Australians welcome 2021 with fireworks on empty Sydney Harbour

Australians have welcomed 2021 with a shortened fireworks display on a vacant Sydney Harbour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The midnight fireworks light up Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Source: AAP

Sydney has rung in 2021 with a shortened fireworks display on a vacated harbour themed on love and unity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city largely banned crowds for its world-renowned pyrotechnic display on New Year's Eve, while Melbourne's fireworks were cancelled weeks ago.

Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide have also cancelled their fireworks.