The annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Wollongong Harbour is one of the city’s most popular events.
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More than 20,000 people are expected to take part in the family-friendly fun.
WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT START
The celebrations will kick off at 5pm on Monday, December 31 around Belmore Basin.
The event will wrap up following the 9pm fireworks show.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
This year’s theme is circus. There will be live music, roaming circus performers, amusement rides, food and novelty stores along the popular foreshore area.
There will also be fire breathers performing, a light show and a wishing tree for people to write down their New Year’s resolutions.
Party-goers are encouraged to join in on the Greatest Harbour Sing as the song ‘This is Me’ from the film The Greatest Showman is performed. Download the lyrics from the council’s website.
STAYING SAFE
The event is alcohol free, glass free, smoke free and pet free.
There will be police and security spread throughout the event.
Wollongong Police District Commander, Detective A/Superintendent Kevin McNeil said safety would be the top priority for police throughout the New Year celebrations.
“Our officers will be focused on the safe movement of crowds around Wollongong, as well as curbing anti-social behaviours and alcohol-related crime, to ensure everyone can ring in 2019 safely,” he said.
“The key to a great New Year’s Eve is to act responsibly and know your limits. Think before you drink – don’t ruin 2019 before it even starts.”
GETTING THERE
The free Gong Shuttle Bus will be extended for the event from 4pm to 11pm and will run every 10 minutes for the duration of the event.
Council recommends catching the train to Fairy Meadow, North Wollongong or Wollongong stations, and then jumping on the free Gong Shuttle Bus.
For more bus and train information phone 131 500 or visit www.transportnsw.info.
PARKING
For people with disability, council has provided a drop-off and pick-up zone as well as additional accessible parking.
To reserve a space, apply via the council’s website by December 17.
ROAD CLOSURES
The following roads will be closed between 4pm and 10.15pm on New Year’s Eve:
- Cliff Road between Georges Place and Marine Drive
- Harbour Street between Cliff Road and Smith Street, including Old Court House Lane
- Harbour access ramp off Endeavour Drive.
- Between 8.30pm – 9.30pm lower Endeavour Drive will also be closed.
- Businesses within the road closure zone will be open as normal.
FOOD STALLS
Food stallholders and novelty vendors are invited to sell a variety of foods and products to contribute to the fun of New Year's Eve. If you'd like to hold a stall at this event you can apply online.
Sites will be allocated on a first-in basis if there are duplications of stall type. Local vendors will be given priority.
Stallholders are asked to be single-use plastic free during the event.
- Single use plastic bags can be replaced with biodegradable and compostable bags
- Balloons can be replaced by other promotional materials, such as pens
- Plastic drinking straws can be replaced by cardboard or other reusable straws
- Polystyrene, plastic plates, bowls and cutlery can be replaced by compostable alternatives such as corn starch, cardboard, bamboo etc
- Disposable coffee cups can be replaced by cellulose lined compostable coffee cups.