Revellers have crammed into vantage points at Sydney Harbour to witness the city’s world-famous fireworks spectacular.
One million people were tipped to gather on the foreshore and on the water to remember the year that was and turn the page on a fresh chapter in 2026.
Huge numbers lined up from Tuesday evening and when the gates opened to free and ticketed events on Wednesday, the NYE dash to secure a position of the show was on.
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“It’s really like the Hunger Games,” said one person among the early crowds that had prepared with snacks, drinks and entertainment to pass the time.
The prize, according to another who braved the intense competition, was “the best view in the world”.
By the afternoon, many vantage points were deemed full, with visitors hailing from Sydney, interstate and overseas.
7NEWS spoke with attendees from India, the US, Canada, Holland and Hong Kong.
One partygoer said the Sydney show “was always on my bucket list”.
Another joked that after queuing, running and waiting for hours, “we’re going to be sick of each other”.
Huge crowds have gathered at Sydney Harbour to ring in the New Year. Credit: 7NEWSVisitors from across the globe have packed the famous foreshore. Credit: 7NEWSThousands will have a prime position on the water. Credit: 7NEWSThere was an intense dash for spots early on Wednesday. Credit: 7NEWSThis reveller said he had the ‘best view in the world’. Credit: 7NEWSMore than one million people are tipped to watch the Sydney fireworks. Credit: 7NEWSMany vantage points were deemed full by the afternoon. Credit: 7NEWSThe crowds gathered with food, drinks and games as they waited for the event to start. Credit: 7NEWS
Heavy security and a record police presence is on the beat to keep the peace.
On the harbour, more than 3000 watercraft from small runabouts to luxury yachts sought prime position ahead of the display.
“There’s no better spot in the world to watch the Sydney Harbour fireworks,” one boatie said.
While a cloud of fear has lingered over the city since the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, Irishman David Mooney said the potential security risks had only “slightly” crossed his mind.
“With everyone in such good spirits, you almost feel a bit of safety in numbers,” the 29-year-old said.
“Everyone’s in good form, everyone’s relaxed, I personally couldn’t have felt more reassured.”
The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be lit white with a menorah projection to commemorate the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre.
Australians had been urged to defy terrorists by publicly celebrating New Year’s Eve and showing off Sydney’s splendour. Credit: 7NEWSHuge crowds have gathered at Sydney Harbour to ring in the New Year. Credit: 7NEWSHuge crowds have gathered at Sydney Harbour to ring in the New Year. Credit: 7NEWSHuge crowds have gathered at Sydney Harbour to ring in the New Year. Credit: 7NEWSHuge crowds have gathered at Sydney Harbour to ring in the New Year. Credit: 7NEWSHuge crowds have gathered at Sydney Harbour to ring in the New Year. Credit: 7NEWS
In a sour twist, the City of Wollongong made a last-minute call to cancel its New Year’s Eve fireworks due to concerns over dangerous swells.
“Due to the height of waves impacting the break wall, and the predicted increase leading up to and beyond the scheduled 9pm start-time, it has been determined that the fireworks cannot be safely released from their planned launch positions,” the council said.
“Unfortunately, it was not possible to safely rearrange launching points to mitigate the risks and ensure public safety and the safety of staff.”
The council said that while the sky show is cancelled, the summer carnival in Lang Park would go ahead.
For more on NYE celebrations around the country, click here.
– With AAP
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