Sydney's main New Year's Eve fireworks display traditionally begins at midnight.
The fireworks are launched around Sydney Harbour, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House forming the most recognizable backdrop. The midnight display marks the arrival of January 1 in Australia's eastern time zone and is among the world's best-known televised New Year's celebrations.
Sydney's program commonly includes an earlier family fireworks show at 9 p.m., followed by the principal display at midnight. The earlier event allows children and families to participate without staying awake until the calendar changes. Exact program details, viewing rules, and launch locations can vary from year to year.
The celebration became especially prominent after Sydney organized a major New Year's Eve event for the millennium transition from 1999 to 2000. Modern displays use large numbers of pyrotechnic effects launched from barges, buildings, and the bridge. The event's timing is sometimes confused with the earlier family show, but the headline fireworks occur at midnight.