Sydney leads global New Year’s Eve celebrations

Australia holds first restriction-free party since Covid struck, with more than 1m revellers flocking to harbour

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Australia celebrated its first restriction-free New Year's Eve after two years of Covid disruptions, with more than a million revellers flocking to Sydney's harbourfront and watching an elaborate fireworks display.

Sydney was one of the world's first major cities to welcome in the new year and drew huge TV audiences around the world, with a public countdown and fireworks display over its opera house.