Sydney’s best fireworks ever, right when we needed them most

Best. Fireworks. Ever. And just when we needed it.With an enormous fire-burst of light Sydney welcomed 2022 with a simple message: It’s time to shine.

Best. Fireworks. Ever. And just when we needed it.

With an enormous fire-burst of light — and a few new pyrotechnic tricks — Sydney welcomed 2022 with a simple message: It’s time to shine.

New Year’s Eve fireworks erupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Picture: AFP

The pinks and purples made way for hues of red and green. Picture: Getty Images

A couple embrace at Bondi Beach on New Year’s morning. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph / Gaye Gerard

Beachgoers enjoying the sunrise on New Years Day at Bondi. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph / Gaye Gerard

A group of friends enjoy the first sunrise of 2020 at Bondi Beach. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph / Gaye Gerard

Sydney Harbour erupted with cheer and colour as the countdown to midnight reached zero, launching a spectacular 12-minute spray of fireworks into the clear night sky.

Hyped up crowds roared and whistled loudly as the harbour lit up in bright hues of pinks and greens, yellows and blues.

Vibrant displays of peonies burst into life and sprinkled across the water, followed by sequences of crossettes, rings and palm type explosions.

This man’s mask could not hide his joy at the sight. Picture: Getty Images

Revellers made the most of their ringside seats to the spectacular show. Picture: Getty Images

It was a special type of sensation felt among the audience this year who was out to make up for last year’s absence.

The energy of the eager onlookers reverberated throughout The Royal Botanic Gardens, bringing everyone to their feet to watch the show in awe.

Eyes were wide open with excitement as friends and families stood around each other with a drink in hand and throwing an arm in the air.

Cameras and smartphones were flashing wild to capture the special moment that would see out one of the most difficult years in history with a bang.

New pyrotechnic tricks delighted the crowd …

… but the old favourite golden fountain made an appearance, too. Pictures: Getty

As the final round of fireworks took off at 12:12am, the harbour fell silent in a dusty haze of grey smoke.

It was only for a brief moment until a loud rumble grew from Sydney spectators on the surrounding headland.

Operation New Year’s Eve 2021 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said most Sydneysiders were well-behaved and celebrated the New Year safely.

Nurse Francie celebrates at sunrise on New Years Day at the Covid-19 drive thru testing site at Bondi Beach. Picture: Newscorp Daily Telegraph / Gaye Gerard

Across NSW, 128 arrests were made, including 10 in the Sydney CBD.

“Once again, Sydney welcomed the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display, and the vast majority of people enjoyed their night safely,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.

“It was still disappointing to see some people being reckless and disregarding the rules, with police giving move-on directions and making arrests on multiple occasions.

“I would like to thank those members of the community who made their plans COVID-safe and celebrated the beginning of 2022 responsibly, in what we hope is a better year for everyone.”

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