The best free places to see New Year's Eve fireworks in Melbourne

It's usually pretty chilled down by the pier in St Kilda on New Year's, so you won't have to deal with the insane crowds. Have dinner on Fitzroy Street (or fish and chips on the beach) and ring in the new year to the gentle lapping of the waves – sounds like a good New Year's Eve to us.

Williamstown is like a little seaside fishing village that happens to be part of metropolitan Melbourne. You'll be able to get a good view of the fireworks over Melbourne from here, without the crowds of the city. 

Since revellers famously trashed Edinburgh Gardens in 2013, the council has clamped down on partying at the spot, and a booze ban is in place from December 30 to January 1. But if you're OK with not getting lit, it's still an excellent vantage point to see the sky light up. You can spend all day here, with Yarra Council putting on a skateboarding demo show from 2pm and movies all evening. Hunt for the Wilderpeople kicks off at 7.30pm, followed by Top End Wedding at 9.30pm. 

Located on the periphery of the city, Treasury Gardens is a popular free and un-ticketed zone for catching the fireworks. 

For unparalleled river views (those reflections!) you'll have to brave Queensbridge Square, otherwise known as that bit of riverfront in front of Crown.

A fluke of topography means Ruckers Hill is one of the best places to see the Melbourne fireworks. The views to the city are excellent and uninterrupted, and you can find yourself a cosy restaurant or funky bar before or afterwards.

Part of the Domain Parklands, the King's Domain Gardens border the Shrine of Remembrance and thus have the perfect city fringe views of the display. It's one of the City of Melbourne's official fireworks-viewing spots, so you can expect it to be crowded, but you should be able to stake out a place to watch the action happen.

Fed Square, are you crazy? You won't escape the crowds here, but you will get a great view, and it's nice and central. 

Yes, it's going to be crowded. Yes, half of Melbourne is going to be smooshed up against you. But you'll get a stunning view of the sky and fireworks reflected along the river.

Say goodbye to 2023 at this lush patch of greenery located in the north-eastern quadrant of the CBD. 

The river foreshore in from of the Footscray Community Arts Centre has a near-perfect view of the city skyline. And it won't be as crowded as the city, meaning you can probably have a little elbow room while you ooh and aaah.