Gather loved ones to farewell 2024 and welcome in the new year with a family-friendly celebration in Mooloolaba Beach on the Sunshine Coast.

Council will host a free community nighttime event at Mooloolaba Esplanade, from 5pm-10pm.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli says there will be a range of festivities, leading up to the much-anticipated 8.30pm fireworks display.

“The Esplanade will come alive with roving entertainment and face painting for the kids, food trucks and markets, and getting there will be a breeze with a range of active and public transport options,” Mayor Natoli says.

“As usual, community safety is our priority, so to ensure everyone has an enjoyable evening, this is strictly an alcohol, drug and glass-free event.

“Queensland Police will be on site and event partners will be on deck to make this an enjoyable celebration for everyone.

“We’re expecting more than 30,000 people will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mooloolaba this year, so we encourage attendees to use active and public transport.

“If you’d prefer to escape the crowds, and still want to enjoy the fireworks, you’re in luck.

“Fireworks will be bigger this year, meaning you’ll see them from Cotton Tree in the north to La Balsa in the south.

“You’ll also find fireworks displays at Coolum and Caloundra at 8.30pm as well as a range of local events across the region, funded through Council’s Festive and Commemorative Events grants program.”

Please note: Council will not be hosting midnight fireworks at any Sunshine Coast location this year.

For more details visit events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

To help shape future festive season celebrations, we encourage our community to provide feedback on our Have Your Say website.

Getting there

• Bikes and scooters

For those wanting to beat the crowds and cycle or scoot to the event, Council’s ThinkChange program is offering a free BikePark service. You’ll find these at Charles Clark Park on River Esplanade in the south and opposite the Steve Irwin statue on Mooloolaba Esplanade in the north.

Simply ride or scoot in and leave your ride in the safety of the BikePark which will be fully staffed until the end of the event. Make sure you remember your helmets and lights for the return journey.

• Public transport

Plan your journey using the Translink Journey Planner.

• Park and ride

Jump on a free Park and Ride shuttle at Chancellor State Secondary College in Sippy Downs. Park at the Claymore Road carpark (CP15) and jump off at Alexandra Headland. Shuttles will run continuously from 5-11pm. Further information will be posted to the Facebook event page in December.

• Uber and Taxi services

A dedicated Uber drop-off point will be located at Alexandra Headland and the taxi rank at Mooloolaba Esplanade will operate as usual.

• Ferry

The new Mooloolaba Ferry Service will be operating between Kawana Waters and Mooloolaba. Visit mooloolabaferry.com.au for timetables.

Dining

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to filling hungry tummies. Grab a tasty treat from one of the food trucks or pack a picnic and kick back with fine homemade fare.

If you’re looking to make a night of it, book into your favourite restaurant. Find local deals at discovermooloolaba.com.

• Water stations

Water stations will be available, so don’t forget to BYO water bottle.

Pets and animals

For safety, animals are not permitted in the fenced event zone. For advice on caring for pets and animals during fireworks, visit rspcaqld.org.au.

Stay informed

For all event updates, bookmark the event on Council’s Facebook page and start planning your New Year’s Eve.