City of Greater Geelong Council is preparing to help the community celebrate New Year’s Eve in a big way with dazzling fireworks over Corio Bay.
The Council will be delivering two fireworks displays on Tuesday 31 December from 9.30pm for families and those who prefer an early night and at the traditional time of midnight.
The fireworks will be set off from a barge in the bay and run for eight minutes each.
Community members are encouraged to welcome the New Year by having a picnic, supporting a central Geelong hospitality venue or finding the perfect vantage spot.
“Council is excited to ring in the New Year with our wonderful community,” said Geelong Mayor, Stretch Kontelj OAM.
“If you can see Corio Bay, you’ll be able to experience our two colourful fireworks displays from 9.30pm and midnight.
“There are so many ways to enjoy the fireworks, whether it’s at Eastern Beach or at a rooftop venue, enjoying a picnic or meal at a restaurant, or setting up at surrounding areas such as Rippleside or Avalon beaches,” he said.
While you’re in central Geelong, check out the Floating Christmas Tree’s new sound and light show running for six minutes from 8:30pm until midnight. At 25 metres tall, the tree features 800 lights, more than 15,000 pixels to create animations and 30 new digital windows.
Community members can get creative by changing the colours of the tree between shows by heading to geelongchristmastree.com.au.
The Christmas projections at City Hall on Gheringhap Street will also run during the evening, inspired by Meli kindergarteners’ drawings and expressing a message of kindness.
With thousands of people expected to make their way into central Geelong and surrounds for the celebrations, a little planning around road closures can make it a night to remember.
To ensure public safety, Eastern Beach Road between Moorabool and Yarra streets will be closed from 8:00pm on Tuesday 31 December 2024, reopening at 12:30am on Wednesday 1 January 2025 (or when safe to do so).
Access to Little Malop Street from Gheringhap Street will also be closed from approximately 10:00pm, reopening at 4:00am on Wednesday.
“2024 has been a big year for Greater Geelong. Council wishes residents and visitors a happy and healthy 2025 ahead,” said Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment portfolio chair, Councillor Eddy Kontelj.
“We know that cost of living challenges are impacting the community so we wanted to provide this free entertainment for the end of the year.
“We recommend starting your night with more free entertainment by taking in Council’s beautiful Floating Christmas Tree and the Christmas Projections on City Hall.”
