Sore head this morning? You’re not the only one – with record crowds partying their way into the new year across the country

Millions of tired partygoers have started the New Year with a sore head after celebrating in style with world-class fireworks displays across the country.

From the biggest capitals to the small town in the Outback, the country’s pubs, clubs and bars were flooded with partygoers looking to start 2025 with a bang.

In Sydney, record crowds gathered along all corners of the city’s harbor to watch the world-famous fireworks display.

This year, more than nine tons of fireworks were shot off at 264 firing positions, including 80 locations on the west side of the Harbor Bridge.

New South Wales Police launched a large-scale operation to ensure revelers stayed safe as they celebrated – and despite the millions of people taking part in the festivities, bad behavior was kept to a minimum.

Officers were only forced to arrest 36 people in the CBD and port areas for offenses including assault, affray, theft and offenses related to knife possession.

Sadly, police said they were investigating the alleged stabbing of a teenage boy in Guildford not long before midnight.

“Just before 10.40pm yesterday, officers from the 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 had allegedly set off fireworks before a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the back. The perpetrator then allegedly fled.

“The boy was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.”

Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna thanked the majority of partygoers for their good behaviour.

“Sydney welcomed back 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 kept busy by a handful of revelers who were doing something wrong, but those people were quickly dealt with.

‘The safety of the NSW community is of the 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 an enjoyable experience for all will be an unforgettable evening. reasons.’

Other cities were also packed for New Year’s Eve, with around 60,000 people in Brisbane taking part in the riverside festivities on Southbank.

Others chose to celebrate at NYE locations 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 related to anti-social behavior and alcohol-related incidents, including public nuisance and drinking offences.

“There will always be a small number of people who choose to do the wrong thing,” said Acting Chief Inspector Emma Fletcher.

‘However, our large-scale police presence allowed us to respond quickly to these incidents and minimize disruption to the festivities.’

‘We are pleased that the vast majority of people used their common sense and had a wonderful evening.’

Ambulance Victoria similarly praised city crowds for seeing safely into the New Year.

Paramedics responded to 60 emergencies in Melbourne’s CBD and Docklands from 8pm to 3am, transporting seven people to hospital.

Metropolitan Regional Director Michael Georgiou said paramedics have responded to a wide range of cases, including trips, falls, assaults and alcohol or drug-related cases.

“The vast majority of people were enjoying themselves and taking care of themselves and each other,” Georgiou said.

‘Our workload built up gradually throughout the night, with the biggest peak in emergencies between midnight and 2am.

“We worked with first responders to triage each patient and provide appropriate care.

‘With more than 60 people seeking our help in the city alone – in addition to our usual cases in metropolitan and regional areas – it is pleasing that we have seen very few cases of a serious nature.’

After weeks of debate, the NSW train union on Monday revoked eight major work bans.

They include distance limits for drivers and several signal bans that had led to more than 680 cancellations by the end of last month.

If the action continued, Police Chief Karen Webb recommended canceling the annual fireworks show.

Fortunately, Transport for NSW coordinator general Howard Collins announced on Tuesday that trains, buses, metro and light rail services would run smoothly.

To accommodate the larger crowds, services lasted almost 48 consecutive hours.

“The extra services will come into action early in the 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 key to a stress-free celebration,” Mr Collins said. .

‘But it is essential to plan ahead, work out your options and be aware that the city is different on New Year’s Eve, with very large crowds, road closures and closing times at some viewing points to view the fireworks.’

As the festivities in the CBD drew to a close, hundreds of Sydneysiders headed to Bondi Beach to watch the first sunrise of 2025.

As fitness fanatics completed their morning jogs, revelers, still dressed to the nines, slept in their cars or made themselves comfortable on the sand.

The sun rose shortly before 6 a.m. and many were seen capturing the 2025 awakening on the coastline.

Some took the opportunity to freshen up with a morning swim, some meditated to reflect on the year ahead, and others simply enjoyed the moment with loved ones.