Australians welcome 2026 with messages of peace and unity

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Australians welcomed the new year amid large fireworks displays and a quiet moment of remembrance for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.

In Sydney, the New Year's Eve celebrations were very lively as hundreds of thousands of people gathered around the harbour. The crowd stood in silence for a minute before midnight. As phones lit up, a menorah was visible on the Harbour Bridge together with images representing peace and unity.

The sombre moment was followed by a grand fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. There was a heavy security presence as thousands of policemen were deployed throughout the city.

Many of the participants reported that the visible police presence made them feel very safe. People picnicked, shared drinks and had a good time while waiting for the firework display.

The Bondi attack, which happened just over two weeks ago, resulted in the death of 15 people and injuries to dozens. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on Australians to step into the new year with compassion and kindness.

Melbourne too attracted massive crowds, with it estimated that about half a million people came out to see the fireworks and laser displays in different parts of the city. Besides these, festivities were also held at Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Docklands.

Along the River Torrens, Adelaide ushered in the new year. As the fireworks went off by the river, Brisbane welcomed the new year despite rainy weather. Derwent River was the place where Hobart celebrated, Darwin jointly marked the occasion with two waterfront displays.

Fireworks were the highlight of the night in Perth as the illuminated Swan River was visible for miles at midnight; this happened three hours after the start of festivities on the east coast.

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