Perth New Year’s Eve fireworks: Your guide to ringing in 2022 in the city

Australia will cautiously welcome in the new year with historically low crowd numbers expected at fireworks and events across the country.

After a tumultuous 2021, Australians will be among the first in the world to ring in the new year as the clock ticks towards midnight on Friday.

In Perth, where one new COVID-19 case was recorded on Friday and exposure sites were added, events have been scaled back, with nightclubs closed and festivals cancelled due to health restrictions.

Fireworks and family friendly experiences will go ahead in the city, including a 9pm sky show and midnight display.

Here’s your guide to welcoming in 2022 in Perth.

What’s on

There will be a stack for families to do in Perth at the City at New Year’s Eve event.

Forrest Place will host a twilight hawkers markets from 4.30pm and a Christmas lights trail installation.

There will be comedy act and circus performances among the entertainment at Yagan Square from 6pm.

The Northbridge Piazza will host free movie screenings of The Secret Life of Pets at 5.30pm and Sing starting 7pm.

At 8.30pm there will be what is described as “a daring and graceful” aerial display by the digital tower at 8.30pm.

Street performers and roving entertainers - including magicians, jugglers and stilt walkers, will pack William Street.

The Perth Cultural Centre will host the annual Festive Land, featuring a mix of carnival rides and games, while the WA Museum will extend its opening hours until 9pm.

For full details, click here.

Where to watch fireworks

Perth will host two sets of fireworks: a 9pm display and midnight cracker show to ring in 2022.

For the more kid-friendly timeslot head along to Yagan Square and Perth Cultural Centre for the best viewing.

If you stick around for the midnight show, you can watch it all from Yagan Square, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge Piazza or William Street.

If heading into the city isn’t your thing, check out the schedule of fireworks events around the metro area here.

COVID measures

Perth’s New Year’s events will go ahead in line with current COVID-19 restrictions in place for the Perth and Peel regions.

Revellers attending The City at New Year’s Eve entertainment zone must wear masks and check-in via the SafeWA app.

Mandates on masks and seated service only for the hospitality industry remains in place.

Here’s a list of events still going ahead despite restrictions, and others forced to cancel.

Weather

After a record-breaking Christmas heatwave, temperatures have settled to ensure New Year’s celebrations will be a lot more pleasant and comfortable.

The weather bureau forecasts Perth will reach a top of 32C on Friday.

The sunny end of the year will continue into 2022, with a maximum of 29C expected on January 1.

It will heat up on Sunday — with a top of 33C — before those returning to work Monday are greeted by 37C.

Travel

New Year’s Eve revellers will have access to free, frequent and safe trips home, with complimentary travel on the Transperth network from midnight onwards.

“With the free public transport, there really is no excuse for drinking and driving,” Police Minister Paul Papalia said.

Masks will be mandatory on public transport, unless you are exempt from wearing one.

Police

Authorities have promised a beefed up presence at this year’s hotspots, with extra officers rostered on to ensure revellers can enjoy New Year’s Eve in a safe environment.

Specialist police from the water police, mounted unit and Police airwing will also assist with the New Year’s Eve policing operation.

Police will also be out in force on WA’s roads targeting motorists engaging in dangerous driving behaviours including drug and drink driving, speeding or using phones.