Half a million gather to see Melbourne light up for 2015

More than half a million people have gathered across the Melbourne 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.

Val Doukas and her family went out for dinner in Federation Square and stayed for the night.

"We came for the atmosphere and it's beyond my expectations," she said.

Hundreds of thousands of people also partied away 2014 at live sites at Docklands, King's Domain, Flagstaff Gardens and Treasury Gardens.

David Pemberton from Bunbury in Western Australia secured himself a vantage point along the Yarra early in the night.

"Our ones at home are pretty small so tonight is a bit different for me," he said.

Earlier in the night families welcomed in the new year with a 9.30pm fireworks display at Yarra Park.

Public transport will run all night and organisers have encouraged people to use trams or catch trains from Flinders Street or Spencer Street rather than trying to get a taxi.

Police and security have also saturated the city streets warning partygoers against anti-social behaviour as they celebrate.