Australia farewells horror year in New Year’s Eve celebrations with Sydney fireworks display
Happy 21st! Australia farewells 2020 in the most bizarre scenes EVER with only a lucky few taking in Sydney Harbour’s world-renowned fireworks from the foreshore while millions are forced to watch on from home
- Sydney’s CBD was eerily quiet this year with few revellers making their way to celebrate end of a horror year
- While coronavirus continues to spread around the city, only those with permits are allowed into the CBD
- Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide have cancelled displays to avoid any potential community transmission
Australians have farewelled a year many would rather forget with New Year’s Eve celebrations in full swing across the country under circumstances that have never been seen before – and will hopefully never be seen again.
A nation divided by coronavirus and arbitrary border closures is even more split tonight as it welcomes 2021.
Australians who normally flock to harbours, foreshores, riverbanks and beaches to savour million-dollar fireworks displays were instead watching on TV from their living rooms with only a lucky few getting ring-side seats.
While Sydney’s world-famous harbour and bridge exploded with a seven-minute fireworks display at midnight the skies over Melbourne and Brisbane remained darkened.
The harbour bridge, which was lit up in a constellation of blue, pink, green, purple and yellow lights throughout the night, almost gave the impression of any other New Year’s Eve celebration except for the sign ‘Help stop the spread’ hanging eerily off a pylon.
While in previous years millions of people would have crowded around to watch the spectacle, this year only a few hundred lucky enough to score bookings at waterfront restaurants and pubs and clubs or living nearby were able to see it in the flesh.
![The Sydney Opera House is seen lit up after a series of fireworks erupted behind as Australia welcomes 2021](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/14/37452204-9101329-image-a-30_1609424123853.jpg)
The Sydney Opera House is seen lit up after a series of fireworks erupted behind as Australia welcomes 2021
![While Sydney's world-famous harbour and bridge exploded with a seven-minute fireworks display at midnight the skies over Melbourne and Brisbane remained darkened](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/13/37450884-9101329-image-a-5_1609420286018.jpg)
While Sydney’s world-famous harbour and bridge exploded with a seven-minute fireworks display at midnight the skies over Melbourne and Brisbane remained darkened
![After a horror year the skies of Sydney were lit up with a spectacular display of fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/13/37450998-9101329-image-a-11_1609420536513.jpg)
After a horror year the skies of Sydney were lit up with a spectacular display of fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve
![Friends with prime viewing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge prepare to farewell 2020 and watch the seven minute fireworks display](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449264-9101329-image-a-114_1609417112567.jpg)
Friends with prime viewing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge prepare to farewell 2020 and watch the seven minute fireworks display
![A couple pose in front of a 2021 sign in Sydney as the clock nears midnight on New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449260-9101329-image-a-111_1609417026094.jpg)
A couple pose in front of a 2021 sign in Sydney as the clock nears midnight on New Year’s Eve
![The fireworks display was cut short to just seven minutes this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/13/37450982-9101329-image-a-13_1609420596134.jpg)
The fireworks display was cut short to just seven minutes this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
![Melbourne residents get ready to shout 'happy new year' as 2021 rolls around the corner](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449374-9101329-image-a-116_1609417227407.jpg)
Melbourne residents get ready to shout ‘happy new year’ as 2021 rolls around the corner
![A security guard patrols a near-empty Sydney Opera House forecourt during New Year's Eve celebrations](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449308-9101329-image-a-132_1609417642261.jpg)
A security guard patrols a near-empty Sydney Opera House forecourt during New Year’s Eve celebrations
![Federation Square was much livelier on New Year's Eve with Melbourne residents waving goodbye to a year from hell](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449380-9101329-image-a-136_1609417767675.jpg)
Federation Square was much livelier on New Year’s Eve with Melbourne residents waving goodbye to a year from hell
![A group of men are seen dancing during New Year's Eve celebrations in Melbourne after the city spent more than three months of 2020 in lockdown](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449378-9101329-image-a-117_1609417299690.jpg)
