Warrnambool police said five drunken people were picked up around Warrnambool during the night and locked up in cells during the night until they sobered up.

Police said there were also a few call outs to domestic incidents but apart from those and the drunks, it was a quiet night.

Warrnambool’s traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks were ignited from the Warrnambool breakwater to provide a bigger display and greater visibility than from the previous venue at Flagstaff Hill and hundreds of car loads of people gathered along Lady Bay to watch the colourful display.

Civil behaviour was also the order of the night at Portland where a New Year’s Eve celebration was also held on the city’s foreshore.

The civil behaviour validated Glenelg Shire Council’s decision to lift a ban on alcohol and make Portland one of the few public places in Victoria where alcohol can be drunk in the main street on New Year’s Eve.

Anti-social behaviour had previously prompted the council to impose an alcohol ban.

Acting Sergeant Vicki Phillips of Portland police said about 2500 gathered on the foreshore, mostly families, to enjoy fireworks at 9.45pm and midnight and carnival rides..

Intermittent rain during the night might have dampened celebrations, Acting Sergeant Phillips said.

“There were no arrests,” she said.

At Hamilton police were also delighted there were “absolutely zero” incidents.

Sergeant Michael Vaughan of Hamilton police said police had conducted numerous breathalyser and drug driving tests as part of the statewide Operation Roadwise but no offences had been detected.

In Colac Sergeant Wayne Dennehy said police had got through the night “unscathed.”

“People were very good.

“We did not even lock up anyone for being drunk,” Sergeant Dennehy said.