Can’t make up your mind on what you’re doing this New Year’s Eve? It can be hard to decide between epic island parties to family activities along the Esplanade. Nevertheless, sending 2020 off with an epic celebration in Cairns is something you should be ticking off your bucket list.
Here are 7 of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Cairns this 2020.
1. Fireworks on the Esplanade
An absolute must for everyone, no matter how young or old, the fireworks on the Esplanade is a strong Cairns tradition not to be missed. Be a part of the official Crystalbrook Collection New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Esplanade.
Come prepared with camping chairs, a picnic blanket, an esky full of drinks and snacks to maximise the entertainment. The evening ahead promises fun-filled festivities including live music by local performers, family friendly activities from 5pm onward held at Fogarty Park and the breathtaking fireworks that happen at 9pm and again at midnight.
2. A tropical getaway to Palm Cove
Who said that you had to be stuck in Cairns to enjoy New Year’s Eve the Cairns way?
If you’re a lover of beach life, why not round up 2020 in tropical bliss? With sand between your toes and palm trees swaying by your side, the seaside village of Palm Cove awaits your New Year’s Eve celebrations.
It’s only a 25 minute drive from Cairns with promises of magnificent sky light views of the 9pm and midnight fireworks happening on the Cairns Esplanade. Head to Williams Esplanade – which is turned into a pedestrian only street – for the best views.
Relax your night away at Portofino’s Bar and lounge booths with some quality Australian vodka or head to Nu Nu Restaurant for beachfront dining and live music. There’s plenty of fun to be had here at Palm Cove when counting down the seconds leading into 2021.
3. Fitzroy Island
Indulge yourself with a Great Barrier Reef New Year’s Eve experience at Fitzroy Island. The real tropical party is here.
From live music by local artists to world famous DJs, those who love to party are guaranteed an amazing vibe to dance the night away. And if the party scene isn’t really your thing, Fitzroy Island still offers plenty of low key settings such as Zephyr’s Restaurant, which overlooks Welcome Bay.
4. Weipa
If you happen to be in Weipa on New Year’s Eve, call yourself privileged to have the opportunity to spend the last night of 2020 surrounded by probably the best local crowd you could ask for.
The Albatross Bay Resort in Weipa offers spectacular waterfront views of the bay, live entertainment all night, the freshest local caught seafood in North Queensland, exceptional favourites including Italian food and premium steaks, refreshing cold beers on tap, first class customer service, and so much more.
Spoil yourself with a once in a lifetime opportunity and countdown 2020 the right way at the Albatross Bay Resort this New Year’s Eve.
5. Port Douglas
Another popular destination that brings in the crowds, Port Douglas is nestled North of Cairns. It’s a great place for a decent pub crawl between Hemingway’s Brewery to Paddy’s or the Iron Bar.
You’ll also be treated to fireworks at 8pm for the early night cappers, and another fireworks show at midnight for those wanting to greet 2021 with arms (and eyes) wide open.
6. Cairns Fun Run
Bring in the New Year with a fun family activity hosted by the Cairns Regional Council. Starting at 7pm, the Cairns Fun Run spans 4 kilometres and starts at Fogarty Park, trailing along the Esplanade.
It’s an exciting way to end 2020 with fun surprises and live entertainment scattered throughout your running course. Dress style traditions include a ton of bright colours, neon and glow sticks and pens to light up the way.
The Cairns Fun Run is free to participate and welcomes all ages, making it an exciting way to motivate friends and family to kickstart 2021 by achieving personal goals and focusing on a healthy start.
Oh, and the first 200 runners over the finish line get a special prize medal in memory of the Cairns 2020 NYE Resolution Fun Run.
7. Red Arrow
If you’re looking for a different view of Cairns instead of the typical Esplanade location, head to Red Arrow walking trail.
Offering great vantage points of the city, you will be able to catch the fireworks happening along the Esplanade.
The trail itself is a 1.5 kilometre loop that weaves through a World Heritage rainforest encompassing grasslands and eucalyptus before reaching the top. You can find the beginning of the trail in Edge Hill, behind the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Banner image credit: Warren Entsch
