A first-of-its-kind free dance party for teens, a big Taipans clash, bar hopping, free buses and - of course - the fireworks show.

It's all happening in Cairns this New Year's Eve, and TropicNow has rounded up all the essential info you need.

FIREWORKS AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

The celebration kicks off at Fogarty Park at 5.30pm, with a high-quality music line-up featuring The Geckos, Joshua Wendt, Adrian Thomas, Fingerprint and Rude Boy.

Free rides, face painting and roving characters will ensure kids are entertained until the fireworks.

At 9pm, the focus shifts to the Cairns Esplanade for the night’s first fireworks instalment, complete with music soundtrack thanks to Star 102.7FM.

At midnight, the party ends with a massive fireworks display to ring in the New Year, with thanks to major sponsor CQUniversity.

GREAT WEATHER

The weather looks set to be conducive to a celebration with an extension of the mostly sunny December days on New Year’s Eve and just a slight chance of a shower on the first day of 2018.

January 2 will see a further shift with a possible shower, while a shower or two is predicted for January 3.

DANCE PARTY

As the pyrotechnics fade out, the beats will pump up, as DJ Trix spins up a club vibe on the waterfront at the Western Events Lawn (adjacent to the lagoon) for the Dance the ’Nard Away dance party.

“This is a new feature for our New Year’s Eve program,” Acting Cairns Mayor Terry James said. “We want to get everyone on their feet and having a great time as we head for 2018.”

The event is particularly aimed at teens who want to enjoy the year’s biggest night in a safe and fun environment.

“It’s a great option if you’re still a bit young for the clubs but want to get out and dance the night away,” Cr James said. “But there’s no age limit. Everyone is invited to come along and enjoy an outdoor dance party on our spectacular waterfront.”

Admission is free and it is a drug and alcohol-free event.

FREE PARKING AND BUS TRANSPORT

Parking for over 300 cars is free at the Lake St car park, which recently reopened after a $6 million revamp on December 23.

For a stress-free evening Council and Sunbus will provide free bus services between midnight and 2.45am to get revellers home safely following the event. 

TAIPANS VS WILDCATS

It's set to be a cracking game to round out the year when our Taipans take on a team that has become something of an arch rival this season - the Perth Wildcats.

Tip-off at the Convention Centre is at 6pm to ensure fans have enough time to get to the Esplanade for the 9pm fireworks show. 

BAR SCENE

There are a range of parties and celebrations happening at CBD bars and venues this Sunday night, including a Tiki-themed party at Three Wolves, a superhero and villians event at the Reef Hotel Casino and rapper 360 at The Jack.

For a pre-dinner drink or more chilled way to welcome in 2018, grab a cocktail (or two) at Gin Social at the Hilton Cairns.

PALM COVE FIREWORKS

For another increasingly popular event, the foreshore at Palm Cove will also come alive with the annual fireworks display at 9pm on New Year's Eve.

Grab a picnic, or book a table at a local restaurant and enjoy this family friendly event. Organisers remind everyone to allow plenty of time to reach the beachside venue with the fireworks starting at 9pm sharp.

CARE FOR PETS

Don’t forget your pets on this night of celebration - many are frightened by fireworks and might run away from home.

To keep pets safe, particularly during fireworks, make sure they have a secure enclosure with a comfortable place they can feel safe. This may mean keeping them inside your home. Leaving the television or radio on may also help.

If leaving pets outside, check yards for possible escape routes – this may include over or under fences – make sure they have access to a comfortable, sheltered area.