Planning on celebrating the end of 2023 in style at the Wollongong Harbour? This New Year's Eve is set to be a memorable one with fireworks, music, entertainment, food trucks along the Wollongong Harbour as well as a carnival in Lang Park.
Wollongong City Council is inviting everyone to join in the New Year's Eve fun on 31 December, which is supported this year by a new naming rights sponsor, ForHealth.
We know that this time of the year can get a bit hectic! So, to help you plan the best New Year's Eve ever, here's everything you need to know about the ForHealth New Year's Eve in the 'Gong.
When and where is this event being held?
Sunday 31 December 2023, from 5 to 9.15pm at the Wollongong Harbour.
Is it a free event?
Yes. Except you may wish to bring money to spend at the Carnival in Lang Park or to purchase something to eat or drink.
When will the fireworks start and where's the best viewpoint?
The fireworks will start at 9pm and will light up the night sky over the Harbour. There will be a number of good vantage points along Wollongong Harbour, especially along Cliff Road and Marine Drive.
Will there be entertainment before the fireworks?
Yes! The event will kick off from 5pm and there will be music, roving performers along the Wollongong Harbour.
There will also be a Carnival in Lang Park. The Carnival will run for two weeks over the school holidays.
What road closures will be in place?
To keep everyone safe during the event, the following roads will be closed from 5-10pm on NYE:
- Cliff Road between Georges Place and Marine Drive
- Wilson Street from Smith Street
- Campbell Street from Corrimal Street
- Smith Street between Corrimal and Harbour Street
- Harbour Street between Cliff Road and Market Street, with traffic management in place on Market Place, Hector and Hinton Streets
- Old Court House Lane
- Marine Drive and Endeavour Drive (8 - 10pm only).
How can I get to the event?
There are a number of different options:
1. Public transport
The Free Gong Shuttle Bus will be running until 10.50pm and there will be additional bus services as well. That means if you're arriving in the city by train, you can hop on the Free Gong Shuttle Bus at Wollongong or North Wollongong Station and travel to the event.
2. Drive
If you're thinking of driving, plan ahead as parking and roads can get busy on NYE. We suggest parking further away, for example at the Innovation Campus carpark, and walking or catching the Free Gong Shuttle Bus the rest of the way.
3. Cycle
Prefer to cycle? We have kept the Wollongong CBD pop-up cycleway in place following its trial. This means there is a link between the Wollongong train station and Crown Street Mall to the Blue Mile. Visit our website
