Sydney is preparing to host the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza, undeterred by fears over the Omicron strain of Covid-19 and rapidly rising case numbers.
After months of lockdowns and restrictions, revellers were determined to glam up, get out and enjoy the night – albeit in smaller numbers than in pre-pandemic times.
First up was Sydney’s 9pm display, watched by excited locals who gathered in their thousands around the city’s picturesque harbour.
Sydney organisers have planned the biggest New Year’s Eve display since the pandemic began, with six tonnes – around 2000 fireworks – set to be used for the midnight celebration which is seen by up to a billion people worldwide.
Those who accepted the advice they were far safer from Covid-19 outdoors than indoors were rewarded with light queues and prime viewing positions for the show.
Many of those who took up the best spots had come from interstate – particularly Melbourne – as Sydneysiders made the decision to stay closer to home.
The party is also ramping up in Melbourne amid a heatwave after New Year celebrations were scrapped in 2020 due to coronavirus.
After enduring the world’s longest Covid lockdown, Melburnians were well and truly in the mood to party.
This year, there will be four dedicated zones at Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Alexandra Gardens and Docklands hosting street parties, outdoor dining, entertainment and live music before the midnight fireworks.
Thousands are flooding into the Beyond the City music festival at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with acts including Jaguar Jonze, Hayden James, Pnau, Lime Cordiale, Ball Park Music and Mallrat set to take the stage.
On the Gold Coast, YouTube star and millionaire Jackson O’Doherty hosted the self-proclaimed ‘party of the year’ for New Year’s Eve.
The white-themed 18+ event was attended by a bevvy of models, musicians and celebrities and a fire-breathing DJ, Apollo Jackson.
SYDNEY
Sydney’s 9pm fireworks display dazzled thousands of revellers who ignored Covid doomsayers and lined the harbour on New Year’s Eve
Sydney’s famous harbour was awash with colour in a stunning preview of the much-anticipated midnight fireworks display
The spectacular early evening fireworks display was far more popular than the city’s exploding Covid case numbers
The spectacle of Sydney’s famous fireworks display captivated the city and the thousands of revellers who ignored Covid doomsayers and headed out for a night of fun
Smaller crowds at Sydney’s fireworks meant prime positions for those who made the effort on a warm night
Sydney was preparing to host the world’s biggest fireworks extravaganza on New Year’s Eve, undeterred by fears over the Omicron Covid-19 variant and rapidly rising case numbers
What’s an Omicron? Sydney revellers get up close and personal as the party starts beside the world-famous harbour
Self-conscious Sydney revellers were keen to capture precious moments with friends on New Year’s Eve
Sydney turned on a stunning day to go with its centrepiece, the gorgeous harbour ahead of its much-anticipated fireworks displays
It was a second subdued New Year’s Even on Sydney Harbour as the pandemic kept usually boisterous revellers away in droves. Friends (L-R) Danni Moore, 29, Tara Delaney, 28, and Sarah Kimberlin, had flown up from Melbourne for the fireworks
The best seat in the house! Queues start to form at the Opera Bar directly opposite the Harbour Bridge
Where once a million spectators would gather around the water’s edge to see the city’s world-famous fireworks display, this year’s celebrations were low-key. Husband and wife Diana Mosquera, 32, and Omar Campos, 33, enjoyed getting out of their Sydney home
MELBOURNE
Melburnians cooked in 38 degree heat on New Year’s Eve so it was little surprise many stayed close to the beach and the water as they prepared for the midnight countdown
Melburnians were keen to stay hydrated after scorching temperatures on New Year’s Eve
Who cares if it’s been the year from hell? Melburnians, who endured the world’s longest Covid lockdown were ready to party
Melbourne split its New Year’s Eve celebrations into four zones. Revellers are pictured getting into the celebratory spirit at St Kilda
Melbourne’s early fireworks at 9.30pm delighted young and old. A young girl is pictured celebrating with her mother
Ready, set, go! Melburnians glammed up and got out in force to celebrate New Year’s Eve although it was the hottest day for months
Cricket legend Shane Warne (right) enjoys a drinks break on a hot day with fellow former Australian players Michael Hussey (left) and Andrew Symonds (in blue hat) on New Year’s Eve in Melbourne
The party spirit got to a few early on in the night after a searing hot day on New Year’s Eve in Melbourne
A blistering hot day in Melbourne meant only the most committed partygoers lasted into the evening
Melbournians were in the mood to party all day despite the heat
Revellers arrive en masse for the Beyond The City music festival at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 31, 2021 in Melbourne
Pop singer Jaguar Jonze (pictured) performs to the crowd at the Beyond The City music festival at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 31, 2021 in Melbourne
A glammed up crew of girls gets set for a wild night of celebrations in Melbourne as the city prepares to welcome the new year
Melbourne crowds lined up for a night of celebrations at the Beyond The City music festival, despite soaring Covid infections across Victoria and the rest of Australia
GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast saw in the New Year with the Jackson Doherty’s 18+ white-themed ‘party of the year’
The white-themed 18+ event was attended by a bevvy of models, musicians and celebrities
The Gold Coast’s ‘party of the year’ was hosted by YouTube star Jackson Doherty
On the Gold Coast, YouTube star and millionaire Jackson O’Doherty (pictured, centre) hosted the self-proclaimed ‘party of the year’ for New Year’s Eve
DJ, magician and actor Apollo Jackson added fire-breathing performer to his extensive resume at Jackson Doherty’s New Year’s Eve party on the Gold Coast
Jackson Doherty’s New Year’s Eve party on the Gold Coast had everything
A giant rabbit and a model wearing not very much were among the guests at Jackson Doherty’s wild house party