Ultimate guide: Best places to see New Year's Eve fireworks in Australia

Sydney is the indisputable star when it comes to New Year's Eve fireworks, with its Harbour Bridge and Opera House spectacle displayed across billions of TVs around the world at the stroke of midnight. But dazzling fireworks are about to explode all around Australia this year. Here's our pick of the country's best NYE celebrations.

Harbour-view rooms at MACq 01, The Henry Jones or The Tasman hotels in Hobart will have the best views of the 9.30pm and midnight fireworks, but if you want to watch Kiwi singer Jon Stevens ring in the new year, grab a ticket to Taste of Summer's NYE event on Hobart's waterfront. Not one to be left behind, Launceston is putting up quite a dazzling display, too, at 9.30pm and midnight in the picturesque Royal Park paired with a live performance by Tasmanian rock band Luca Brasi.

Whether you're in Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens or the Kings Domain gardens in Melbourne, you'll see the sky erupt with colour and light on NYE, but for the ultimate spectacle, make your way to the Marvel Stadium, which is calling itself the "epicentre of Melbourne's NYE". Watch the fireworks for free at the Victory Room, with plenty of live entertainment and activities on offer. But if you want to turn up the indulgence factor, sign up for the Cocktail Party. Held at the Terrace Bar, with Victoria Harbour and city views, the shindig includes canapes and drinks, and costs $169 per person.

Vantage points in the city, on South Bank and at Kangaroo Point promise great views of the NYE fireworks that light up the river as well as the Story Bridge in Queensland's capital at 8.30pm and midnight, but for unobstructed vistas minus the elbows and selfie sticks book a river-view room at the high-rise W Brisbane. Or better still, skip the city entirely and make a beeline for one of the state's top regional locations - from Surfers Paradise Foreshore and Paradise Point Parklands to Coolangatta Beach, which are all having their own dazzling displays.

Darwin's stunning Waterfront Precinct will be the epicentre of action come NYE. There are many ways to take in the spectacle: set up a picnic on the grass, nab a table at Wharf One restaurant or book a harbour-view room at the Adina Apartment Hotel or Vibe Darwin. But nothing quite matches the magic of a NYE cruise with Sail Darwin, which packs in both - the gorgeous NT sunset and the fireworks - into one 3.5-hour experience that kicks off at 7pm.

Located a short ferry ride from Perth's Fremantle, Rottnest Island is a haven for families by day - thanks in no small part to its most adorable residents, the cute quokkas. But on NYE, it transforms into a night-time wonderland, too, as spectacular fireworks light up the skies over Thomson Bay. But don't fret if you're not on Rotto proper; 8pm fireworks dazzle crowds in Perth CBD's Elizabeth Quay, too. Watch them from South Perth Foreshore or from the elevated perch of Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. Or - better still - check into a quay-view room at the Ritz Carlton, Hilton Doubletree Waterfront or The Wonil for dress circle views without the crowds.

Canberra's stunning Lake Burley Griffin is the setting of the 9pm NYE fireworks. Fill a picnic basket with celebratory goodies and hunker down at one of these hubs along the foreshore: Regatta Point, Commonwealth Place and Rond Terrace.

Or - if you want to beat the crowds - head to the vantage points at Black Mountain Nature Reserve, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and Red Hill Nature Reserve, just before the pyros explode.

Entry is free at Elder Park in Adelaide, where celebrations will kick off as early as 5pm, with fireworks at 9pm and midnight, accompanied by live music performances.

Read more on Explore: