Canberrans have farewelled 2018 with a bang, gathering en masse in the city's heart to ring in the new year.
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Revellers young and old filled Civic Square for the capital's official New Year's Eve celebrations on Monday night, watching on as fireworks displays lit up the capital's skyline at 9pm and on the stroke of midnight.
Families started arriving in Civic mid-afternoon, eager to secure the best vantage point for the night's entertainment.
Crowds were given a brief, but welcome, reprieve from Canberra's sweltering summer heatwave, as temperatures cooled to a pleasant 28 degrees as the festivities kicked-off.
Despite the some rain coming in on Monday evening, Canberrans soaked up the final moments of 2018.
Rachel and Michael Amaro, with daughter Hazel and son Harry, set up camp across from the main stage, where musicians entertained the crowd from 6pm.
"We got here early, so the kids can have a play around before we take them home to bed," Ms Amaro said.
Laura Sinclair arrived early to secure a park near Civic Square, where she planned to meet a group of friends ahead of the 9pm fireworks.
ACT Policing maintained a visible presence throughout the precinct, but were left with little to do by a largely well-behaved crowd at the all ages, alcohol-free event.
Police had earlier warned they would be targeting drug and alcohol-related violence, as well as drink driving on New Year's Eve - the biggest party night of the year.
St Johns Ambulance volunteer Rachel Featherstone said emergency crews would keep a close eye on revellers to ensure they partied safely.
"We hope everyone has a really safe and happy night and we are here to help make that happen," Ms Featherstone said.
Local artists Soul Sistas, Monica Moore Duo, Zackerbilks and The Po Boys entertained the crowds as sunset approached, before Canberra's own Touchasoul and producer Paces revved up the audience ahead of the midnight fireworks.
Jack Powell, 15, said he was looking forward to having a "crazy night" with his friends.
Charlie White and Stephanie Hunt were excited for 2019, which the couple hoped would include a holiday to New Caledonia.
"We've got a new year's resolution to be more healthy, too," Mr White said.
