With 8.5 tonnes of fireworks set to be launched across two displays, at 9pm and midnight, the focus this year will be firmly anchored around First Nations traditions.

To kick things off, the Tribal Warrior Association will conduct a smoking ceremony across three boats to "cleanse the harbour of negative spirits" in preparation for the new year, using eucalyptus leaves to purify the space and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land, past and present.