With ideal weather conditions expected and an array of events on offer, the city’s tourism boss is touting the the last day of 2018 will be the best in the region.

Warrnambool City Council manager of visitor economy David McMahon said the city’s events team had “really stepped things up”.

“The 15,000 visitors plus all of our residents can expect two more stunning displays on New Year’s Eve,” he said.

“They’re the largest fireworks display in regional Victoria.”

Mr McMahon said the fireworks displays would be slightly bigger than last year as the pyrotechnicians got used to working along the breakwater. 

“There are plenty of fantastic vantage points to enjoy the fireworks,” he said.

“Cannon Hill, Thunder Point, Point Ritchie, and the surf club would all be excellent spots.

“We’d recommend that everyone avoid Viaduct Road and the breakwater itself as these will be very congested on New Year’s Eve.”

The council is also banding together with Warrnambool Police in a month-long operation known as Summerbool.

“There will be a strong presence around popular areas with regular joint patrols by council and police officers,” the council’s Ian Fitzgibbon said.

“Past experience has been that by being highly visible and nipping potential incidents in the bud, most negative outcomes can be avoided.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said providing wristbands to campers and charging a small fee for guests had been highly effective in curbing the number of people roaming the caravan parks on New Year’s Eve.

“Summer is a time of celebration, but we would like to remind everyone to take responsibility for themselves and not impact the enjoyment of others,” he said.

For those hoping to sail their way into 2019, the council issued a water-based warning on its website.

“Mariners are advised that port access will not be available via the channel during the New Year's Eve fireworks which will be launched from the breakwater.

“A 125 metre exclusion zone has been determined by WorkSafe Victoria that will take effect from 7pm, Monday December 31, 2018 and end at 1am, Tuesday January 1, 2019.”

Port Fairy has plenty to offer on New Year’s Eve. The annual Moyneyana Festival includes children’s novelty running races at 10am and circus performers at Fiddlers Green from 6pm to 7.30pm. An inaugural coffee-carryiong race will be held at 7pm in Sackville Street followed by the popular street parade at 8pm.

Portland is hosting “the biggest street party in regional Victoria” at its foreshore with entertainment from 6.30pm and fireworks at 10pm and midnight.

Cobden Miniature Railway will also host a celebration.