Newcastle is set to farewell 2025 in a burst of colour, fireworks, creativity and community spirit as the Harbour Foreshore transforms into an early-evening festival of music, play and imagination this New Year’s Eve.
The family-friendly celebration will offer something for every kind of reveller, from high-energy dancing and hands-on activities to quiet corners designed for unwinding beneath the summer sky.
Whether you’re crafting a pair of recycled NYE sunglasses, dropping a wish into a glowing LED message wall, or grazing through one of three Eat Streets, the event encourages Novocastrians to come together in playful, meaningful ways as the city prepares to step into 2026. Here’s what to expect….
FIREWORKS: A harbour send-off to remember
The party will climax at 9 pm with a spectacular 12-minute fireworks display launched from a barge moored in the centre of the harbour. The location ensures sweeping, uninterrupted views from right along the foreshore stretching from Queens Wharf to Camp Shortland, giving families the perfect early countdown moment before heading home or continuing their celebrations elsewhere. It will be a sparkling farewell to 2025, framed against one of the most recognisable waterfront skylines in the country.
WISH EXCHANGE: A community of hopes and resolutions
Set at the heart of the festivities, the Wish Exchange brings an imaginative twist to the classic New Year ritual of setting intentions. Guests can step into a colourful Wish Call Centre or Post Office, record a spoken wish after the tone, and watch their words transform into glowing text on an LED wall behind the DJ stage. It’s kind of like a public tapestry of what Newcastle wants for 2026.
KIDS ZONE: A carnival built for play
Children will find an entire precinct designed just for them, with a free, carnival-style Kids Zone bursting with colour and action. Sideshow games, hula-hooping sessions, juggling workshops and percussion activities invite hands-on participation, while a toddler-only jumping castle gives the littlest revellers a safe place to burn energy. A dedicated kids stage will host mini-performances throughout the evening, and face painting, temporary tattoos and eco-friendly craft stations — including the design-your-own NYE sunglasses table.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Music & Fringe Cabaret at The Station
The Live Stage at The Station will celebrate Newcastle’s creative scene with a lineup of local music, comedy and fringe cabaret. Spread across the entire foreshore precinct, three DJ stations, including a kids disco complete with a “Step Up & Shoot” selfie camera will keep beats rolling as families move between activities. There’ll be rhythm around every corner!
CHILL: Spaces to Relax, Recharge and Enjoy the Moment
For those wanting a slower pace, two lush Picnic Zones provide room to stretch out on the grass and enjoy food with friends. A dedicated Quiet Zone offers a calm seated space for anyone needing a break from the sensory buzz. Accessibility remains central to the event design, with an Accessible Viewing Platform offering comfortable vantage points for the fireworks and designated areas supporting mobility needs across Eat Streets. The Station Eat Street’s hardstand dining setup ensures comfortable access for wheelchair users and others needing flat, stable terrain.
GLORIOUS FOOD: Eat Streets and Easy Dining
With three Eat Streets spaced across the foreshore, guests can expect shorter queues and plenty of choice. The mobility-friendly dining precinct at The Station includes tables and chairs on solid ground, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the evening’s food options. Whether it’s grab-and-go or sit-and-stay, the food experience has been designed to match the night’s diverse range of celebration styles.
