Gold coast celebrates New Year on beach

From fireworks rising out of the ocean to disco lights on lifeguard towers, New Year's Eve on the Gold Coast is all about the beach.

Fireworks have illuminated thousands of revellers on the famous Surfers Paradise foreshore as Gold Coast New Year's Eve celebrations went off with a blast.

More than 10 tonnes of fireworks were let off from a barge just off the coast in the biggest of several New Year's Eve celebrations throughout the Queensland city.

Approximately 20,000 revellers - a mix of tourists, families and those just out for a party - took in the fireworks, with many using the city's light rail to get into the suburb instead of driving then fighting for a car park.

Anne, a local from Parkwood, was one of the throng on the beach having brought down a group of 10 friends and family, including visitors from NSW's Central Coast and the western Queensland town of Miles.

"It's great," Anne told AAP.

"Fantastic for kids out here on the sand, they're having fun and it's really relaxing."

Acting Queensland Chief Superintendent Des Lacy, said it had been a good start to celebrations with no arrests or trouble.

But he had a warning for those who would be partying on into the night.

"The message from us is be aware of your environment," Supt Lacy told AAP.

"Whenever there's alcohol about there's the potential for violence.

"Make sure everyone has got a plan for when you come into the venue, particularly when it comes to going home."

As well as the celebrations at Surfers, revellers took in family themed concerts and firework displays at Coomera and Paradise Point in the city's north while Coolangatta in the southern end also hosted a public display.


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Source: AAP


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