Jet engines roared, helicopters weaved, artillery fired and more than 2000 aerial fireworks crackled over the lake for another year of Skyfire.

A few late afternoon clouds from the west threatened to spoil the party, but the evening went on unhindered.

Police said they took one young person into custody for alcohol-related issues, compared with eight last year. Two other young persons were identified to be in possession of cannabis and fined and a man was taken into custody for traffic related matters.

They also reunited about 10 missing children with their parents using the help of the free identity wristbands handed out by ACT Policing at the event.

Families took advantage of the mild autumn weather during the day to set up early by the lake's edge, holding barbecues and setting up deckchairs before the massive crowds arrived as the sun set.

Tripods and cameras lined the vantage points at Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain and Red Hill, with scores of photographers angling for the perfect fireworks shot.

Spots on Anzac Parade, along the lake's edge, and even on the lawns of Parliament House also proved to be popular.

There was plenty to keep the crowd engaged before the fireworks, including the Royal Australian Navy 723 Squadron helicopter pairs display, a Snowy Hydro Southcare Rescue Helicopter flyover and an RAAF F/A18A.

The crowds at Regatta Point were also treated to live music from Thirsty Merc and Hundred Handed.

But it was the fireworks everyone was waiting for, which delivered with more than 3000 individual firing cues launching pyrotechnics from 11 platforms in the lake's basin.

As well as the 2000 aerial fireworks, organisers estimated between 10,000 to 15,000 ground-based crackers lit up the lake during the celebration.

Police were hoping for crowd behaviour to mirror last year's, with early reports of few disturbances during the celebrations.

Most people seemed to heed warnings to leave the car behind, taking advantage of regular bus services from Regatta Point and Albert Hall to the city, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.

Parkes Way between Kings and Edinburgh avenues, caused delays for through traffic.