New Year’s Eve Qld: How state celebrated start of 2025
Eleven people were arrested and a man was assaulted after Brisbane NYE festivities despite police saying revellers were largely well-behaved.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Thousands of Queenslanders have heralded the new year at Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands, with partygoers describing the view from the foreshore as mesmerising.
About 80,000 pyrotechnic effects were on display on Tuesday night across four barges on the Brisbane River.
A total of 11 people were arrested on 16 charges in the South Bank, Brisbane CBD and Fortitude Valley areas on New Year’s Eve.
Police said the majority of Brisbane revellers were well-behaved.
The majority of charges were for anti-social behaviour and alcohol related incidents, such as public nuisance and liquor offences.
A man was also allegedly assaulted in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley overnight, however, no charges have been laid.
IN PICTURES: Brisbane heralds new year in style
He was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a stable condition with a head injury following the alleged assault on Gregory Terrace just after 1am.
General duties police were joined by specialist units including the Mounted Unit, Highway Patrol, Rail Squad and Polair to reduce, deter and prevent crime, police said in a statement.
On the Gold Coast, two teenagers have been left fighting for life after a spate of violent incidents at Coolangatta.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said two men, aged in their late teens, both sustained serious head and facial injuries after the Marine Pde incident.
Despite earlier wet weather threatening to put a dampener on celebrations, the New Year’s Eve fireworks were heralded as better than ever.
While Sydney’s show may technically be bigger, mother Cila-Filoi said Brisbane’s allowed people to experience the show without having to push through overwhelming crowds.
“You can see and feel the full impact of the show. Every year it is getting better,” she said.
“It was a good way to end the year off in 2024.”
Dean Lawson said Brisbane’s fireworks were the best in the country.
“I went to Sydney for New Year’s Eve once and I just had to come back to Brisbane,” he said. “The fireworks are getting better every five years. The atmosphere is very nice here. Everyone is friendly.”
He said his new year’s resolution was not to let his mouth run too wild at work.
Shana Roberts and her children had driven from Ormeau on the Gold Coast to watch the fireworks from the water at Streets Beach, but were disappointed to find the beach closed.
“We’ve been here since 3pm, the kids all planned to swim this evening,” Ms Roberts said.
“But when we got here we saw a sign saying the pool would close at 5pm.
“It’s just really disappointing for the kids, that’s all.”
South Bank Corporation said in a statement: “This temporary closure will support safe crowd management during New Year’s Eve celebrations.”
Another popular vantage point for watching the fireworks was Brisbane’s riverside W Hotel.
The W’s wet deck was packed with revellers from early evening.
General manager Micheal Clarke said the team and guests were excited to welcome the new year at one of the best places in Brisbane.
Originally published as New Year’s Eve Qld: How state celebrated start of 2025
Heartbreaking amount you need to earn to buy a home in Qld
The income needed to afford a home in Queensland has soared, with even some of the state’s more affordable suburbs requiring six figures incomes. See what you need to earn in every suburb.
$24k in one day: A Ruddy big party bill
Australia’s Ambassador to the US billed Aussie taxpayers $24,000 in a single day for formal dinners, breakfasts, morning teas and a reception at his Washington DC digs. See the list of expenses here.