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Countdown to 2026: Fireworks to light up Hunter

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Hunter and Newcastle locals are in for a spectacular New Year’s Eve on Wednesday 31 December, with many fireworks planned across the region.

The Newcastle Foreshore is set to come alive from late afternoon with music, DJs, a kids’ zone and a pyrotechnics display.

Families can also enjoy festivities in Maitland with face painting, free amusements and fireworks along the riverbank.

The Hunter Valley Gardens is family-friendly, with food, rides and amazing light displays.

Wangi RSL and Wollombi Tavern will host evening celebrations with fireworks, bands and plenty of food, too.

Attendees should check official websites for the latest information before attending, as schedules may change.

Image: City of Newcastle

Newcastle

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Newcastle Foreshore
Where | Newcastle Harbour Foreshore
Time | 5pm – 9.15pm

Your 2025 New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Newcastle Foreshore are here. The event is fun for all ages, with three DJ stations, including a carnival style kids’ zone with a disco. Enjoy live music from 5pm, as well as entertainment at The Station. There will be perfect photo opportunities, tasty treats and so much more. This year, there will even be a wish exchange interactive experience where you can share a message and see it glow on the big screen. An accessible viewing platform will be also available as part of the NYE festivities, so be sure to come along. Fireworks will conclude the night with a 12-minute display, kicking off at 9pm.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Newcastle Foreshore. Image: City of Newcastle

Lake Macquarie

New Year’s Eve – Live On The Lake
Where | Toronto Hotel and Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto
Time | 9pm fireworks

Lake Macquarie has fast become a popular destination for spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. One of the standout celebrations is at the Toronto Hotel, where Live On The Lake will feature 5pm live music and 9pm fireworks. This year’s main display will take place at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto, which will also light up the lake at 9pm. Positioned right on the foreshore, the club offers a prime viewing spot for the show.

Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto Fireworks. Image: Lake Macquarie City Council

Port Stephens

d’Albora New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Where | Nelson Bay Foreshore
Time | 9pm fireworks

Ring in the New Year by the water at d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay. Bring the family, grab a spot along the foreshore and enjoy the 9pm fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a simple, easy way to welcome 2026 in one of Port Stephens’ favourite places.

d’Albora New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Image d’Albora Marinas Facebook

Wangi Wangi 

Wangi RSL Fireworks
Where | Wangi Wangi RSL Club
Time | 8.30pm – Late

Get ready to welcome 2026 at Wangi RSL. The evening kicks off with a dazzling fireworks display at 9pm, launched from a barge on the lake right in front of the club. The celebration doesn’t stop there, with energetic live band sets keeping the party alive well into the night. Enjoy great music as you toast to a fresh start with friends and family by the water.

Wangi RSL Fireworks. Image: Lake Macquarie City Council

Speers Point

Speers Point (The Esplanade) Fireworks
Where | The Esplanade, Speers Point
Time | Midnight fireworks

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Esplanade, Speers Point, with a midnight firework display. Watch the sky light up, offering one of the best views in the region. These fireworks sit alongside other spectacular fireworks across Newcastle and the surrounding areas. It’s the perfect way to ring in the new year.

Speers Point (The Esplanade) Fireworks. Image: Lake Macquarie City Council

Morisset

8 at Trinity Fireworks
Where | 8 at Trinity, Morisset Park
Time | 9pm fireworks

8 at Trinity is welcoming the New Year in style. Guests can enjoy a four-course set menu dinner, accompanied by live entertainment. The late dinner package includes the breathtaking fireworks display, while an early dinner option offers the same delicious menu without the fireworks. With limited tables remaining, now is the time to reserve your spot for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration.

8 at Trinity. Image: 8 at Trinity Facebook

Wollombi

New Years Eve at Wollombi Tavern
Where | Wollombi Tavern, 2994 Great North Road
Time | 4pm – 9pm

Get ready for a free, family-friendly event with an amazing fireworks display. Enjoy live music across two stages and a DJ. Be sure to sample the delicious eats from multiple food stalls, the pub bistro, and outdoor bar.  Don’t forget to grab a treat from Cherry Highway Gelato.

New Years Eve at Wollombi Tavern. Image: Wollombi Tavern Website

Maitland

NYE 2025 Maitland Fireworks
Where | Maitland Riverbank, Riverside Car Park and RH Taylor Reserve, Lorn
Time | 5pm – 9pm

Join in on the New Year’s Eve festivities in Maitland, presented by Valley Estate Agents and Maitland City Council. This year is going to big, with family-friendly actives, live music and a disco playing all the hits from the year. Be sure to get your face painted and soak up all the free amusements. There will be loads of food on offer and a fireworks display beginning at 9pm.

NYE 2025 Maitland Fireworks. Image: Maitland City Council

Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Gardens Fireworks
Where | Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin
Time | 5.30pm – 10.30pm

Step into the magical Hunter Valley Lights Spectacular, celebrating New Years Eve with a bang. Stroll through themed displays featuring over four million lights, enjoy rides, delicious food, and roaming entertainment. Feel the holiday spirit come alive with fireworks from 9pm. For families looking for the perfect celebration, make it a night to remember and grab your tickets online. 

Hunter Valley Gardens Fireworks. Image Hunter Valley Gardens Website

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