Alcohol free & family-friendly NYE in Byron Bay

Published on 24 December 2018

There will be traffic disruptions in Byron Bay on 31 December in preparation for the all ages, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations. 

Jonson Street, between Lawson St and Marvell St  will be closed to traffic from 6am on New Year’s Eve to allow contractors to set up community safety infrastructure, stalls and entertainment areas in preparation for Soul Street which will start at 4pm. 

Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said Byron Bay’s New Year’s Eve celebration is a family-friendly event for the young and the young at heart.

“All our public spaces including the beachfront and parks are alcohol-free zones and anti-social behaviour is not welcome and will not be tolerated,” Mayor Richardson said.

“There will be a lot of extra police in Byron Bay on New Year’s Eve and so people who are looking for a party should not expect to find it here and might find something like Falls Festival a better option,” he said.

The focus of celebrations will be in Jonson Street where there will be delicious food, music, dance, cabaret, circus, fire performances for everyone as well as a ‘little souls’ disco for the kids, and a play zone at Railway Park.

There will be no fireworks or gathering on the beach for the countdown to 2019.  Instead people will be treated to a ‘big’ drumming event by RePercussion and Creatrix Fire Phoenix who will count everyone into the New Year.

For a unique and peaceful start to 2019 First Sun is on at the Cape Byron Lighthouse from 5am to welcome the first break of day in 2019 at the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland.

Bring in the New Year with conscious intention of peace, health and happiness with free activities such as guided meditation and yoga. 

There will be free shuttle buses from Clarkes Beach carpark from 4.30am so leave your car at home.

For more information about New Year’s Eve celebrations in Byron Bay, including parking information and road closures, go to Council’s website www.byron.nsw.gov.au.