Over 500,000 people are expected in Melbourne for New Year's Eve festivities, featuring fireworks and a laser light show. There's free public transport for anyone getting into the city.

Melbourne

Melbourne is set to host large-scale New Year's Eve celebrations, with more than 500,000 people anticipated to gather in the city. Festivities include fireworks launched from 27 buildings, a laser light show, and four family-friendly zones offering music, DJs, and food trucks. 

Authorities have arranged free public transport from 6pm and deployed approximately 2,500 police officers across the state to ensure safety. The event, themed 'All That Sparkles,' will feature an early fireworks display at 9:30pm and the main show at midnight.

Over 500,000 descend in Melbourne for New Year's Eve

Harvey Biggs, who joins us live in Melbourne. Harvey, the crowds are already building for what's set to be an exciting night. It's going to be a really exciting night, Jade. And the crowd is slowly starting to build down here. But it is, of course, Melbourne's weather isn't playing ball right now. It is a little windy and cold. But for the more than 500,000 people set to descend on the city, they're ready to shake that off and celebrate in style, to see off 2025 and bring in the new year. And, of course, all eyes will be on the fireworks, which will detonate. There'll be tonnes of it right now up on 27 buildings across the city skyline, ready to go. There'll also be a laser light show added to the mix. And the best place to watch it is from four family zones activated right across the CBD, where there'll be music, DJs and food trucks. And, of course, there'll be free public transport for people from 6pm to get into the city and of heavy police presence, with around 2,500 police patrolling right across the state tonight. Now, Jade, the theme is All That Sparkles. So dust off those sequins and the glitter. And, of course, the first show is at 9.30. The main event is at midnight. Jade? Hopefully some of that cloud clears. Thanks, Harvey.

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Breakdown