Overview
Finding a designated driver on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve is not an easy feat — nan is stuck into the boozy pud, dad has pulled a dusty one out of the cellar and you don't really want to carpool with that weird uncle. And no one's putting their hand up to find a park near the fireworks on December 31. Public Transport Victoria understands, and is easing the pain of commuting on the two big days (slightly) by offering all public transport for free.
Over Christmas Day, all trains, trams, buses and V/line services will be free from 3am on Wednesday, December 25, till 3am on Thursday, December 26. Most public transport services will be running to a Sunday timetable, and there will be limited V/Line coaches and trains to regional cities (it recommended that you book spots for these). There will, however, be no night buses, trams, trains, so if you do spend too much time sipping sherry with your aunt, you might have to try your luck with a taxi or Uber.
A few days later, over New Year's Eve, the same public transport services will be free from 6pm on Tuesday, December 31 until 6am on Wednesday, January 1. As there will most likely be hordes of people flocking to get home after the fireworks, metro trains will be running every ten minutes from midnight till 2.30am, extra V/Line services, trams running every five-to-ten minutes until 2am and the 426, 905, 906, 907 and 908 buses will be extended until 1.50am. You can check out a comprehensive rundown of New Year's Eve services at the Public Transport Victoria website.
If you do want to check out the midnight fireworks, they'll be four spots to catch them: Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain. The City of Melbourne has created this handy map pinpointing the closest train stations, too:
On both days, you won't need to touch on (or be carrying) your Myki — but, if you do, you won't be charged.
Find more information on the free travel periods here and check for updates on the PTV website.
Image: Josie Withers/Visit Victoria.