A group of men are seen dancing during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Melbourne after the city spent more than three months of 2020 in lockdown
![The iconic Harbour Bridge is seen lit up in a bright shade of purple as Australians ring in the new year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/13/37451036-9101329-image-a-14_1609420663933.jpg)
The iconic Harbour Bridge is seen lit up in a bright shade of purple as Australians ring in the new year
![Australians earlier slowly started arriving in Sydney's CBD for New Year's Eve celebrations despite a surge in coronavirus cases and harsh restrictions - but the lack of revellers is unprecedented](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/10/37442462-9101329-Australians_have_slowly_started_arriving_in_Sydney_s_CBD_for_New-m-11_1609412011727.jpg)
Australians earlier slowly started arriving in Sydney’s CBD for New Year’s Eve celebrations despite a surge in coronavirus cases and harsh restrictions – but the lack of revellers is unprecedented
![Only residents and those with existing bookings at restaurants and pubs are being let into the no-go zone around Sydney's harbour foreshore - as opposed to the huge crowds of previous years](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/08/37442464-9101329-image-a-22_1609405128388.jpg)
Only residents and those with existing bookings at restaurants and pubs are being let into the no-go zone around Sydney’s harbour foreshore – as opposed to the huge crowds of previous years
![One well-dressed couple are seen heading out for the night in the Sydney CBD. Celebrations right around Australia have been halted due to the virus](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442450-9101329-image-a-31_1609405846283.jpg)
One well-dressed couple are seen heading out for the night in the Sydney CBD. Celebrations right around Australia have been halted due to the virus
![Police are seen patrolling an eerily quiet Circular Quay on New Year's Eve as Sydneysiders are encouraged to watch the midnight fireworks display from home](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442440-9101329-image-a-51_1609406438309.jpg)
Police are seen patrolling an eerily quiet Circular Quay on New Year’s Eve as Sydneysiders are encouraged to watch the midnight fireworks display from home
![Sydneysiders hit the town to celebrate the end of a horror year that began with deadly bushfires and a global pandemic that's still wreaking havoc across the country](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/10/37442442-9101329-Sydneysiders_hit_the_town_to_celebrate_the_end_of_a_horror_year_-m-9_1609411957463.jpg)
![A woman wearing a mask takes to the streets of Melbourne during the New Year's celebrations](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/10/37446372-9101329-image-a-10_1609411967490.jpg)
Sydneysiders hit the town to celebrate the end of a horror year that began with deadly bushfires and a global pandemic that’s still wreaking havoc across the country
![A group of mates clad in sombreros head into Sydney's city to farewell 2020 - but they won't have much company](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/10/37444634-9101329-image-a-31_1609409161694.jpg)
A group of mates clad in sombreros head into Sydney’s city to farewell 2020 – but they won’t have much company
![One Melbourne couple are seen celebrating the end of the year in style while millions around the country celebrate at home](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37447804-9101329-image-a-93_1609414483271.jpg)
One Melbourne couple are seen celebrating the end of the year in style while millions around the country celebrate at home
![A couple in Melbourne walk hand in hand on New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446622-9101329-image-m-72_1609413389828.jpg)
![A young Victorian woman walks down the street in anticipation for the new year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446626-9101329-image-a-73_1609413402929.jpg)
Couples and singles headed out for the night across Australia with many trying to end the horror year on a high
![A group of friends are seen ringing in the new year in style on the Gold Coast as Australia bids farewell to 2020](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/13/37451314-9101329-image-a-17_1609421012207.jpg)
A group of friends are seen ringing in the new year in style on the Gold Coast as Australia bids farewell to 2020
If they weren’t stuck in quarantine, forced into self isolation or stranded in lockdown then they may as well be on the grimmest of New Year’s Eves.
Kissing was banned. Singing discouraged. And as for dancing? Only while social distancing.
Perth and Darwin and Hobart stuck to their traditional New Year’s Eve program with fireworks exploding from 9:30pm.
Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide have cancelled their displays to avoid large gathering and community transmission of the virus.
Sydney’s world-renowned fireworks spectacle, which last year cost $6.5 million and was under threat from bushfires, was scaled back to just seven minutes.
