Sydney promised a New Year's Eve party better than any since the 2000 Olympics.
Judging by the crowd's reaction, the city delivered in dazzling fashion.
"Stunning, beautiful," said Cinthya Romo, 32, a Sydney-based interpreter from Chile, as she looked skyward from the Opera House forecourt.
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"Sydney's best show yet," remarked taxi driver George Stamp, who sacrificed a bumper payday to enjoy the show with his children and 1.5 million others.
As the clock ticked midnight the familiar rumble-and-bang of fireworks sounded and streams of incandescent colour shot into the heavens, illuminating the city.
A pulsing X on the Sydney Harbour Bridge reflected the Make Your Mark theme, replaced by a gold hand - the feature of the extravaganza.
Read More: Sydney's skyline explodes for New Year
