Protesters set to block Newcastle Port

Hundreds of people are expected to block Australia's biggest coal port at Newcastle this weekend in a call for the government to move towards renewable energy.

It's part of a string of worldwide protests in May under the banner of Break Free, organised by activist group 350.org.

At Sunday's event, the Pacific Climate Warriors on traditional canoes will join a flotilla of vessels on the harbour, with performances from musicians Ash Grunwald, Nattali Rize from Blue King Brown and Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil.

Greens leader Senator Richard Di Natale and Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon will also attend.

NSW Mining CEO Stephen Galilee said on Friday people interfering with operations at Newcastle Port should be aware of tougher penalties recently passed by the NSW government.

"These new laws are a strong deterrent against people doing dangerous and stupid things that put others at risk, while maintaining the right to protest within the law. We hope that 350.org respect these new laws over the weekend," he said.