Police across Sydney made 15 arrests during the New Year celebrations, a low figure they say, considering the crowds were the biggest they've seen in recent years.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Fuller told reporters that, as of 1:30am on Sunday, the number of arrests was half what it was last year, an "outstanding result".
He said the arrests were mainly to do with heavy alcohol consumption and assaults, including some minor assaults on police officers.
"From our perspective we really feel the community heeded our warnings. They planned the night and they've acted in good faith and really seen 2016 out in a positive way," he said.
Crowd numbers at many vantage points around the harbour reached capacity by 9pm, which is "very unusual", he said.
In total, more than one million people squeezed onto Sydney's foreshore to watch the iconic fireworks display.
NSW Police beefed up normal Saturday resources by 2000 officers.
AAPÂ