In Maitland, the annual riverbank fireworks show at 9pm impressed the hoards.

Maitland mayor Loretta Baker guessed the crowd number lining the Hunter River was on par with previous New Year’s Eve events – she had heard one estimate of 10,000.

“[The atmosphere] is one of anticipation and excitement,” she said on Sunday night.

“There are lots of excited children enjoying the free activities – there’s also a nice breeze here, so it’s a very pleasant evening.”

In Port Stephens – which is full to the brim with tourists at this time of year – thousands congregated in the D’albora Marinas area at Nelson Bay to watch the 9pm pyrotechnics.

“It’s a great atmosphere – there are heaps of families of all ages enjoying the music, free entertainment and face painting,” said the marina’s Deb Stretton.

“[Everyone] is ready to watch the spectacular ka-boom fireworks display.”