As millions await the world-famous show, the city had a message for the world.
Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations have included a powerful message to the world with a tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
There has been an early fireworks show for children and the Sydney Harbour Bridge was turned blue in memory of the 15 people killed on December 14.
An image of a menorah was projected onto the pylons of the bridge, along with an image of a dove and the words peace and unityin a simple, moving tribute. Hundreds of thousands who have gathered for the main event at midnight were asked to join in a minute's silence.
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More than 1 million people line the harbour ever year for Sydney's world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks display.
By early afternoon, Mrs Macquaries Point, Hickson Road Reserve, Barangaroo Reserve, Campbells Cove and Circular Quay were all at capacity.
People slept overnight to secure their spot, while others began trickling in from dawn, with about 2000 already in place by 6am.
Organisers earlier revealed the would be a little bit different this year, to honour the Bondi Beach victims.
Police were expecting their largest-ever presence for a New Year's Eve celebration with more than 2500 officers to be deployed.
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Premier Chris Minns said the change in tactics would see heavily-armed police among the crowds, however he urged people not to take that as a sign that an active operation was under way.
"They'll be operational and highly visible," he said.
"It means that they're there in preparation for any eventuality."
Earlier this week, Minns urged people this week to "thumb their noses" at terrorists, and join the city's biggest party of the year.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the event was an opportunity for the community to reflect.
"Given that we're still reeling from the recent tragic events in Bondi, New Year's Eve provides an opportunity to gather as a community to pause and a reflect and hope for a safer and more peaceful 2026," Moore said.
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Extra public transport services
Roads were closed in the city centre as huge crowds poured onto the harbour foreshore.
Roads in Circular Quay were closed north of Bridge Street.
Roads in The Rocks and Barangaroo were closed including a section of Harrington, Essex and Argyle streets and a section of Hickson Road.
People were advised to take public transport to the event.
There will be 1000 extra public transport services put tonight, running constantly, Transport Minister John Graham said.
Major surges were expected after the 9pm fireworks and the midnight fireworks, with people urged to - if they can - walk further up George Street to Martin Place or Town Hall to have an easier time getting on transport.
The Barangaroo metro station will also be open later.
People are urged to monitor the vacancies on the free gathering sites to be sure they can set up there, with the numbers updated on the official New Year's Eve website.
Excited crowds arrive early
One dedicated man told 9News he arrived at 10am yesterday and had not been able to sleep since.
One mum, who made her way into the Sydney CBD at 11.30am today, said she was "really excited" to have a front row seat to the action with her two sons.
"We can't wait, we got here early to get this spot so we can see the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge," she said.
"We were here in the year 2000 so we brought these guys back for their first time this year.
"The crowd has been very, very hospitable and the organisation has been perfect."
One of her sons said he was thrilled to see the fireworks in real life.
"We've seen it on TV a few times before, we can't wait to see it, it looks really cool on TV," he said.
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