While New Year's Eve celebrations will look a little bit different this year without fireworks, there are still many COVID-Safe ways to celebrate the end of a very challenging year.
We've compiled a few different ways you can bid farewell to the year that was – whether that's at home, outdoors or at a local venue.
Please make sure you're across the current COVID-19 restrictions in place for Victorians, particularly around mask-wearing and gatherings.
Celebrate at your local
Has it been a while since you stopped by your local pub or restaurant? Leave cooking for 2021 and see out the year with a deliciously prepared meal.
Invite a few friends and family for your booking and it'll be a celebration in no time.
Not only will you save on dishes, you'll also be helping support a local business after an extremely challenging year.
Prefer to dine outdoors? With more than 50 temporary outdoor dining permits issued to local hospitality businesses, there are more spots to eat outdoors than ever before.
Find a list of businesses with outdoor dining via Visit Geelong & the Bellarine or Central Geelong Marketing.
Don't forget to book ahead to ensure you get a table.
Embrace the space outdoors
With 334 parks, 133 kilometres of coastline and 90 square kilometres of open space available in the region, there are plenty of spots to choose from to bring in the New Year.
Pack a picnic, head to your local fish and chips shop or stop by the butcher for BBQ supplies and set up at one of our many parks and reserves to embrace the space with loved ones.
Find some tips on hosting a COVID-Safe picnic.
For some inspiration on locations and hidden gems, visit our Embrace the Space page.
Attend a COVID-Safe event
While there may be no fireworks this year, there are still many local venues hosting COVID-Safe events to help you bring in 2021 – and without the clean up afterwards!
You may like to sing-a-long to classic hits at Piano Bar's event at the Pier or be entertained by local musicians at the Inn Hotel.
There's even a new venue in Central Geelong to try out: Bathers. Located upstairs at the Beach House at Eastern Beach, the venue will have DJs pumping music throughout the night at perhaps one of the most iconic settings in the region.
A list of venues in Central Geelong with New Year's Eve entertainment can be found at the Central Geelong Marketing website.
It will also be one of your last chances to catch the City's Floating Christmas Tree sound and light show or Christmas projections at City Hall.
The tree show runs every 15 minutes from 8.30pm to midnight and the projections are on between 8.30pm and 11.30pm – both will finish up on Thursday 7 January.
For other New Year's Eve events happening around Geelong visit the Events Geelong page.
Celebrating at home
Opting to spend the night in with a handful of loved ones? There are still many things you can do at home.
Kicking off at 8.30pm the ABC will broadcast its annual New Year's Eve program, with this year's theme We Are One. The program will be hosted by Zan Rowe and Charlie Pickering with a line-up of Aussie talent and musical performances.
As the clock hits midnight, the ABC will live broadcast Sydney's 7-minute New Year's Eve fireworks display.
Visit the Victoria Together website for some of Victoria's greatest digital experiences, including podcasts, activities for kids, trivia and more.
Grab some popcorn, dim the lights and enjoy a film featuring New Year's Eve. Some classics include, When Harry Met Sally, Rent, About a Boy, Bridget Jones's Diary, Ghostbusters II and New Year's Eve.
Have a safe night
While bidding farewell to a challenging 2020, it's important we celebrate the New Year safely by taking care on the roads and looking out for each other.
If you witness the use of illegal fireworks in your neighbourhood, please make a report by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at the Crime Stoppers website.
Breaches of COVID-19 restrictions can be reported to Victoria Police by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
In life threatening or emergency situations, please call 000.
For urgent matters on Council-owned land or property, please call 5272 5272.
If you need support during this time, a list of resources are available via Give Where You Live Foundation.
2020 has been an exceptionally hard year for the whole community. We thank you all for your ongoing efforts to keep our region safe.
Happy New Year Greater Geelong!
