Sydney's fireworks extravaganza is expected to draw 1.5 million people to harbourside locations.
Across the country, authorities have warned partygoers to behave responsibly.
Sydney's fireworks extravaganza is expected to draw 1.5 million people to harbourside locations.
Across the country, authorities have warned partygoers to behave responsibly.
Sydneysiders couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, with food, friends and family, and a just a few hours to go until Sydney's world renouned fireworks display.
Crowds in Kirribili, have staked their claim at one of the city's best vantage points.
Visitors from all over world soaking up the sun and enjoying the summer temperatures.
"Being form Canada it's really cold and we wanted a really warm New Years and a just a big show and there's not one where we're from in Canada," said one visitor. "So it's nice to be somewhere there's crowds and warmth and fireworks.
An Aussie icon sweetens the deal with Creative Ambassador, Kylie Minogue, and her team promising an unforgettable night.
Just over six and a half million dollars has been spent on the event.. but Sydney's Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, says the night will bring in millions of dollars more for New South Wales.
"There will be 8 hours of entertainment, we've worked out that it's about $5 per person for the million and a half people around the harbour who will be seeing that event but it's also been assessed this event is worth $156 million to the NSW econom," said Clover Moore.
And warnings to partygoers around the country with police out in force.
Victorian Deputy Premier, Peter Ryan, urging people to be safe at New Year's celebrations around Victoria.
"We'll have more than 420 general duty police officers on duty here in Melbourne for the end of the 2012, the beginning of 2013, there'll be another 175 transit police working."
Officers keen to repeat last years success when only 34 people were locked up for drunk and disorderly behaviour.
More people are expected to watch Sydney's fireworks display than New Years Eve celebrations in Berlin, Paris, London and New York. With tonight's big show to be broadcast to a billion people around the world.
Australia is one of the first countries to celebrate the New Year.
Worldwide final preparations are still being made.
Believers in Mexico buy good luck charms for the new year, pyrotechnics in Taiwan finalise their fireworks display, millions of tourists make their way to Brazil's Copacobana beach, and event producers in New York add the final touches to the ball drop in Times Square.
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