![A couple take a break from celebrating in Melbourne on New Year's Eve as residents take to the streets](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/13/37451918-9101329-image-a-27_1609422748954.jpg)
A couple take a break from celebrating in Melbourne on New Year’s Eve as residents take to the streets
But even with the display basically cut in half, eager Sydney-siders raced in to get the best view with the Opera Bar filling up fast.
Groups of friends dressed to impress as they headed into Circular Quay with some donning sombreros and ‘happy new year’ headpieces.
Young women were spotted wobbling their way into the harbour in sky-high heels while the men took advantage of the occasion to showcase their best suits.
The CBD on the other hand was eerily quiet compared to earlier years, as countless police officers patrolled the streets ensuring everyone in the city had a permit.
Only residents and those with existing bookings at restaurants and pubs were let into the no-go zone with a relevant permit but venues have been hit with mass cancellations.
Vantage points across the harbour were blocked off from the public with fences and signage turning prospective visitors away for the first time.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian earlier ordered locals to watch the fireworks at home on their televisions to avoid social mingling amid a new coronavirus outbreak.
Ms Berejiklian urged partygoers to be sensible, avoid large gatherings and locking lips with strangers.
‘When the clock ticks over to midnight from December 31 January 1, I know that’s normally an emotional time where we like to kiss and hug everybody around us. Can I ask for absolute restraint,’ Ms Berejiklian said.
Meanwhile scenes were much livelier in Melbourne with residents filling up nightclubs and spilling into the streets after the clock struck 12.
For many in the Victoria, it was the year from hell after Melbourne was plunged into a strict lockdown for more than 100 days.
While the highly anticipated fireworks display in the city were called off thanks to the ongoing pandemic, Victorians were still desperate to celebrate the end of the year.
Many welcomed the excuse to dress up after having spent months confined to their own homes and strutted their stuff around the city as the night rolled into the new year.
Couples were spotted sharing intimate moments as the celebrations carried on into the night while others were just happy to dance in the streets.
![NSW Police officers patrol around Circular Quay on Thursday night. NSW recorded ten new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446656-9101329-image-a-57_1609412926745.jpg)
NSW Police officers patrol around Circular Quay on Thursday night. NSW recorded ten new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday
![Patrons are seen lining up at a venue in Circular Quay on Thursday night. Only those with bookings and a valid permit are allowed into large parts of the CBD](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442434-9101329-image-a-23_1609405464862.jpg)
Patrons are seen lining up at a venue in Circular Quay on Thursday night. Only those with bookings and a valid permit are allowed into large parts of the CBD
![Many braved the cold and wet weather in Melbourne to celebrate the end of 2020](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37447806-9101329-image-a-99_1609414633254.jpg)
![One young woman heads out to farewell 2020 in Melbourne on New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37447814-9101329-image-a-100_1609414633256.jpg)
Many braved the cold and wet weather in Melbourne to celebrate the end of 2020
![This year's New Year's Eve celebrations will be like no other with police patrolling the CBD to enforce the harsh restrictions](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442456-9101329-image-a-26_1609405629217.jpg)
This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be like no other with police patrolling the CBD to enforce the harsh restrictions
![Australians gear up to say goodbye to 2020 as New Year's Day rolls around the corner](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449370-9101329-image-a-121_1609417394772.jpg)
Australians gear up to say goodbye to 2020 as New Year’s Day rolls around the corner
![Some revellers get a headstart on the New Year celebrations and enjoy a glass of champagne before the sun goes down](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442452-9101329-image-a-28_1609405726844.jpg)
Some revellers get a headstart on the New Year celebrations and enjoy a glass of champagne before the sun goes down
![Police officers will be out in full force on Thursday night to ensure those celebrating in the CBD have valid permits](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442474-9101329-image-a-30_1609405786485.jpg)
Police officers will be out in full force on Thursday night to ensure those celebrating in the CBD have valid permits
![Diners are seen enjoying a meal at the sun begins to set in Sydney while Australians right across the country gear up for a New Year's Eve like no other](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/10/37444480-9101329-image-a-24_1609408975587.jpg)
Diners are seen enjoying a meal at the sun begins to set in Sydney while Australians right across the country gear up for a New Year’s Eve like no other
