NT Police praise revellers, not drivers

New Year's revellers in the Northern Territory have been praised for good behaviour by police, who were more disappointed with drivers following festivities.

NT Police say 11 people were arrested within three hours for driving under the influence on New Year's Eve in a result they labelled "disappointing".

"People are still not getting the message about driving after a few drinks," Commander Brent Warren said in a statement.

Overall, revellers were well behaved and the large crowd at Darwin Waterfront enjoyed a night of music and fireworks without any major incident.

In Darwin's CBD, two people were arrested for assault and one for drug possession.

A total of 65 people were arrested and 82 people taken into protective custody during celebrations, police said.