WHEN: Thurs Dec 31 2026
At the time of writing (3 November 2026), Sunshine Coast Council had not formally announced the New Year’s Eve Mooloolaba Fireworks 2026 program but… based on Mooloolaba businesses selling New Year’s Eve ticketed events, its looking positive we’ll have another fireworks spectacular!
So, that being said, we’re expecting double the fun with fireworks at 8.30pm and midnight, the same two times Council ran in 2025.
Mmm, let’s see, will you choose an early show with the kids or the full midnight countdown? What’s to stop you choosing both! Here’s what we know so far, and what’s still to be confirmed.
What’s confirmed for NYE in Mooloolaba so far
Checked 3 November 2026. We’ll update this as Council releases details. However, keep in mind that restaurants like the Pavilion Mooloolaba and others, already have ticketed events to coincide with the light show. Â
- Date:Â Thursday 31 December 2026.
- Fireworks times:Â not yet announced by Council. Mooloolaba businesses selling New Year’s Eve tickets are advertising 8.30pm and midnight.
- Launch site, road closures and parking:Â not yet announced.
- Official updates: check Sunshine Coast Council’s events page closer to the night.
How Mooloolaba New Year’s Eve worked in 2025
In 2025, Sunshine Coast Council announced two fireworks displays at Mooloolaba, at 8.30pm and midnight. Because of the foreshore works, both were fired from a barge offshore in front of the HMAS Brisbane Lookout.
The midnight show was the comeback story of the year. There were no midnight fireworks at Mooloolaba in 2024, and Council brought them back for 2025. Whether midnight returns again in 2026 hasn’t been confirmed yet, so keep an eye on Council’s updates.
Where to watch the fireworks
In 2025, Council named these as spots to watch the Mooloolaba fireworks from:
- Mooloolaba foreshore, including the Mooloolaba Esplanade and Northern Parklands
- Maroochydore Beach
- The top of Alexandra Headland
- Point Cartwright
Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation works are continuing, with completion expected around March 2027, so beach and footpath access may change before New Year’s Eve. Check Council’s foreshore project page before you pick your spot. Front-row seats are only fun if you can actually get to them.
Early fireworks or the midnight countdown?
Got little ones who fade by 9pm? The 8.30pm show is your friend. It gives families a proper fireworks moment without the midnight meltdown.
For a view from the water, a Mooloolaba cruise operator “Sunshine Coast Afloat” lists a family cruise timed for the 8.30pm display and an adults-only (18+) cruise for midnight. They warn that availability is tight so Booking Early is a must.
New Year’s Eve dinners and parties in Mooloolaba
Getting there and home on New Year’s Eve
If 2026 matches last year, then Council’s arrangements could again include:
- Extra buses: routes 600 and 620 to run every 15 minutes from 6pm to 1.30am.
- Parking: PARKnGO Mooloolaba Central charge a $10 flat rate from 2pm to 2am, with no pre-booking.
- Road closures: Beach Terrace, the HMAS Brisbane Lookout car park and vehicle access from Brisbane Road to the Mooloolaba Esplanade could be closed for the event, reopening by 3am on New Year’s Day.
Treat these as a guide only until the 2026 plan is out. Check Council’s Roads Hub for closures and Translink for bus services. Translink fares are 50 cents a trip, which is about the cheapest part of any New Year’s Eve.
Rules on the night: alcohol, glass and pets
- Alcohol and glass:Â Council’s New Year’s Eve events have been alcohol free and glass free. Plan on the same for 2026 until Council says otherwise.
- Pets:Â fireworks and four-legged friends don’t mix. Council points pet owners to RSPCA advice, so keep pets safe at home and secure.
What’s the weather like on New Year’s Eve?
December on the Sunshine Coast is warm. The Bureau of Meteorology’s averages for Sunshine Coast Airport show a mean maximum of 28.4°C and a mean minimum of 19.9°C in December (records 1994 to 2026). Translation: thongs, a light layer for later, and water for the kids. Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast in the last week before the night.
Where to stay for New Year’s Eve in Mooloolaba
The easiest way to do New Year’s Eve? Stay close and skip the car park scramble on the night.
Council’s fireworks viewing spots stretch from Mooloolaba through Alexandra Headland to Maroochydore Beach, so staying in Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland or Maroochydore puts you near one of them. Browse our Sunshine Coast holiday accommodation in all three.
Book direct on the SCG website and save 10% with promo code DIRECT.
Mooloolaba New Year’s Eve FAQs
Are the Mooloolaba New Year’s Eve fireworks on in 2026? Sunshine Coast Council hadn’t formally announced the 2026 fireworks at the time of writing (3 November 2026). Mooloolaba businesses selling New Year’s Eve tickets are advertising 8.30pm and midnight displays.
What time are the Mooloolaba New Year’s Eve fireworks? In 2025, the fireworks were at 8.30pm and midnight. Times for 2026 are still to be confirmed by Council.
Will there be midnight fireworks in 2026? Not confirmed yet. Midnight fireworks didn’t run in 2024 and returned in 2025. Considering businesses are advertising events around it – it seems very likely.
Can I bring alcohol to the Mooloolaba fireworks? Council’s New Year’s Eve events have been alcohol free and glass free.
Where can I watch the Mooloolaba fireworks? In 2025, Council named the Mooloolaba foreshore, Maroochydore Beach, the top of Alexandra Headland and Point Cartwright as viewing spots.
Ready to see the year out by the beach? Book Now or call 1300 883 431, or email info@sunshinecoastgetaways.com.au
