Thousands gather around Australia to see in New Year with a bang

Hundreds of thousands of people have celebrated the New Year with front row seats at fireworks displays across the country.

Revellers got in early at Sydney Harbour, bringing a sea of blankets, umbrellas and tents to various vantage points.

Some had lined up for hours or camped out for days to get the best possible view of the night's entertainment.

In Melbourne, more than half a million people gathered across the CBD to party their way into the new year.

Revellers were treated to a firework display that didn't disappoint as fireworks shot from the rooftops of 21 city buildings, covering six square kilometres.

More than 7.5 tonnes of fireworks were fired in the 400-thousand dollar display, including the new "ghost shell" crackers - giant spinning wheels which change colour - which made their Australian debut.

In Federation Square 10,000 people danced their way into 2015, illuminated by UV lights.

Queenslanders on the ferry to Southbank in Brisbane were subjected to bag searches in light of increased security measures due to the heightened national terror level.

It certainly didn't deter them from the festivities and famed fireworks.