By Samantha Lock and Cassandra Morgan in Sydney

AUSTRALIANS turned out in their hundreds of thousands to see in the new year under a midnight sky lit up by fireworks – the harbour bridge an iconic backdrop for many. 

In Sydney, crowds were abuzz and at maximum capacity as revellers crammed picnic rugs together across harbour foreshore vantage points.

More than 8.5 tonnes of fireworks went up in smoke alongside 80,000 pyrotechnic effects and the sounds of jubilant cheers.

For some, it was a 17-hour wait after queuing from the early hours of the morning to snag a premium spot.

But it was worth it as the clock struck 12 for the families, friends, world travellers and locals alike who enjoyed the front-row display of pyrotechnics, a smoking ceremony, AI-driven projections on to the harbour bridge and illuminated boats on the water.

Smaller groups were seen dancing on the pylons of the Harbour Bridge while children looked on in wonder.

By 5pm most major vantage points around the foreshore had already reached capacity with the Sydney Opera House full by 11.30am.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said the city’s New Year’s Eve festivities provided a $280 million boost to the economy, according to a 2019 study.

“They remind the world that Sydney is a global city for tourism, for business, for culture, for technological creativity and most important, Sydney is an inclusive and diverse city for all our communities,” she told reporters on Sunday.

Melbourne was treated to a non-stop and vibrant fireworks display alongside a far-reaching laser show that ignited the city’s skyline from across 27 rooftops.

Cheers reverberated through the city after the 12pm show, with hoards of people shuffling out of designated celebration zones after witnessing the three semi-trailer loads of pyrotechnics.

Crowds of more than 400,000 gathered in the city centre to ring in the new year, many vying for a spot at the Docklands’ waterfront.

Thunderstorms brought torrential rain to the storm-battered Gold Coast during the night but didn’t stop an early fireworks display at Surfer’s Paradise before that area was hit by a deluge.

There were no midnight fireworks in Canberra, the ACT government deciding to stage only one display at 9pm.