What are the Rising Tide protests targeting?

The Rising Tide protests are targeting the Port of Newcastle, the world's largest coal port, to disrupt coal exports.

How many activists were arrested at the Port of Newcastle?

A total of 33 people were arrested over the weekend for breaching an exclusion zone and other protest-related offences.

What demands are Rising Tide activists making?

Rising Tide is demanding the cancellation of new fossil fuel projects, a tax on fossil fuel profits, and an end to coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.

Home / Environment / Activists Disrupt World's Largest Coal Port

Activists Disrupt World's Largest Coal Port

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Activists blocked two more coal ships entering Port of Newcastle.
Protesters painted "Timeline Now!" on a ship boarded by activists.
22 people arrested Sunday for breaching marine exclusion zone.

Activists Disrupt World's Largest Coal Port

Protests at the world's largest coal port, the Port of Newcastle, escalated over the weekend with activists blocking two more coal ships. This action is part of the ongoing Rising Tide climate demonstrations, which began on Thursday and are scheduled to conclude on Tuesday. The campaign has seen hundreds of participants kayaking into the port and taking to the waters.

On Sunday, three activists notably boarded a ship, painting the words "Timeline Now!" on its hull. This direct action aimed to highlight Australia's role as a major fossil fuel exporter and its contribution to the climate crisis. The protests have resulted in multiple arrests, with 22 individuals charged on Sunday for allegedly breaching a marine exclusion zone.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific criticized the government for approving new fossil fuel projects, stating it contradicts international commitments to limit global warming. Rising Tide has issued demands for the federal government to cancel all new fossil fuel projects, tax fossil fuel profits to fund a transition, and cease coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.