![Road closures are seen in Melbourne on New Year's Eve with residents only allowed into the CBD if they have restaurant bookings](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/10/37446608-9101329-image-a-33_1609412325732.jpg)
Road closures are seen in Melbourne on New Year’s Eve with residents only allowed into the CBD if they have restaurant bookings
![Some Victorians were seen celebrating the end of the year on boats as they sipped on champagne and other alcohol](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446660-9101329-image-a-43_1609412443881.jpg)
Some Victorians were seen celebrating the end of the year on boats as they sipped on champagne and other alcohol
![The celebrations already became too much for one Melbourne woman to bear as she took off her heels](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446670-9101329-image-a-49_1609412585491.jpg)
![Another Melbourne resident is seen heading out for the night to celebrate the end of 2020](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446634-9101329-image-m-48_1609412575693.jpg)
Many Melbourne residents were glad to have an excuse to dress up after spending more than three months confined to their homes during lockdown
![Unfortunately for those in Melbourne, the fireworks display was cancelled for this year's end of year celebrations](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446648-9101329-image-a-50_1609412684881.jpg)
Unfortunately for those in Melbourne, the fireworks display was cancelled for this year’s end of year celebrations
![The Opera Bar in Sydney was filled with eager revellers ready to welcome the new year in style](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449356-9101329-image-a-124_1609417435187.jpg)
The Opera Bar in Sydney was filled with eager revellers ready to welcome the new year in style
![A man and his child pose in front of a 2021 sign with families and friends across Australia celebrating the end to a shocking year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449372-9101329-image-a-126_1609417523336.jpg)
A man and his child pose in front of a 2021 sign with families and friends across Australia celebrating the end to a shocking year
![A street performer busts out some tunes for residents in Melbourne on New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449368-9101329-image-a-127_1609417597119.jpg)
A street performer busts out some tunes for residents in Melbourne on New Year’s Eve
An eruption of celebrations were also spotted in the Gold Coast with Queenslanders spilling out onto the streets of Surfers Paradise.
Queenslanders are allowed to throw house parties with up to 50 people a home and can gather together with 100 others in public spaces.
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young, however, said revellers should avoid the traditional midnight pash.
‘I would suggest you limit that to your known close friends and family and don’t randomly kiss and cuddle strangers that might be there in your circle,’ she said.
Families and friends gathered together along the glitter strip as police patrolled the streets to ensure Queenslanders were ringing in the new year safely.
Dancing is allowed in both indoor and outdoor venues across the state, as well as a one person per two square-metre rule in bars, clubs and restaurants.
Brisbane’s South Bank, normally packed with up to 100,000 people for New Year’s Eve, was kept open but the fireworks on the river were sadly cancelled.
![Two friends celebrate the end of 2020 with a few drinks in Melbourne. A new cluster of cases have popped up in the city](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37447818-9101329-image-a-102_1609414732241.jpg)
Two friends celebrate the end of 2020 with a few drinks in Melbourne. A new cluster of cases have popped up in the city
![Melbourne was much more lively than Sydney on New Year's Eve with many dressing up to visit nightclubs and other venues](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446776-9101329-image-a-108_1609414886382.jpg)
![Two glamorous women walk down a street in Melbourne on New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446762-9101329-image-m-107_1609414876620.jpg)
Melbourne was much more lively than Sydney on New Year’s Eve with many dressing up to visit nightclubs and other venues
![Melbourne residents were keen to get out and celebrate the end to 2020 after suffering through a deadly outbreak of coronavirus cases that plunged them into a strict lockdown](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446586-9101329-image-a-77_1609413890394.jpg)
Melbourne residents were keen to get out and celebrate the end to 2020 after suffering through a deadly outbreak of coronavirus cases that plunged them into a strict lockdown
![Huge lines to get into nightclubs in Melbourne were seen on Thursday night as many try to forget the horrific 2020](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446600-9101329-image-a-79_1609413954775.jpg)
Huge lines to get into nightclubs in Melbourne were seen on Thursday night as many try to forget the horrific 2020
![Friends snap photos of each other in Melbourne on Thursday night after getting dolled up to celebrate the new year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446654-9101329-image-a-80_1609414025134.jpg)
