Remember your limits and take care of your mates - that's the message senior police are sending ahead of Tuesday evening's New Year's Eve celebrations.
Extra police will be out across the Hunter particularly targetting anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related problems, patrolling community events, licensed premises and public spaces.
And double demerits remain in force on roads across the state until 11.59pm on Wednesday.
Newcastle City Police District commander Superintendent Brett Greentree said the increased police presence was about "supporting the community".
"We are certainly hoping people ring it in appropriately," he said.
"I should add, it's not just New Year's Eve, New Year's Day is a public holiday. The beaches and public areas are going to be of utmost importance for us to make sure we've got that high visibility in and around the city and in the suburbs.
"Over this particular time of year, we do understand that it's a festive season, but unfortunately people will drink too much and some people will take some drugs. Respect what the police have to say, we want to ensure people are safe at all times."
Superintendent Greentree said the Newcastle Foreshore celebration, culminating in a fireworks display, was "a really family-oriented event and we want it to remain that way".
"We don't want anybody to be hurt or injured in any way. We want people to see out the old year and certainly ring in the new one with a lot of fun and festivity but we want people to be safe," he said.
"So what we're asking people to do is to be mindful of their limits and also look after their mates."
Lake Macquarie Police District commander Superintendent Danny Sullivan said police were focused on making sure this New Year's Eve was memorable "for the right reasons".
"Stuff that we find, though, that really impacts on this is people who really don't control their own behaviour," he said.
"We find sometimes in this festive season people drink too much and just don't control their actions.
"What we really need you to do is know your limits, have a great time, look after yourself, look after your friends."
Newcastle Transport will run extra bus, ferry and light rail services on Tuesday night, with trams set to run every 7.5 minutes between the city's east and end Wickham until 10.30pm.
Wharf Road, between Watt Street and Argyle Street, will be closed from 6am on Tuesday until 3am on Wednesday - traffic will be diverted along Merewether Street and Watt Street.
Eastbound lanes of Wharf Road between Argyle Street and the Merwether Street roundabout will also be closed during this time.
The eastbound lanes of Scott/Hunter Street, between Darby Street and Watt Street, will be closed to traffic from 3pm until 9.30pm on Tuesday, with vehicles set to be diverted along Darby Street.
