Sydney is getting ready to be one of the world’s first major cities to welcome in the new year, featuring 20 minutes of pyrotechnics, a smoking ceremony, AI-driven projections onto the harbour bridge, and illuminated boats on the water. More than a million people are expected to gather at the harbour foreshore and surrounding vantage points to take in the festivities, which will feature a variety of colorful fireworks.
Amid the economic benefits that the New Year’s Eve celebrations bring to Sydney, including a 2019 study that found it resulted in an economic benefit of about $280 million, Sydney mayor Clover Moore highlighted that the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations not only bring together people for a spectacular display, but also showcase the city as a global hub for tourism, business, and culture.
In Melbourne, the crowd for 2024 New Year’s Eve is expected to be similar to that of 2022 when a record 475,000 revellers flooded the CBD. Meanwhile, in Adelaide, authorities have advised revellers not to overdo their partying, warning that the celebration is not an excuse for drunken violent behavior. Fireworks displays in other cities like Perth and Brisbane are also anticipated to attract large crowds and feature impressive pyrotechnic shows. However, wet weather is expected in parts of Australia’s east, while other regions are set to experience heatwaves.
Sunday’s forecast is cloudy with a top of 24C in Sydney, partly cloudy with a top of 21C in Melbourne, 31C in Brisbane, 31C in Perth, 26C in Adelaide, 23C in Hobart, 35C in Darwin, and 22C in Canberra. Despite the weather, cities across Australia are gearing up to ring in the new year with multiple celebrations and festive events.