Roman and Monica Gezernek from Germany have been waiting for hours for the Sydney pyrotechnics to usher in the new year.
German pensioners Monica and Roman Gezernek "have to see" Sydney's world famous fireworks. (Neve Brissenden/AAP PHOTOS)
"They're world famous apparently so we have to see them," Mr Gezernek told AAP on Tuesday
The pair will fly out to New Zealand on New Year's Day to continue the trip of a lifetime.
"We're pensioners so we're just taking our time around the world," Mr Gezernek said.
The pair had claimed their spot at one of the harbour's many vantage points, most of which were at capacity by mid-afternoon, while pleasure craft crammed where they were allowed on the water.
As a kid Meg Brown would watch in awe from her English home at TV coverage of Sydney's fireworks.
Meg Brown is set to finally realise her dream in the harbour city. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
The images beamed from the other side of the world seemed "magical" to Ms Brown, who vowed one day to visit the harbour city.
At 28, Ms Brown is set to finally realise her dream, perched at a Balmain vantage point with friends.
"It is a bit of a bucket list thing for me," Ms Brown told AAP.
"At home the Sydney fireworks is always all over the news, it is one of the first places that brings in the New Year."
David from Argentina is excited to see what all the fuss is about. (Neve Brissenden/AAP PHOTOS)
David from Argentina was another lucky spectator, snagging a spot at The Rocks.
Attending the fireworks show for the first time after arriving in Australia in June, he and his friends were excited to see what all the fuss is about.
"We'd heard about it so we thought we'd come out," he said.
"But I'm not partying too hard tonight, I have to work in the morning."
More than a million people are set to gather for the Sydney extravaganza.
Nine tonnes of fireworks are set to launch from barges to the bridge to the top of the Opera House's sails, featuring 80 new firing locations.
Pleasure craft crammed where they were allowed on Sydney Harbour. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)
Wet weather is set to miss most city celebrations but rain and rough weather, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
Spirits are not expected to be dampened on New Year's Eve, prompting a warning from authorities.
Punters have been urged to plan their night, use public transport, look out for their mates and be safe amid a huge police presence expected at city celebrations around Australia.
"Don't welcome in 2025 in a police cell," South Australia Police's Assistant Commissioner Simon Watkins said.
Along the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River, families and groups gathered early to secure an unimpeded view of the city's skyline in anticipation of the 14 tonnes of fireworks shot from 27 buildings along with 60 lasers.
Domenic Adami (centre) and his friends arrived early to snag a spot near the Yarra. (William Ton/AAP PHOTOS)
For Domenic Adami, it's the first time in a few years he's come out to the city for New Year's Eve festivities.
But he and his friends have arrived early to snag a spot near the Yarra where they have set up a picnic and were settling in for the midnight light show.
"I heard, this year, they're going to be bigger than Sydney, but usually they're pretty good," Mr Adami told AAP.
"Even when I sit and watch it at home or from somewhere else on TV, it looks amazing.
"Each year has just gotten better and better, and this year seems like it's going to be the best."
About 80,000 individual fireworks will also explode across Brisbane's skyline with more up and down the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
In Adelaide, fireworks, food trucks and live music will be on offer with more than 400,000 people expected to visit the city on New Year's Eve.
Perth will feature two explosive displays while Launceston will combine fireworks with its annual BeerFest.
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