Sydney introduced its modern annual New Year's Eve fireworks tradition over the harbour in 1976.
The celebration developed into a major public event centered on Sydney Harbour, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House forming its best-known backdrop. Fireworks are launched from multiple points, including barges and structures around the harbour, allowing large crowds to view the display from waterfront areas and elevated locations.
The 1976 event marked the beginning of the contemporary annual format, although Sydney had held earlier New Year's celebrations and fireworks. Over time, the program expanded into a coordinated production involving lighting, performances, aerial effects, and midnight pyrotechnics. It is broadcast internationally and is often among the first major televised New Year's Eve events of the calendar year.
Sydney's celebration is sometimes described as having started in 1979 because the city later introduced more elaborate harbor programming and large-scale broadcast formats. The commonly cited start year for the modern annual fireworks tradition, however, is 1976.