Fireworks at three venues to welcome 2024

Firework displays will be held at three venues across the city as part of New Year’s Eve events.

New Year's Eve fireworks displays will be held simultaneously at the family friendly time of 8.30pm at the Cairns Esplanade, Palm Cove jetty and Walker Road Sporting Precinct in Edmonton.

For the traditionalists, there will also be midnight fireworks on the Cairns Esplanade.

There will also be a free movie screening of “The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking” at the Esplanade and Walker Road at 6.45pm; bring along a picnic rug and snacks.

Mayor Terry James said New Year events were an opportunity for the community to come together, especially during an extremely challenging period.

“The past few weeks have been extremely challenging for parts of our community, and our hearts go out to those who have been severely impacted by the recent flooding,” Cr James said.

“I have been buoyed by the resilience of our community, as well as the bravery, selflessness and resilience of those affected by the floods, and of those coming to their aid.

“New Year events are a chance for us to come together and acknowledge the remarkable strength and spirit of the community.”

Wet weather note: Residents are urged to monitor Cairns Regional Council’s Facebook page for possible changes to New Year’s Eve events due to inclement weather.

When: 8.30pm and midnight

Where: From barges in the water in front of the Lagoon

What else: Free screening of The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking from 6.45pm on the Western Event Lawn.

When: 8.30pm

Where: From Palm Cove jetty

When: 8.30pm

Where: From Walker Road Sporting Precinct cricket oval

What else: Free screening of The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking from 6.45pm

To allow for New Year’s Eve events, the Esplanade will be closed to all traffic between Shields St and Aplin St from 4pm on Friday 29 December to 5am on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

The Esplanade road will also be closed to all traffic between Spence St to Aplin St from 6pm on Sunday 31 December to 1am on Monday 1 January 2024.

Commercial Access: 5:00am – 9:00am Saturday 30 December, Sunday 31 December and Monday 1 January. Access for deliveries and garbage collection will resume as normal from 5:00am Tuesday 2 January.

Pets have much more sensitive hearing than humans and the loud, sudden noises may frighten them, even if they are several kilometres away.

If your pet is frightened by loud noises, consider bringing them inside, or to another part of your property where they feel safe during the fireworks display.

It is also a good time to check your fence, gates, doors and windows to make sure your pet can’t escape.

Registering and microchipping your pet ensures Council can contact you if your pet does escape.

Many lost pets are kindly picked up and cared for by other residents, so having a tag on your pet’s collar with their name and your contact phone number will make it easier for them to be returned to you.

To report a wandering dog, contact Council on 1300 69 22 47.