Sydney's iconic bridge and opera house are glowing red, signifying the beginning of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia.
Sydney welcomed the Chinese year of the dog on Friday with fireworks display over the harbour, where below, giant animal lanterns decorate the foreshore.
An eight-metre-high dog lantern was unleashed on the Sydney Opera House while traditional lion dancers performed for spectators.
More than 1.4 million people are expected to attend the 22nd new year celebration in Sydney.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Sydney had benefited from the more than half a million residents of Chinese ancestry that inhabit the city.
"Lunar New Year is a unifying celebration of our multiculturalism," Ms Berejiklian said in a statement.
The festivities are set to continue for another three weeks, with more than 80 events planned around the city, including the largest dragon boat race in the Southern Hemisphere.
China Town, the festival's cultural heart will have events, including dancing, short films and night markets running until March 4.
Australian Associated Press
