Melbourne's family fireworks show hasn't failed to deliver, with thousands of gleeful faces turning skyward to watch the city light up like a rainbow.
Crowds clutching glow sticks packed Yarra Park on Thursday night to watch live entertainment and chill out on the grass ahead of the 9.30pm display, which drew squeals from kids at every pop into the air.
The MCG was flanked by lights as fireworks cracked simultaneously on each side.
Among those enjoying the night were Hawthorn residents Mark and Anita Jones, with Indigo, 11, and Dakota, 8, who said her favourite thing about New Year's Eve was everyone getting together.
It was the second time the family had been to the event, after moving from Sydney.
"We can go out for a beautiful dinner beforehand, as we've done, and then come down here," Mr Jones told AAP.
"And then we go back and watch the fireworks from our verandah, for midnight."
Epping mum Tanya Lee, with son Brandon, 11, and partner Matt Harvey, said it was her family's first time at the Yarra Park event.
She said the fireworks were a highlight.
"Midnight is too late for the little ones," Ms Lee said.
"It's entertainment for the family."
Late revellers will view the CBD's midnight rooftop fireworks display from a number of vantage points around the city, though the City of Melbourne says anyone in the greater area should be able to enjoy the spectacle.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle predicted the show would be the "biggest and best ever".
About half a million people are expected to flood the CBD to ring in the New Year.
Celebrations will be quieter on Victoria's surf coast, with fireworks permits revoked from Torquay to Apollo Bay.
A destructive blaze continues to burn in the area but a wind change on Thursday afternoon sent it away from Kennett River, Grey River and Wongarra and back into dense bushland.
Evacuated residents from those towns are now allowed to go back to see in the new year from their own homes.
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.
