Teams of pyrotechnicians are preparing the final touches for a record-breaking fireworks extravaganza across Australia on New Year's Eve.
Capital cities are set to sparkle with fireworks, light shows and illuminations as Australians get ready to ring in 2025.
More than a million people are expected to descend upon Sydney Harbour to watch the fireworks, with preparations for the big night having been under way for months.
The city is one of the first in the world to celebrate the start of the new year.
It will set the tone with 20 minutes of fireworks in two displays, eight water-based fireworks platforms and new animal-based designs shooting from the top of the Sydney Opera House sails.
City of Sydney fireworks director Fortunato Foti said four aerial pyrotechnic platforms would feature in the display for the first time, with a record number of firing positions across the Harbour Bridge.
“We’re always looking at how we can evolve our show and believe this will be one of the most innovative New Year’s Eve displays in the world,” Mr Foti said.
“Not only do we have more fireworks than ever before, we’re extremely excited to introduce the aerial platforms concept - the first time this has been done in Australian fireworks history."
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Mr Foti's team had spent the past 10 days setting up fireworks from 16 locations linked by 80km of wiring.
“It’s no wonder our New Year’s Eve display is regarded as one of the largest and most technologically advanced fireworks shows on earth,” she said.
In a relief to many, trains will run continuously for 46 hours to service the massive crowds expected in Sydney.
Transport for NSW said an additional 1000 trains, 29,000 buses and 600 metro services would help meet public transport demand.
The services will go ahead after rail unions halted ongoing industrial action at the 11th hour.
Fireworks will also explode across Brisbane’s skyline, as well as up and down Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches to ring in 2025.
About 80,000 individual fireworks are set to fire from four barges along the Brisbane River with creative shapes including the hibiscus, hydrangea, and dragon cakes effects.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has promised a "bolder and brighter" display than ever before.
In Melbourne, big crowds are also expected to flood the city’s CBD.
A midnight fireworks display will showcase lasers and projections, lighting up the skyline from dozens of rooftops.
The City of Melbourne has designated four "celebration zones" where families can watch the 9.30pm fireworks and measures will be in place to avoid pedestrian "pinch points".
Across Victoria, public transport will be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve to 6am on New Year's Day.
Western Australia will celebrate the new year with community events, camping festivals, parties and fireworks displays across the state.
Perth will be treated to two explosive displays, one at 8.30pm from a barge on the Swan River and a second midnight display to announce the arrival of 2025.
Amusement rides, sideshow alley, food vendors and entertainment will fill Elizabeth Quay and Barrack Square.
