Fireworks light up the midnight sky over Sydney Harbour.<\/span> Photograph: Saeed Khan\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOne reveller, Irishman David Mooney, who nabbed an early spot at Sydney Harbour, said the potential security risks had only \u201cslightly\u201d crossed his mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith everyone in such good spirits, you almost feel a bit of safety in numbers,\u201d the 29-year-old said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone\u2019s in good form, everyone\u2019s relaxed, I personally couldn\u2019t have felt more reassured.\u201d<\/p>\n
An earlier batch of fireworks let off at 9pm AEDT was met with rapturous applause as the crowd defied any expectation of a sombre mood.<\/p>\nThe display, titled Calling Country, celebrated Australia\u2019s Indigenous history with images displayed on to the Sydney Harbour Bridge\u2019s pylons.<\/p>\n
The relaxed atmosphere around the harbour saw hundreds of thousands gather, share drinks and play board games as they waited for the fireworks.<\/p>\n
Lieke Wijnhoven, 24, from the Netherlands, said extra security measures gave her peace of mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course [the Bondi terror attack] is in your mind a little bit, but it could happen anywhere,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of all the security, the police, even police helicopters, they\u2019ve done what they can and we\u2019re just here trying to enjoy ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caroline Meierhans, 24, from Switzerland, said the many hours queueing to enter Sydney\u2019s Macquarie Point had not dampened her spirits for an exciting night ahead.<\/p>\nSpectators shine light from their mobile phones during a tribute to the victim\u2019s of the Bondi terror attack at Mrs Macquaries Point in Sydney.<\/span> Photograph: Dan Himbrechts\/EPA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cFor hours we were singing, just standing there, connecting with other people, looking at our watches wondering how long it would take,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Just more than two weeks have passed since 15 people were killed and 41 others were injured during the 14 December attack at Bondi, with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, encouraging people to show kindness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat Bondi also showed us was the best of the Australian spirit, in all its courage and compassion,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Police were also out in force in Melbourne, with about 500,000 people expected to flock to the city for the fireworks and laser display at midnight.<\/p>\n
German tourist Alexandra Bender said she felt unconcerned as she nabbed an early viewing spot with her family at Flagstaff Gardens.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverywhere can happen, things like this. We had it in Germany too,\u201d she said.<\/p>\nLasers and fireworks over Sydney Harbour.<\/span> Photograph: Dan Himbrechts\/EPA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAt other Melbourne live sites at the Treasury Gardens, Kings Domain and Docklands, families were enjoying live entertainment before the 9.30pm and midnight fireworks.<\/p>\n
In Perth, fireworks lit up the sky over the Swan River at 8.30pm before the usual midnight show.<\/p>\n
Partygoers lined the banks of the River Torrens in Adelaide for fireworks in Elder Park.<\/p>\n
In Brisbane, the 7.45pm fireworks went off along the Brisbane River at 7.45pm amid rainy weather, with a midnight display following.<\/p>\n
For Tasmanians, there were fireworks over Hobart\u2019s River Derwent at 9.30pm and midnight.<\/p>\n
Fireworks were also taking place on the Darwin waterfront with displays at 9pm and midnight.<\/p>\n