With 9 tonnes of fireworks loaded, picnic rugs lining the harbour and house parties kicking off across the city, Sydney is ready for its biggest night of the year.
Fireworks will launch from barges, iconic buildings and aerial pyrotechnic platforms, 80 new firing locations will dazzle crowds on the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and new colourful shells in the shape of fish and birds will ensure tonight goes off with a bang.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said nothing beats New Year's Eve in Sydney, whether people are gathered around the harbour or watching at home.
"Once again the eyes of the world will be on Sydney as we ring in the new year, and we're ready for our biggest New Year's Eve event ever," the Lord Mayor said.
"Tonight's spectacular event will feature world-leading fireworks, incredible musicians, spectacular lightshows and hours of cutting-edge Sydney Harbour Bridge projections.
"Sydney sets the global benchmark for New Year's Eve and whether you're joining us along the foreshore or watching on TV, I hope you enjoy the show. Happy New Year!"
New Year's Eve highlights
7.30pm - Smoking Ceremony
Three Tribal Warrior vessels sail from Barangaroo to the Sydney Opera House. Smouldering native plants on board will cleanse the harbour of negative spirits in preparation for the new year.
9pm - Calling Country display
Inspired by the strength of the influential female Cammeraygal leader and fisherwoman Barangaroo, the 8 minute show features fireworks, lights, projections on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a bespoke soundtrack produced by ARIA Award winning rapper Nooky. Messages of strength and unity shine through the 9pm spectacle created by Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors.
10.25pm - National Breast Cancer Foundation pink moment
The City of Sydney's charity partner for New Year's Eve is the National Breast Cancer Foundation. From 10.25pm, the city centre will glow in support of the charity as lights on the bridge, around the foreshore and boats on the harbour turn pink.
12am - Midnight fireworks display
The 12 minute midnight display stretches 7km along the harbour and features 23,000 individual pyrotechnic shots, more than 13,000 aerial shells, 40,000 ground-based shooting effects and 264 firing locations across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
For the first time, fireworks will be launched from 80 new positions on the western side of the landmark, ensuring the best-ever visuals from both angles.
Aerial pyrotechnic platforms have been introduced as additional firing locations between the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Fireworks will also be launched from barges, the sails of the Sydney Opera House and 5 city centre skyscrapers.
The midnight show has been choreographed to a soundtrack created by award-winning screen composer, Luna Pan.
ABC will broadcast live from the Sydney Opera House and cover the 9pm and midnight fireworks shows. KIIS FM will also live broadcast the synchronised fireworks soundtracks.
Plan your New Year's Eve
The City of Sydney encourages crowds to head to vantage points early and take public transport as popular viewing spots are expected to fill up early.
"While thousands of extra public transport services will run throughout the day and into the early hours, services close to the harbour do pause for periods and extensive road closures are in place," City of Sydney producer Stephen Gilby said.
"We're expecting big crowds and it can be a long, hot day so please make sure you're prepared with water and sun protection.
"Celebrate safely by coming into the city centre early on public transport, regularly checking how busy viewing spots are online and planning your trip home."
Visit sydneynewyearseve.com for vantage point updates and details, transport information, road closures and event updates or follow #sydnye.
