Welcome 2017!
Australia rang in the New Year on Saturday with a spectacular fireworks display in Sydney, sending rainbow-coloured showers into the night sky. New Zealand also ushered in 2017 with a colourful fireworks display and countdown.
Around 1.5 million people packed Australia's biggest city to watch as the midnight fireworks erupted from Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the extravaganza beamed to television sets and phones across the world.
The visual feast paid tribute to some of the international musical legends who died this year, including David Bowie and Prince, with purple rain pouring off the bridge in an early display and firework "stars" soaring high above the harbour.
PTI
1. Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
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Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as Australia ushers in the New Year in Sydney, January 1, 20. Photo: Reuters
2. Lighting up the sky
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New Year fireworks illuminate the sky over the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney.
3. A new dawn
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The picture perfect Sydney Opera House during the New Year's eve fireworks.
4. New Year cheer
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A tourist wears glowing glasses and a headset for 2017 before watching the New Years Eve fireworks in Sydney. Photo: Reuters
5. New Zealand celebrates
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Fireworks explode from Auckland's Sky Tower as the new year is welcomed in New Zealand.
6. Plenty of smiles in Japan
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Revellers smile ahead of the turn of the New Year at an event for New Year celebrations in Tokyo, Japan,
