Crowds expected to be at pre-pandemic numbers are jostling for front row spots in Sydney's CBD and harbour to celebrate the city's first New Year's Eve fireworks display uninterrupted by restrictions.
Despite a few rain showers, spectators took position at harbour viewing spots early this morning, including the Sydney Opera House where excited individuals ran to grab prime locations after queuing up.
More than a million spectators are expected to flock to the city alone, with many of the ticketed vantage points already sold out — after years of COVID-imposed restrictions dampened celebrations.
About half-a-billion people around the world are expected to watch the broadcast of events in Sydney, as one of the first major cities in the world to ring in 2023.
Major events commander, NSW Police superintendent Anthony Bell, said police were out in force across Sydney, concentrating their efforts on Sydney Harbour and its foreshore.
"It's our biggest operation in the year," he said.
Superintendent Bell said it was important for party-goers to enjoy themselves responsibly and be patient in what's expected to be Sydney's biggest New Year's Eve turnout since before the pandemic.
"The community has been through a lot this year and we know this is New Year's Eve post COVID restrictions. We expect a lot of people to come out, not just in the metropolitan area but across the state."
Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore said this year's display would be the "best ever" with a special focus on Indigenous art and rainbow colours ahead of World Pride celebrations beginning in February, and the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
"We're hoping that this is going to give our First Nations people a massive global audience in what we hope will be the lead up to a successful 'yes' vote for the Voice To Parliament later in the year," she said.
Councillor Moore said visitors from across NSW, interstate, and overseas were flocking to the city to enjoy themselves.
"It's a night when we're expecting a million people around our harbour, thousands of boats, and sounds of excitement and joy all around," she said.
"This is after two years of COVID and lockdown and terrible things happening here and terrible things happening overseas."
Samira Mikhael is a worker at a food truck parked at Mrs Macquarie's Chair at Sydney's Botanical Gardens.
Considered by many as prime real estate for viewing the annual fireworks extravaganza, tickets sold out this year, with some priced up to $500.
Ms Mikhael said she's thrilled the crowds are returning.
"It's a great atmosphere. It's good for the mind, [and] soul, it really is.
"Everybody needs this and tonight there's no COVID restrictions I think it's just going go off with a bang. I really do. Looking forward to it."
Vendors said they were expecting 14,000 attendees in the area, but one ticket sales website said capacity was capped at 7,000 people.
Gates will open around 3pm for the gold ticket holders first.
People are being advised to avoid driving into Sydney's CBD, as roads gradually close from midday and reopen at 4am on New Year's Day.
Extra train, bus and light rail services will be running, and Transport for NSW chief executive Mark Hutchings said people should allow plenty of time to avoid delays.
"The CBD tonight is no place for a car and so were strongly encouraging people to get in and out of the city via transport modes we have put on thousands of extra services, we've been planning for this for months," he said.
