Portarlington and Queenscliff to light up for New Year’s Eve

LOCALS and visitors across the Bellarine Peninsula are preparing to celebrate the coming of the new year with friends, family and fireworks displays.

In Portarlington, fireworks will light up the bay at 9.30pm for Bellarine Bayside’s free annual family display.

Thousands are expected to gather at the Portarlington foreshore and at various locations around the bay to watch the show.

The crew at Queenscliff Harbour will once again host an all-ages New Year’s Eve celebration that includes live music, children’s entertainment and two fireworks displays.

The first display is scheduled for 9.30pm and the second, at midnight.

Both displays will be visible from several vantage points around Queenscliff and each year, many opted to watch from the beach or Queenscliff Lookout.

Queenscliff Harbour general manager Sean Blackwell said the New Year’s Eve event was a “real family friendly outing”.

“It’s a great way to celebrate with our community.

“There’s no other location like it. The fireworks are shot off from a ferry moored on the water. There’s two massive displays and the acoustics are incredible.

“We’re just outside of the exclusion zone so you get a real up-close, personal experience.”

The event is supported by the team at Searoad Ferries, who will provide the launch platform for both fireworks displays, and Member for the Bellarine, Alison Marchant.

Live music will be provided by singer songwriter Taylor Sheridan who describes his music as ‘soulfully acoustic’.

Sheridan has two EPs under his belt, a string of successful singles and has toured the country with some of Australia’s biggest acts including John Farnham, Pete Murray, Thirsty Merc and Daryl Braithwaite.

Australian band, TaxiRide will also perform their chart-topping hits and several of their favourite album tracks.

Entertainer Chris Morant will make an appearance with his fire and magic show that is sure to delight children and adults alike while the Harbour’s promenade will house non-stop fun for kids with inflatable games, lawn games and face painting.

“All the restaurants [at Queenscliff Harbour] participate, so there’s great food and a carnival atmosphere,” Blackwell said.

The event will kick off at 6.30pm and tickets are available for $35 per person.

Entry for children under 12 is free.

To purchase tickets, head to trybooking.com/CKBOT.