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

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, grab a spot on 'Hipster Hill' which is an excellent vantage point to see the sky light up. You can spend all day here, with free movie screenings at a pop-up cinema, including a special early film for kids. 

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. Bonus points if you grab some fish and chips for dinner.

Located on the periphery of the city, the lush Treasury Gardens is a popular free zone for catching the fireworks. This year, there will also be plenty of live entertainment (think DJs, dance workshops and bands), food trucks and fun activations. There's no booking required here.

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 and ring in the new year to the gentle lapping of the waves as the fireworks flare in the distance – sounds like a good New Year's Eve to us.

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. We highly recommend finding 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 boasts perfect city fringe views of the display. It's one of the 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.

Think that going to Fed Square on New Year's Eve is crazy? You may be right. But then again, you will get great views thanks to its central location – just brace yourself for crowds.

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 2025 with a bang at the city's oldest park Flagstaff Gardens. Bring a picnic to share with family and friends in this lush patch of greenery located in West Melbourne, or grab snacks from the on-site food trucks. There will also be live music and other entertainment.

Slightly quieter than being in the heart of the city, Docklands is still a lovely spot to catch the sparkly sky show. Expect gorgeous views as the fireworks illuminate the water and Victoria Harbour Promenade. Arrive early to make the most of the food trucks and live music.

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

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.