Millions of Australians crammed foreshores and parks, backyards and lounge rooms, to ring in the new year with spectacular firework displays.
But it didn’t all go swimmingly, with police across the country reporting arrests for things such as assault and illegal fireworks.
A strong police presence was visible in the major cities and centres, particularly in NSW, following the Bondi Beach terror attack.
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Thousands of armed officers maintained a visible presence across the harbour city, many carrying long-armed weapons.
Operation New Year’s Eve 2025 involved uniformed and plainclothes officers in high-visibility patrols as crowds converged on the CBD, the Sydney Harbour foreshore, and events across the state.
Police said they were generally pleased with crowd behaviour, but more than 38 arrests were made across Sydney for offences including assaults, affray, assaulting police and offensive conduct.
Large crowds gathered to watch the New Years Eve firework display at Elizabeth Quay in Perth. and see in 2026. Emily and Brandon McNally have just immigrated to Australia from the USA. Gary Ramage Credit: Gary Ramage/The West Australian “We saw people come together after a heartbreaking month. Most revellers enjoyed a safe and trouble-free night,” Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said.
“Unfortunately, police were kept busy by a handful of people doing the wrong thing, particularly a number of illegal fireworks being set off, resulting in several injuries.
“The top priority of our operation was the safety of the community, and thousands of officers were out in force to ensure people enjoyed their nights and got home without incident.”
Victoria Police were also pleased with crowd behaviour but disappointed by more than 300 fireworks-related incidents with several serious injuries.
Among those hurt were a 31-year-old Mickleham man, hospitalised with serious facial injuries and a 43-year-old Corio man, also taken to hospital with a serious finger injury.
A rooftop garden caught alight after a firework mishap at a Treasury Place building; the blaze was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
Police responded to minor incidents in Brisbane and Adelaide, and there were several arrests.
Offences related to public nuisance and drug possession, and scissors, a knife and a box cutter were detected in Brisbane.
About midnight, police were called to a disturbance in Brisbane City where one man armed with scissors was involved in a dispute with two teenagers.
“There will always be a small number of people who will choose to do the wrong thing,” Queensland Acting Chief Superintendent Heath McQueen said.
“However, due to our large-scale police presence, we were able to respond to these minor incidents quickly and minimise disruption to the celebrations.”