Friends snap photos of each other in Melbourne on Thursday night after getting dolled up to celebrate the new year
![Other residents took a more relaxed approach to the new year as a Melbourne couple is seen lying on the artificial grass in Federation Square](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446652-9101329-image-a-83_1609414064456.jpg)
Other residents took a more relaxed approach to the new year as a Melbourne couple is seen lying on the artificial grass in Federation Square
![Two young women laugh together as the evening rolls on in Melbourne. Melbourne is one of many cities that has been forced to cancel fireworks displays](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446686-9101329-image-a-84_1609414126351.jpg)
Two young women laugh together as the evening rolls on in Melbourne. Melbourne is one of many cities that has been forced to cancel fireworks displays
![Other groups of friends in Melbourne were seen celebrating the end of the year on boats](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37447816-9101329-image-a-109_1609414971314.jpg)
Other groups of friends in Melbourne were seen celebrating the end of the year on boats
![Victorians were excited to let their hair down for a night of celebrations on New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446678-9101329-image-a-89_1609414314428.jpg)
Victorians were excited to let their hair down for a night of celebrations on New Year’s Eve
![Patrons attend a small function at the Opera Bar during New Year's Eve celebrations](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/12/37449342-9101329-image-a-134_1609417689343.jpg)
Patrons attend a small function at the Opera Bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations
The new year couldn’t come sooner for Australians who spent 2020 trying to recover from the devastating bushfires before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
While cases are still popping up across the country, the promise of a better year is enough to get struggling citizens by.
![People line up to get inside the Billboard nightclub in Melbourne on the evening of New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446602-9101329-image-a-75_1609413766739.jpg)
People line up to get inside the Billboard nightclub in Melbourne on the evening of New Year’s Eve
![Event staff scan the tickets of patrons in Circular Quay on New Year's Eve - while many following government advice and stay at home](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37444636-9101329-image-a-66_1609413294434.jpg)
Event staff scan the tickets of patrons in Circular Quay on New Year’s Eve – while many following government advice and stay at home
![Young men and women donning face masks line up outside restaurants in Melbourne on Thursday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446696-9101329-image-a-64_1609413217443.jpg)
Young men and women donning face masks line up outside restaurants in Melbourne on Thursday night
![A couple cling onto each other as they make their way into town in Melbourne to say goodbye to a challenging year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446650-9101329-image-a-60_1609413063229.jpg)
A couple cling onto each other as they make their way into town in Melbourne to say goodbye to a challenging year
![A group of friends clad in face masks head out to farewell the end of 2020 in Melbourne on Thursday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/11/37446668-9101329-image-a-53_1609412839967.jpg)
A group of friends clad in face masks head out to farewell the end of 2020 in Melbourne on Thursday
![Only a handful of boats were seen spread across Sydney's Harbour on Thursday night to celebrate New Year's Eve](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/10/37444456-9101329-image-a-29_1609409071679.jpg)
Only a handful of boats were seen spread across Sydney’s Harbour on Thursday night to celebrate New Year’s Eve
![Household parties have been limited to just five people in Greater Sydney - including Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains - while outdoor gatherings have been cut from 50 people down to 30](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442460-9101329-image-a-34_1609405892836.jpg)
Household parties have been limited to just five people in Greater Sydney – including Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains – while outdoor gatherings have been cut from 50 people down to 30
![Masks have become this year's accessory as the world was plunged into lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic (pictured couple in Sydney celebrating NYE)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442470-9101329-image-a-36_1609405938432.jpg)
Masks have become this year’s accessory as the world was plunged into lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic (pictured couple in Sydney celebrating NYE)
![Two women are seen showing their passes to a security official to celebrate the end of the year in Sydney's CBD](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/12/31/09/37442480-9101329-image-a-37_1609406008651.jpg)
Two women are seen showing their passes to a security official to celebrate the end of the year in Sydney’s CBD