Fireworks displays will light up the sky across Australia on Saturday December 31st

Spectacular fireworks displays in Australia date back as far as 1867 when they were used to celebrate a visit to Melbourne by Alfred the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria's son, who was the first royal to visit Australia.

Originating in China, fireworks were believed to ward off evil spirits before being adopted more widely and used for celebrations.

The traditional New Year's Eve song in the English speaking world is Auld Lang Syne. Based on a Scottish folk song with words written by Robert Burns in 1788, it is sung to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. It translates roughly to "times long past" or "days gone by".

Here's where to catch your local fireworks display on Saturday December 31st:

Sydney

Australia's most iconic fireworks show over the Sydney Harbour Bridge will involve some 35,000 shooting ground effects, 12,000 fireworks and 10,000 pyrotechnic effects from buildings and barges across the harbour.

This year, close to $6 million has been spent on the fireworks display, with an estimated $133 million to be generated in return revenue for the city.

The annual fireworks show began in 1976 and has become one of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations on the planet, enjoyed by over 425 million people across the globe according to the official Sydney NYE website.

To celebrate Sydney hosting the WorldPride mega-festival this summer, the NYE fireworks display will culminate in the Sydney Harbour Bridge turning into a giant rainbow.

Newcastle

In Newcastle the annual end of year celebrations will include a display of piloting prowess by Paul Bennet Airshows including gravity-defying solo manoeuvres and precision formation flying to thrill crowds in the afternoon sun.

Wollongong

Celebrations will be held at Wollongong Harbour starting from 6pm. There'll be roving entertainment around the harbour area and food trucks in Osborne Park. The evening will finish with a fireworks display over the harbour, starting at 9pm.

Melbourne

In Melbourne CBD there will be fireworks aplenty and free Celebration Zones (no bookings needed) ready to welcome revelers for the early kids celebrations and the midnight special.

Ballarat

There will be no official fireworks displays for NYE but the City of Ballarat invites all residents and visitors to view a fireworks display at Lake Wendouree on Sunday 15 January 2023.

Bendigo

Watch the sky light up with colour as Bendigo's annual midnight firework display erupts off the Rosalind Park Poppet Head. There will be two firework displays, one at 9.15pm for the little one and one at mid-night. The best place to watch these are from the QEO (Queen Elizabeth Oval).

Warrnambool

Fireworks will be launched from the Warrnambool Breakwater. For the best viewing visit the main beach with ample parking available along Lake Pertobe road. Family friendly viewing at 9.30pm followed by a 12am session.

Brisbane

In Brisbane, fireworks will be held at South Bank at 8.30pm and midnight.

Canberra

In Canberra, fireworks are being held in the capital at 9pm and midnight. Regatta Point, Patrick White Lawns, Rond Terrace or Bowen Park are the best viewing spots.

Adelaide

A family-friendly New Year's Eve event will be held at Rymill Park in Adelaide. Fireworks will take place at 9:30 and midnight. Tickets are free but must be booked.

Hobart

Fireworks in Hobart are mostly positioned around the Derwent River and Sullivans Cove. The fireworks are set for 9.30pm and midnight.

Darwin

The big event in Darwin is a free show at the Darwin Waterfront where Birds of Tokyo will play at 7:30. Entry is free and no tickets are required. Fireworks will take place at 9pm and midnight.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Fireworks are illegal unless you hold a pyrotechnicians or single use licence and police annually encourage people to look out for one another and avoid unofficial fireworks that can result in injury.

Displays will be cancelled if NYE is a total fire ban day.