Newcastle's waterfront came alive on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, as thousands gathered to celebrate the arrival of the new year. From young families to interstate visitors, the Foreshore precinct was a hub of anticipation and festivity under a sky that threatened rain before breaking into a brilliant sunset.
Families and Future Dreams on the Grass
Among the early crowds was the Coombes family from Mayfield, enjoying a relaxed evening. Charlie Coombes, just 18 months old, showcased her new teeth with a shy smile while eating a chicken nugget with her parents. Her mother, Nikita Coombes, marvelled at how quickly her bright, blue-eyed daughter was growing, chatting endlessly and making friends at daycare.
As 2025 drew to a close, the couple reflected on their hopes for 2026. Mrs Coombes expressed a strong desire to travel as a family, specifically to Greece, believing it important to "get out and get uncomfortable" by experiencing new places.
Seeking a Quieter Celebration Away from Sydney
Not far away, Bella Amoroso and Julia Judge had made the trip from Sydney's Northern Beaches, seeking an alternative to the chaos of their home city at this time of year. Their Newcastle visit was somewhat spontaneous, driven by a wish for a celebration free from metropolitan stress.
Their new year's resolutions mirrored the theme of exploration. Julia pondered a European summer, while Bella aimed to see more of Australia's less-travelled roads, potentially via a cheap caravan for spontaneous trips. She also hinted at healthier living, but conceded that could wait until after the holiday period.
The atmosphere built steadily through the warm afternoon and into the evening. The Stockton ferry was busy shuttling passengers, while restaurants on Darby Street reported being fully booked. The Queen's Wharf Hotel pulsed with music, its dance floor packed shoulder-to-shoulder.
Recent HSC graduate Rowan Rigby, accompanied by Nixie McGregor, summed up the mood for many as they entered the hotel throng. "We're going to see where it takes us," she said, embracing the promise of the new year.
Police and Health Warnings for a Safe Night
As revellers filled the parks and lined the harbour, a significant police presence was visible throughout the celebrations. NSW Police staged a high-visibility operation across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens, involving general duties officers, highway patrol, the public order squad, mounted units, water police, and PolAir.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lyons stated the force wanted people to "welcome in the New Year and have a safe night." Road closures on Hunter Street contributed to heavy traffic, with authorities encouraging the use of public transport.
The police operation coincided with a serious public health warning. NSW Health issued an urgent caution about high-dose MDMA tablets detected at the Lost Paradise festival on the Central Coast earlier in the week.
Acting Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Dr Angela Chiew, warned the substances could be anywhere in the state. She outlined the severe risks, including agitation, high body temperature, seizures, irregular heart rhythm, and death, with risks heightened in hot environments or if mixed with other stimulants.
"The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch," Dr Chiew emphasised, urging anyone feeling unwell to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Despite the warnings and large crowds, emergency services on the ground in Newcastle reported a peaceful start to the evening with no major incidents as the city prepared to ring in 2026.
