Millions of tired revelers started the new year with a headache after celebrating in style with world-class fireworks displays across the country.
From the largest capitals to small inland towns, the country’s pubs, clubs and bars were flooded with partiers looking to start 2025 with a bang.
In Sydney, a record crowd gathered in every free corner of the city’s harbor to watch its world-famous fireworks display.
This year, more than nine tonnes of pyrotechnics were launched at 264 firing positions, including 80 sites on the western side of the Harbor Bridge.
NSW Police launched a massive operation to ensure revelers were safe while celebrating and despite the millions of people joining the festivities, bad behavior was minimal.
Officers were only forced to arrest 36 people in the CBD and coastal areas of the port for offenses including assault, affray, robbery and knife possession offences.
Sadly, police said they were investigating the alleged stabbing of a teenager in Guildford shortly before midnight.
Millions of people celebrated New Year’s Eve across Sydney, with the CBD flooded with revelers
Thousands of people headed to pubs, clubs and bars to start the new year on a high note
Although there were some falls, emergency services thanked most revelers for staying safe during the festivities.
A large-scale police operation helped keep large crowds safe during the festivities.
Police said “the vast majority of people enjoyed their night safely and without incident.”
“Yesterday, just before 10.40pm, officers from Cumberland Police Area Command were called to Bright Park following reports of a stabbing,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“Upon arrival, police were told that a group of men were allegedly setting off fireworks before a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the back. The offender then allegedly fled the scene.
“The child was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.”
Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna thanked most of the revelers for their good behaviour.
“Once again, Sydney welcomed the year 2025 with an iconic fireworks display and the vast majority of people enjoyed their night safely and without incident,” Deputy Commissioner McKenna said.
‘Unfortunately the police were busy because a handful of revelers did the wrong thing, but those people were dealt with quickly.
“The safety of the NSW community is of utmost importance to us, so for those who continue to celebrate into the morning, we will have police in the air, on the roads and on the water to ensure it is a night to remember.” for everyone.” reasons.”
Other cities were also packed for New Year’s Eve, and in Brisbane some 60,000 people joined the riverside festivities at Southbank.
Millions of Australians celebrated the end of 2024 with a night out with friends
Revelers were seen taking a moment to relax before fighting the crowds on the way home.
After weeks of debate, the New South Wales rail union has removed eight major work bans that would have caused chaos in the New Year.
Revelers began returning home from midnight.
NSW Police arrested 36 people in the CBD and harbor coastal areas for offenses including assault, affray, robbery and knife possession offences.
Others chose to celebrate at NYE venues through Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley and South Bank Parklands.
Queensland Police made 11 arrests on 16 charges in the South Bank, Brisbane CBD and Fortitude Valley areas.
The majority of charges were for anti-social behavior and alcohol-related incidents, including public nuisance and alcohol-related offences.
“There will always be a small number of people who will choose to do the wrong thing,” said Interim Superintendent Emma Fletcher.
“However, thanks to our large-scale police presence, we were able to respond quickly to these incidents and minimize disruption to the celebrations.”
“We are glad that the vast majority of people used their common sense and had a wonderful evening.”
Ambulance Victoria also praised the city’s crowds for ringing in the New Year safely.
Paramedics responded to 60 emergency cases in the Melbourne CBD and Docklands from 8pm to 3am, and seven people were transported to hospital.
Millions of revelers braved huge crowds to get home on public transport
This year’s fireworks in Sydney saw more than nine tonnes of fireworks launched at 264 firing positions.
New Year’s Eve celebrants were treated to a huge fireworks display, which used more than nine tonnes of explosives.
Train, bus, light rail and metro services were running for almost 48 consecutive hours to serve large crowds.
Metropolitan regional director Michael Georgiou said paramedics responded to a wide range of cases, including trips, falls, assaults and alcohol or drug-related cases.
“The vast majority of people had fun and looked after themselves and each other,” Mr Georgiou said.
‘Our workload gradually increased throughout the night, with the highest peak of emergency cases between midnight and 2am.
‘We work collaboratively with first aid providers to triage and provide appropriate care to each patient.
“With over 60 people seeking our help in the city alone, in addition to our usual number of cases in metropolitan and regional areas, it is pleasing to have seen very few cases of a serious nature.”
After weeks of debate, the New South Wales rail union on Monday lifted eight major work bans.
They included distance limits for drivers and several sign bans that forced more than 680 cancellations late last month.
Had the action gone ahead, Police Commissioner Karen Webb recommended the annual fireworks display be cancelled.
As celebrations in the CBD ended, hundreds of Sydneysiders headed to Bondi Beach to watch the first sunrise of 2025.
Those who had left late managed to get some sleep before returning home.
Many spent hours camped on Bondi Beach before dawn.
The sun rose shortly before 6am and many were seen capturing the dawn of 2025 on the coast.
As fitness fanatics finished their morning runs, revelers, still dressed to the nines, strolled the sand.
Fortunately, NSW Transport General Coordinator Howard Collins announced on Tuesday that train, bus, tube and light rail services would run smoothly.
To accommodate the largest crowds, services ran for almost 48 consecutive hours.
“The additional services will come into effect in the early afternoon on New Year’s Eve, and with widespread road closures and parking restrictions in place from early in the day, public transport will absolutely be the key to a smooth celebration. stress,” said Mr. Collins. .
“But it is essential to plan ahead, weigh your options and be aware that the city is different on New Year’s Eve, with large crowds, road closures and cut-off times at some strategic points to view the fireworks.”
As celebrations in the CBD ended, hundreds of Sydneysiders headed to Bondi Beach to watch the first sunrise of 2025.
While fitness fanatics finished their morning runs, revelers, still dressed to the nines, slept in their cars or made themselves comfortable on the sand.
The sun rose shortly before 6am and many were seen capturing the dawn of 2025 on the coast.
Some took the opportunity to refresh themselves with a morning bath, some meditated to reflect on the year ahead and others simply enjoyed the moment with their loved ones.
Some visitors to Bondi took the opportunity to freshen up with a morning swim.
Partygoers were seen getting some sleep before the spectacular sunrise.
Many Sydneysiders headed to Bondi Beach to watch the first sunrise of 2025 with their loved ones.
Some visitors to Bondi on Wednesday morning chose to meditate and reflect on the new year.
For many, the beautiful sunrise at Bondi Beach was the perfect start to 2025