New Year’s Eve Perth: Iconic hotel among top spots to launch 2026 with a great fireworks’ vantage point

Applecross’s historic Raffles Hotel is among Perth’s places to be on New Year’s Eve for those looking for a great vantage point to farewell 2025 and bring in 2026.

The iconic venue has organised its own riverside fireworks display and will have two bars open, alfresco dining and DJ in the carpark and a sold-out upstairs VIP party.

Ahead of the countdown to the year’s biggest party, venue manager Simone Rea said the hotel expected to be at full capacity for an unmissable event.

It was offering free ticketed entry before 8pm for those wanting to snag a great spot for a view of Perth’s midnight fireworks over the Swan River.

“We have nearly a thousand people reserved for the general party, and our upstairs VIP tables are sold out,” she said.

“We have two bars open, three dance floors set up and have extended the alfresco into the carpark with a DJ, so there’s room for everyone.

“We’ve also managed to secure our own Raffles light display - with about seven minutes of fireworks right outside our windows.”

Junior manager Maelle Colin says Raffles would be a great place to be on New Year’s Eve.

“We are literally right on the water in massive venue and the dance floor is really nice,” she said.

“I’d say people should RSVP for their free ticket if they want to secure their place.”

Authorities around Australia have encouraged people to celebrate the new year, but have warned that community events will come with a strong police presence.

A WA Police spokesperson said that as part of Operation Dalewood, announced in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack two weeks’ ago, the public may notice an increased police presence, including officers carrying rifles.

“WA Police does not generally comment on security arrangements for events, however the public can be assured there will be sufficient and appropriate resources deployed throughout New Year’s Eve,” the spokesperson said.

There will be no shortage of options at popular pubs, clubs and other venues around the city and suburbs, which are also gearing up to see in the New Year.

Among the ticketed events on offer, The Paddington Hotel, in Mt Hawthorn, will be channelling 80s underground vibes, 11 Leederville venues have organised a massive Oxford St block party with eight stages, and Hillarys Beach Club is hosting a Great Gatsby-themed cocktail party.

Gloucester Park, in East Perth, is back with its family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, which will include pony rides, a kids’ obstacle course, trackside band and midnight fireworks. Gates open at 5pm.

You could also catch fireworks at Thomson Bay on Rottnest, the Breakwater Marina at Mindarie, at the Mandurah foreshore, Halls Head, the Rockingham Jetty and Sandalford Winery at Caversham ar various times during the evening.

Dance festivals will also kick off at the Ice Cream Factory in Northbrighe, NYE on the Beach at Port Beach and SNACK NYE at the Claremont Showgrounds.

But for most Perth partygoers, the main event will be along the Swan River.

A live DJ will perform on a floating stage at Elizabeth Quay and food trucks will be at the foreshore offering tasty food for families gathering ahead of the early firework show at 8.30pm. A second fireworks sky show will begin as the strikes midnight.

The Quay will host face and glitter painting from 5pm as well as LED hula-hoop and circus workshops.

Children can enjoy free carnival rides and roving performers at the Supreme Court Gardens, where LotteryWest has set up a Family Fun Zone, and Barrack Square will host the Circus Game Show from 6.45pm to 8.15pm.

A performance of Aerial Cabaret will also be running from 9.00PM - 10.00PM to entertain the masses

For the best experience, the City of Perth recommends viewing the fireworks from Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Square, Supreme Court Gardens and the foreshore near Birdiya Drive.

New Years Eve Celebrations will return to Yagan Square, with a free, high-energy, family-friendly party promising music, colour and one of the city’s biggest countdowns.

Festivities kick off from 7.30pm. Famous Sharron will hosting the night, bringing her trademark humour and sparkle, as she commands a carnival-like atmosphere in the heart of the CBD.

The square will again be home to Perth’s largest digital countdown, lighting up the Digital Tower as the city counts down to midnight, with prime views of fireworks across the skyline.

Confetti Wishes, which invites revellers to share their hopes and dreams for 2026, will return as a highlight of the night.

At midnight, thousands of wishes will be released inside a giant dome - a moment of collective celebration to welcome the New Year.

The free event is open to all ages and is expected to draw thousands into the city.