More than one million people descended on Sydney Harbour amid strict security measures to watch the country’s most famous fireworks, with an estimated one billion watching on their screens.

As the clock struck midnight and crossed over to 2018, the Harbour Bridge lit up with a sparkling pyrotechnics display which wowed audiences who jammed vantage points along the foreshore.

The main event, which cost $7 million, used some eight tonnes of fireworks to produce the 100,000 individual effects as the sky became a vivid blanket of light and colour.

A rainbow tribute was the centrepiece of the display – symbolic of the nation’s historic same-sex marriage vote and the upcoming 40th anniversary of Mardi Gras.

The spectacle lasted a full 12 minutes.

Happy New Year 💕🎆💥✨ Sydney you are such a beautiful city. What an incredible NYE. Wishing the world peace and love and kindness in 2018 #SydNYE #NYE2018 #NewYear2018 #Welcome2018 #SydneyNYE pic.twitter.com/5jAN8gh4uD

— Sarachka Martinez (@Martinez1Sarah) December 31, 2017

Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the display reinforced Sydney’s position as the New Year’s Eve capital of the world.

“The most technologically advanced fireworks display I’m told.”

Viewing sites on the foreshore were packed from the early hours yesterday, with revellers setting up camp along Circular Quay, The Rocks and Kirribilli areas to lock in a dazzling view.

Happy new year!! so blessed to have seen the fireworks above the Sydney Harbour Bridge & the Opera House. pic.twitter.com/Fig1zBC94J

— Harriet Hunt (@hunt_harriet) December 31, 2017

NSW Assistant Commissioner Walton says the heightened security at the celebrations was successful in allowing millions of Sydneysiders and visitors to enjoy their celebrations with family and friends.

“Overall, the fireworks were spectacular and I am very pleased to say that 2018 was met safely.”