Food, fun and fireworks await! Farewell 2025 and welcome 2026 with a bang at our vibrant, family-friendly festivities along Newcastle Harbour Foreshore.
Distinct zones offer something for everyone - from energetic play spaces for the kids, to relaxed picnic areas and vibrant entertainment hubs. Whether you're looking to dance, dine, create, or simply unwind, there’s a space for you.
New Year's Eve celebration at Newcastle Harbour Foreshore
When: Wednesday 31 December, 5pm - 9.15pm
Where: Newcastle Harbour Foreshore
What to expect: There's something for everyone at our New Year's Eve celebration:
Share your hopes and resolutions for the year ahead at the Wish Exchange, an immersive phone booth and mailbox installation. Speak your message into the phone booth receiver and see it transformed into text that displays on a glowing LED wall behind the DJ stage.
This is a chance to reflect, connect and form a shared wallpaper of dreams for 2026.
Kids enjoying NYE festivities in Newcastle
The kids will absolutely love the NYE Kids Zone, a summer-holiday-inspired wonderland bursting with colour, movement and imagination. This free, carnival-style space is designed to delight children and families alike with a host of activities, including:
Enjoy a stellar lineup of homegrown music, comedy and fringe cabaret on the Live Stage at The Station.
Across the site, three DJ stations, including a kids disco with a “Step Up & Shoot” selfie camera, will keep the energy high and the beats flowing.
New Year's Eve DJ Station
Need a quieter space to step away from all the excitement of New Year's Eve? We've got you covered with various 'Relax and Recharge' spaces where you can unwind, connect and enjoy the evening.
Two open Picnic Zones offer grassy areas perfect for lounging with friends and family over a shared meal. For those seeking a quieter experience, the Quiet Zone offers a calm, seated space ideal for elderly or vulnerable community members.
There will also be an Accessible Viewing Platform, ensuring everyone can comfortably take part in the festivities.
The Newcastle NYE space is flat making it accessible for prams, walkers and wheelchairs. There is an accessible drop off zone on Wharf Road (Rydges Hotel end) and accessible parking available on Centenary Road, which can be accessed via the Merewether St road closure by showing your accessible parking permit. Please see “Accessible parking and drop off zone” section in the FAQs for more information or download the plain text accessibility FAQs word document here.
There is a dedicated quiet zone that offers a calm, seated space ideal for those who may need a break from the large crowds and stimulation located near The Station. The Station Eat Street features tables and chairs on a hard stand, making it easier for people with mobility needs to enjoy a delicious meal in comfort.
An accessible viewing platform is located on Queens Wharf. The area is reserved for people who require seating and more space. This area is designed for the neurodiverse community, wheelchair users, and the elderly. This area does have a limit on capacity and will be monitored by staff on the night in a first come first serve basis.
You can plan your visit by
Should you need any assistance during the event, please see a member of the event team staff.
An Accessible Viewing Platform will be available as part of the NYE festivities
You won't need to go far to find something tasty, with Eat Streets spread across three zones, including a mobility-friendly dining space at The Station Eat Street.
With a range of delicious food vendors on offer, there'll be something to suit every craving.
Don't miss the Fireworks spectacular, shooting off from the Harbour at 9pm. Prepare to be wowed by the colourful, 12-minute display as we send off 2025 in style.
Fireworks display at Newcastle Harbour
The event is located on the Newcastle Harbour Foreshore and Wharf Road from Lynch’s Hub up to The Station at the Watt St Roundabout. There are also activities on Market Street Lawn.
The event is on Wednesday 31 December 2025 from 5:00pm until 9:15pm. There will be a 12-minute fireworks display at 9pm.
There is no cost to attend the event.
The Newcastle NYE space is flat making it accessible for prams, walkers and wheelchairs.
There is a dedicated quiet zone and accessible viewing platform.
If you have a specific accessibility request and want to speak to an organiser, please email [email protected]
If you need any assistance during the event, please see a member of the event team staff.
Accessible Parking is available on Centenary Road. Please note that the accessible parking on Centenary Road will be beyond the road closure and your accessible parking permit will be required for you to gain access through the Merewether Street road closure.
Accessible parking is also available on Wolfe Street between Hunter Street and Scott Street.
The accessible drop off zone is located near Rydges hotel on Wharf Road. Your accessible parking sticker will need to be shown to gain entry past the road closure on Merewether Street near the Rydges roundabout to access this area and be dropped off.
If you are catching public transport you can plan your trip using the Transport NSW website.
Yes, we encourage you to bring a picnic rug and we’re very happy you bring a chair should you need one.
Yes, all activities are provided free of charge for the community by the City of Newcastle except for the food and drink outlets.
This year the fireworks are being launched from a barge in the middle of the harbour meaning better sightlines along the entire foreshore. There will be an accessible viewing platform on Queens Wharf. The area is reserved for people who require seating and more space. This area is designed for the neurodiverse community, wheelchair users, and the elderly. This area does have a limit on capacity and will be monitored by Staff on the night in a first come first serve basis.
Located at the Station. This area has soft lighting and calming visuals, noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs, sensory toys and calming activities, comfortable seating and soft flooring. This area also has an accessible toilet and first aid facilities nearby.
Proudly produced by local creatives Fingers Crossed Creative and Canvas Events.
