Where do we meet for boarding?

Check-in is at Dock C, D’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay—arrive early to get settled before departure.

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs approximately 2 Hours from boarding to return to the marina.

Are children welcome?

Families are welcome; bring appropriate life jackets for children if required and follow crew guidance.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Most charters operating in the area provide restroom facilities—confirm when booking to be sure.

What should I bring for photography?

Bring a camera with a small tripod or stable surface, extra batteries, and motion-stabilizing settings for fireworks.

What if I’m prone to seasickness?

Take preventative medication, choose a central low seat, and focus on the horizon to reduce symptoms.

Nelson Bay New Years Fireworks Cruise Aboard Y-Knot | Boat Tour | Catamaran

New Year's Eve on the water in Nelson Bay, New South Wales, offers a different kind of countdown: the hush of the harbor as the city lights dim, the slow engine beat of a chartered vessel, and the sudden bloom of color when the first fireworks burst over the bay. The New Years Fireworks Cruise aboard Y-Knot launches from Dock C at D’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay, and spends two hours steering to a prime on-water viewing position where fireworks reflect across flat harbor water and the coastline's rocky headlands frame the show. Onboard seating, warm lighting and an experienced local crew make this a relaxed alternative to shore crowds. This cruise is special because it flips the perspective—rather than watching from a packed promenade, you are on glassy water with the pyrotechnics mirrored beneath each explosion. Nelson Bay’s shallow, sheltered harbor delivers clear reflections; the marina’s cluster of boats and shoreline lights add texture to nighttime photos. Y-Knot’s crew know the local currents and select a spot that keeps the view open while minimizing smoke drift and engine noise so conversations can continue between bursts. The two-hour format is compact enough for families and groups yet long enough to include pre-show cruising, the main display, and a smooth return to D’Albora Marina. Beyond the spectacle, the setting matters: Nelson Bay sits at the mouth of a broad coastal inlet with rocky headlands and sand beaches that catch the last light of the year. You may hear the call of seabirds and, depending on the season, spot dolphins riding the boat’s wake. For many travelers, the cruise becomes a memory of wide waters, cooled sea air, and a city skyline that feels both distant and intimate. Practical notes: check in at Dock C, D’Albora Marina before boarding; dress in layers—the harbor breeze at night is colder than onshore. Bring a camera with a tripod or a steady surface if you want reflection shots, and consider motion-stabilizing settings for fireworks. The experience is well suited to couples, families, and small groups seeking a celebratory but relaxed New Year’s Eve. It’s a local-focused way to mark the holiday: fewer crowds, unique photos, and the simple luxury of watching a fireworks display unfold over a black mirror of water. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to claim good seats and hear the safety briefing from the crew; check-in happens at Dock C at D’Albora Marina. The boat’s amenities typically include sheltered seating and restroom facilities—confirm specifics with the operator when booking. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions and choose a central seat low in the vessel. Leave fireworks, open flames and glass onshore; dispose of rubbish in bins on return. Plan ahead.