After 23 editions and a journey stretching back to a humble invite-only gathering of Melbourne bands in 2009, NYE on the Hill has announced that its 2026/27 edition will be the last. Organisers confirmed the news via social media, officially dubbing the final event "The Last Hill" and inviting everyone who has ever been part of the festival's story to join in one ultimate send-off across the 30th December, 2026 to 1st January, 2027 in South Gippsland, Victoria.

In their announcement, organisers reflected on an extraordinary legacy: over 600 bands and more than 2,500 musicians and performers have taken to the Hill across the years, with many making their festival debut on that very stage. "All great things must come to an end, but the memories will live on forever," the statement read, adding that the 2026 edition would be "one of the best parties the hill has ever seen." The festival, which once operated under the name The Hills Are Alive, grew from a small friends-of-friends shindig into a beloved 3,000-person community celebration.

Fittingly, the farewell lineup is among the strongest the festival has assembled. Ball Park Music headline alongside The Rions, Pacific Avenue, Boy Soda, Old Mervs, Darcie Haven, Mid Drift, Milo Eastwood, REDD., Sleepazoid, The Tullamarines, Birdland, Charli Lucas, Devaura, Intermood, Rageflower, Selve, Teak, Cali Rd, Milly Strange, The Foxy Junes, and a triple j Unearthed winner yet to be announced.

For a festival that built its reputation on warmth, community, and discovering new music in a stunning regional setting, going out on a high feels entirely on brand. "Leave the party when it's at its best," organisers wrote, and with a stacked bill and a decade-and-a-half of goodwill behind it, NYE on the Hill looks set to close the chapter in style. Tickets and further information are available through the festival's official channels.