As fireworks erupt in Melbourne city on the stroke of midnight, revellers along the Victorian surf coast will experience a distinctly quieter New Year's Eve.
Soaring temperatures and windier conditions have resulted in a total fire ban across south and central Victoria, with the 2300-hectare blaze still burning near Wye River considered a danger by authorities.
Firework permits planned along the coast from Torquay to Apollo Bay have been revoked due to fire danger forecasts on New Year's Eve.
In contrast, Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle predicted Melbourne's firework display would be "the biggest and best ever".
"Nearly 10 tonnes of fireworks will be fired higher, more densely and powerfully than ever before," he told reporters on Wednesday.
"We will fire the fireworks very high into the air, and there's little chance of a bushfire in the city."
Geelong will also remain unaffected.
Mr Doyle hoped that four live sites spread across the CBD would ease crowds around Flinders Street station. The free sites at Kings Domain, Docklands, Treasury Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens will operate from 9pm until 1am.
Police will target misbehaving revellers across the state.
"The community won't tolerate anti-social behaviour and nor will we," Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crispin said.
Alcohol cannot be drunk in public places in some parts of the state such as the Mornington Peninsula, and police are reminding people not to drink and drive.
Mr Crispin said police would also target people deliberately and recklessly engaging in fire activities.
"The fact is that a fire - whether lit deliberately or through careless acts - has the potential to destroy communities, infrastructure, livestock and human life."
Anyone caught using fireworks without a licence can face criminal charges.
Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman said paramedics were ready for their busiest night of the year and expected to deal with 1800 or more cases in a 24-hour period.
"We've got a combination of heat and unfortunately alcohol and they are a lethal mix," he said.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allen encouraged people to use the free public transport on New Year's Eve, starting from 6pm and ending 6am Friday.
Last year, 184 people were arrested on New Year's Eve across Victoria, including 104 for being drunk in a public place.
