hosting the New Years Eve Big Bash match, the city is expected to come alive with a sell out crowd tipped to watch the Adelaide Strikers take on the Brisbane heat.
Anyone with a ticket to the game can travel free on public transport all day.
“If you’re going to bring in the New Year with a few drinks, just don’t drive,” Acting transport minister Susan Close said.
Brisbane
Seven tonnes of fireworks are being shipped into central Brisbane ahead of New Years Eve celebrations.
Brisbane Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said 85,000 people are expected to join in the celebrations at South Bank Parklands alone, with fireworks shows also at Eagle Street Pier and Portside.
There will be shows at 8:30pm and midnight at all three locations.
Brisbane City Council will wave tolls on the Go Between Bridge from 6pm Sunday to 2am Monday to ease traffic congestion but have urged people to use public transport wherever possible.
Perth
Perth will have extra services on offer for those attending the local fireworks. Source: Getty
Perth will introduce additional services on selected routes before and after midnight.
Perth and Fremantle CATs are running to normal Sunday timetable, however the Joondalup CAT is not running.
Passengers are reminded as this New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, free late-night train travel does not apply.
Canberra
Those in the Australian capital for New Years Eve can get $10 off their Uber trips for New Years Eve.
"Instead of grabbing your car keys, just grab your phone, tap a button and request a ride to and from your nearest Late Night Rapid bus stops on select Friday and Saturday nights," Transport ACT said.
Buses are also departing the city every 20 minutes, travelling to major town centres or bus stops along the route.
Hobart
Metro will operate late night services in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie this NYE, with $2 flat fares available from 6pm.
From 10pm, most buses to the eastern shore and Northern Suburbs will commence from special bus stops in Salamanca Place (near the Supreme Court), then proceed to the Hobart Bus Interchange.
Two dollar flat fares are available as cash fares only.
Passengers using Greencard will be required to pay the normal fare. Students tickets will be available at the normal fare.
Darwin
Free public buses will operate around Darwin and Palmerston so those partying can safely attend celebrations.
Buses will operate from 7pm on 31 December to 7am in the morning of 1 January 2018.
