There will be a touch of sadness at New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney, with a floral tribute to Martin Place siege victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson planned amid the fireworks.
The floral tribute will appear on the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge three times on Wednesday night, when seven tonnes of fireworks are expected to illuminate the night sky.
"It is in memory of the two young and talented people that we lost because of that siege," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said on Wednesday.
"We remember the trauma the hostages experienced, the bravery of the police and we remember the way Sydney responded as we expected - an inclusive, welcoming, multi-cultural community."
But much of the night will be a celebration of the coming year, with the harbour expected to erupt in light as 50 boats carrying 8,000 people illuminate the harbour shortly after the first round of fireworks at 9pm.
In a change to festivities this year, 2014 will be sent off with an extra round of fireworks, with the traditional 9pm and midnight displays broken up by a special 10.40pm fireworks display.
But in keeping firmly with tradition, organisers are keeping mum about details of the 12 storey, mystery symbol on the Harbour Bridge which will be unveiled at midnight.
But creative ambassador for the night, actor Jack Thompson, said the theme Inspire is perfect for Sydney.
"This city itself is a muse," Mr Thompson said.
"The muse is what inspires the artist.
"And this city has been a muse since it was established."
The City of Sydney expects 1.6 million people will flock to the harbour for the New Year's Eve festivities.
In what is believed to be a first, drones will be used to live stream the fireworks as they launch from the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and several barges in the water.
More than 3000 police officers will be working in the city on Wednesday night, with alcohol-related violence being viewed as the biggest threat to the festivities.
While major road closures are in place throughout the city, more than 4500 additional trains and buses will be running.
Maritime authorities will also be out in force to make sure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are compliant with maritime laws.
AAP
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