Made up of 11000 shells, 25000 shooting comets and 100000 individual pyrotechnic effects, it will be viewed by 1.5 million people around Sydney Harbour (that's a third of the population of Sydney), and around 1 billion people globally on TV.
Here comes 2012! Spectacular fireworks light up the skylines as countries across the world welcome the new year
By PAMELA OWEN
Revellers across the world are celebrating the end of 2011 and starting to see in 2012 with spectacular fireworks displays which lit up the night skies.
More than a million people gathered at mass at vantage points along the harbour to watch the pyrotechnics display in Sydney.
This year's theme was 'Time to Dream' and it is hoped it will help inspire those who have had a particularly bad 2011 to look forward to the year ahead.
Some of the fireworks exploded into shapes of clouds - because every one has a silver lining - and a series of colourful lights were beamed into the centre of the bridge forming an 'endless rainbow'.
Scroll down to watch a video of the fireworks in Sydney
VIENNA: The number 2012 is written with sparklers during a long exposure in front of St Stephen's Cathedral during New Year's Eve celebrations
BEIJING: The Circular Mound is illuminated with a variety of colourful lights as China celebrates 2012 at the Temple of Heaven Park
MOSCOW: Thousands of people watched the fireworks explode during the new year's day celebration on Red Square
GERMANY: Fireworks explode before New Year celebrations over the 'Golden Victoria' on top of Berlin's landmark victory column
Samao and neighbouring Tokelau lie near the date line in the Pacific Ocean and both islands decided to realign themselves from the Americas side to the Asia side in order to be more in line with major trading partners. It is hoped the move will help improve the economy.
Pools and beaches have been packed with Samoans and tourists who are keen to be the first to celebrate rather than the last.
Elsewhere across globe millions of people are preparing to say goodbye to a year that saw mass uprisings in several Arab countries, the deaths of Osama Bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi and Kim Jong-Il.
It was also a year of economic turmoil which saw an endless string of natural disasters that devastated several countries across the world.
TAIWAN: Colourful fireworks explode from the country's tallest skyscraper Taipei 101 and light up the night sky as the country celebrates the start of 2012
SYDNEY: Fireworks in Sydney, Australia, light up the skyline over Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Colourful lights were illuminated onto the bridge to create a rainbow effect
SYDNEY: Thousands of people gathered to watch the impressive display as Australia welcomed in the New Year
AUSTRALIA: A red hue lights up the sky over the Sydney Opera House. More than a million people gathered to watch and then celebrate 2012
In London a dazzling fireworks display is expected to attract up to 250,000 people.
The London Eye will be the focal point for the pyrotechnics, which London Mayor Boris Johnson said would be a fitting way to mark the start of an extraordinary year for the city.
There will be some 12,000 fireworks, producing 50,000 projectiles, launched during the display, which is triggered by Big Ben's chimes and lasts for 11 minutes and 15 seconds.
Mr Johnson said: 'A glittering display will light up the sky to herald the start of 2012, the most extraordinary and exciting year we are likely to see in our lifetime in this city.
'We will stage an incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will put us in the global spotlight and spur the long-term rejuvenation of east London and bring benefits to the whole capital.
'From the magic of the Games, to the Diamond Jubilee, and the London 2012 Festival to our own outdoor arts festival, we will welcome the world with thrilling events in every corner of the capital, to create a summer like no other.'
'New Year's Eve in central London is extremely busy so do come prepared and wrap up warm, as you may have to wait to prevent overcrowding. The viewing area does fill up really quickly and each area will be closed off by the organisers once it reaches its capacity.'
She urged people to consider watching the fireworks on TV instead, as sometimes the viewing area fills up as early as 8pm.
All travel in London will be free from 11.45pm on New Year's Eve until 4.30am on New Year's Day. Road closures will be in place in the city from 4pm on December 31.
British Transport Police have advised travellers to expect queues on their journey home from the centre of London.
Now watch the video of the Sydney Harbour fireworks
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