New Year's Eve
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a spectacular evening of fireworks across Cairns. Gather with family and friends at the waterfront and key community locations to enjoy dazzling displays of colour, light and celebration as we farewell 2026 and welcome 2027.
The fireworks displays will take place across three key locations throughout the region: Cairns Esplanade, Edmonton and Palm Cove.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly early display or a spectacular midnight celebration, there are plenty of opportunities to ring in the New Year with family and friends.Find all the fireworks display details below.
Event Details
Date: 31 December 2026
Locations: Edmonton, Cairns City & Palm Cove
Fireworks display times: See below
The fireworks displays will go ahead rain or shine, so please come prepared with your raincoats and festive spirit! In the event of severe weather, and becomes unsafe, the fireworks displays may be delayed, modified or cancelled at short notice. For the latest event details, updates, and any status changes, please visit Council's Facebook page.
Location: Walker Road Sports Precinct
Fireworks Display Time: 8:30pm
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the community at the Walker Road Sports Precinct, Edmonton.
Bring your family and friends, grab a bite from the canteen, and enjoy a relaxed evening before the sky lights up with a spectacular 8:30pm family-friendly fireworks display.
Location: Cairns Esplanade
Fireworks Display Time: 8:30pm family friendly fireworks & midnight
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of the city at the Cairns Esplanade.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy the festive atmosphere along Cairns’ iconic waterfront. Stroll the Esplanade, dine at one of the many nearby restaurants, and take in the excitement of the city.
The evening features an 8:30pm family-friendly fireworks display, perfect for families, followed by the spectacular midnight fireworks display to welcome 2027.
Road Closures
To support New Year’s Eve celebrations, parts of the Cairns Esplanade will be closed to traffic during the following times.
Esplanade Dining Precinct (Shields Street to Aplin Street)
11:00am Thursday 31 December 2026 to 5:00am Saturday 2 January2027
(*Road open 5:00am until 11:00am Friday 1 January to allow garbage collection and deliveries)
Spence Street to Shields Street
4:30pm Thursday 31 December 2026 to 1:00am Friday 1 January 2027
Aplin Street to Minnie Street
7:00pm Thursday 31 December 2026 to 1:00am Friday 1 January 2027
Location: Palm Cove Jetty
Fireworks Display Time: 8:30pm family friendly fireworks
Celebrate New Year’s Eve by the sea at beautiful Palm Cove. Gather along the Palm Cove Jetty and foreshore with family and friends to enjoy a stunning 8:30pm family-friendly fireworks display against the backdrop of the Coral Sea.
With Palm Cove’s relaxed tropical atmosphere, waterfront dining and stunning coastal views, it’s the perfect place to farewell 2026 and welcome the New Year.
Road Closure
To support New Year’s Eve celebrations, parts of the Palm Cove Esplanade will be closed to traffic during the following times.
Williams Esplanade (Harpa Street to Cedar Road)
5:30pm to 9:00pm Thursday 31 December 2026
Translink Bus Timetable
21 additional public bus services across all suburbs of Cairns and Gordonvale, running from 12:40am through to 2:45am on New Year’s morning. Buses depart Spence Street (Cairns Central), stopping at The Jack (Spence / Grafton Street) and then Lake St bus terminal.
After Lake Street, buses are drop-off only.
| Route | Departing | Time | Time at Terminus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110N | Spence Street | 0:40 | 1:25 |
| 110N | Spence Street | 1:10 | 1:55 |
| 110N | Spence Street | 1:40 | 2:25 |
| 110N | Spence Street | 2:10 | 2:55 |
| 110N | Spence Street | 2:40 | 3:25 |
| 120N | Spence Street | 1:15 | 1:55 |
| 120N | Spence Street | 1:45 | 2:25 |
| 120N | Spence Street | 2:45 | 3:25 |
| 131N | Spence Street | 1:10 | 1:10 |
| 131N | Spence Street | 1:40 | 1:40 |
| 131N | Spence Street | 2:40 | 3:05 |
| 140N | Spence Street | 0:45 | 1:15 |
| 140N | Spence Street | 1:45 | 2:15 |
| 140N | Spence Street | 2:45 | 3:15 |
| 143W | Spence Street | 0:40 | 1:25 |
| 143W | Spence Street | 1:40 | 2:25 |
| 143W | Spence Street | 2:40 | 3:25 |
| 150E | Spence Street | 0:40 | 1:25 |
| 150E | Spence Street | 2:10 | 3:25 |
| 123 | Spence Street | 0:45 | 1:20 |
| 123 | Spence Street | 2:15 | 2:50 |
The Palm Cove jetty public carpark will be accessible and an additional 350 car parks will be available on Coral Coast Dr (traffic management will be in place). All Palm Cove road closure inquiries, direct to Tourism Palm Cove info@tourismpalmcove.com.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Last Updated: 23 October 2026
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