New Years Eve crowds in Sydney can expect bollards, armed officers and police in the sky, on the water, on horseback and on the roads as security is beefed up for the night's festivities.
Riot squad officers with military-style rifles will be equipped to launch a tactical armed assault in response to a situation like a vehicle attack or mass stabbing.
Dozens of officers armed with Colt M4 semi-automatic rifles will be on guard to protect the public during the celebrations, but police say they won't be visible to partygoers unless an incident occurs.
Revellers are being urged to stick to their plans and enjoy the night's entertainment, which will include a rainbow fireworks tribute to the LGBT community.
"(Police) won't be walking around with those firearms visible on New Year's Eve unless there is an escalation of a threat or an actual incident," NSW Police deputy commissioner Jeff Loy told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
This year, the city's $7 million display will include a rainbow waterfall of fireworks cascading from the Harbour Bridge to celebrate the victory of same-sex marriage in Australia.
The massive police operation has been planned for more than a year to ensure party-goers enjoy New Year's Eve safely, Mr Loy said.
NSW authorities have warned of significant road closures on New Year's Eve throughout Sydney, including the Harbour and Anzac bridges, and have urged the public to use trains and buses rather than cars during the evening.
More than 4500 extra public transport services will be running to and from the city as revellers celebrating the end of 2017 swamp the CBD.
Despite the increased security, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged partygoers to go about their normal business and enjoy the harbour festivities.
"There is no doubt that because the threat level has been at 'probable' for some time and given global events, and even events around Australia, of course we have to be more aware," she told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
Said she could understand why some people may be nervous going into crowded areas following recent terror attacks around the world.
"We have a very strong police presence, we have measures in place to keep the community safe and we are looking forward to so many people enjoying our wonderful harbour, our wonderful city, our wonderful state," Ms Berejiklian said.
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