The ABC is promising the “best seat in the house” this New Year’s Eve, unveiling a bright, nostalgia-laced NYE25 line-up headlined by Melanie C, Matt Corby and The Cat Empire – and capped off with a national tribute to Play School as it turns 60.
The broadcast, delivered in partnership with the City of Sydney, goes live from the Sydney Opera House’s Northern Broadwalk on 31 December from 8.45pm across ABC TV, ABC iview and ABC’s social channels.
Returning hosts Charlie Pickering and Zan Rowe will front the celebration, guiding audiences from the Calling Country 9pm fireworks – complete with Bridge projections themed around connection, memory and renewal – through to the world-famous midnight display over Sydney Harbour.
The artwork, shown on the Harbour Bridge in bright pinks, greens, yellows and blues, will act as an early centrepiece before the concert kicks in at 9.10 pm.
A blockbuster music line-up
This year’s bill leans intentionally big and broad. The ABC has locked in:
• Melanie C
• Matt Corby
• The Cat Empire
• Peach PRC
• Marcia Hines
• Casey Donovan
• Don West
• Jem Cassar-Daley
• Ayesha Madon
The network is also using the moment to honour six decades of Play School, teasing “classic songs, iconic hosts and special guests” during a dedicated tribute segment.
A national celebration – wherever you’re watching
At midnight, the City of Sydney’s fireworks will ignite the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and surrounds.
The broadcast will run across the entire ABC network, including ABC TV, ABC iview, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and ABC Australia for international audiences. Audio-described fireworks will also run on ABC Listen, with coverage on ABC Local Radio and ABC Radio Australia.
ABC’s Head of Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle, said collaboration with the City of Sydney remained core to the event’s impact.
“ABC’s 2025 New Year’s Eve broadcast will be truly memorable and lots of fun,” she said.
“It’s a joy to collaborate with the City of Sydney and share this celebration with audiences across Australia and around the globe.”
NYE25 is produced by the ABC, with Janet Gaeta as Manager of Events and Partnerships, Nikita Agzarian as Executive Producer, and Kath Earle overseeing the broadcast as Head of Arts, Music and Events.
The countdown to 2026 is officially on – and the ABC is throwing the biggest, most family-friendly party in town.