Australia Day Skyworks 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited
HUNDREDS of thousands of revellers were seemingly well-behaved as they packed Perth's Swan River foreshore to enjoy the nation's biggest Australia Day fireworks show.
By mid-afternoon, spectators were gathering in full force for the 30-minute City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks pyrotechnics display at Langley Park on the city side of the river and the South Perth foreshore.
Earlier today, it had been expected that crowd numbers at viewing hot spots including the South Perth foreshore, Kings Park and Langley Park would reach 300,000.
PICTURE GALLERY: Skyworks amaze
PICTURE GALLERY: Aussie spirit all around
Australia Day 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
A WA Police spokeswoman said there had been no major incidents and crowds had been well-behaved.
Prior to the event, police said they would slap $200 fines on anyone caught drinking outside designated areas.
A St John Ambulance spokesman said there had been a number of incidents throughout the night which were related to the event.
Earlier it seemed the Brits were out in force forming their own "Barmy Army" among the throng of people flocking to the foreshore for a glimpse of the show.
Jeanty Zanazzi enjoys the fireworks show. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
But by the end of the night the display had proven a hit as 'oohs' and 'ahhs' echoed from crowds for over half an hour.
Jeanty Zanazzi, of Beeliar, compared the skyworks to Sydney's New Year's Eve display over the Sydney harbour.
"I love fireworks, I live for fireworks," Ms Zanazzi said.
"I think we've done pretty good. I like the bits that look like golden sunflowers."
The Australia Day Skyworks light up the sky. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Sue Taylor, from Girrawheen, said: "I really loved it, the finale was the best part."
"I thought it was fantastic," Helen Spencer, also from Girrawheen said.
Kayleigh Halstead, 26, was "just joining in the tradition" as she and a group of English friends celebrated on the foreshore before the fireworks.
"It's good to be here, to celebrate Australia," Ms Halstead said.
Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields.
Norma Crawford travelled from Hampshire in England's south to celebrate in Perth for the first time with WA-based relatives.
"I picked this holiday for Australia Day," Ms Crawford said.
Dawn Logan, who travelled from Port Hedland to celebrate on the foreshore, said it was important for Australians to remember why they were considered lucky.
"It's fabulous that we celebrate Australia and being Australian," Ms Logan said.
Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields.
"What it means to be Australian is to be free, to be able to experience this wonderful country.
"We've got the opportunity to do whatever we want to do.
"Everyone can enjoy the views, everyone can participate."
Viewing hot spots across the city hadn't filled by 5pm but families sporting the Australian colours were staking their turf after being entertained through the afternoon at Langley Park.
Abbey Taylor celebrates Australia Day 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij
Motorcycle stunt rides, an airshow, water park and paintball were just some of the activities hosted by the City of Perth from 3pm.
This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Skyworks and punters were all too happy to express their high expectations.
"It was pretty awesome last year so I'm thinking with the 30th anniversary it should be pretty good," Rockingham mother-of-two Katherine Hanson said.
Ms Hanson's son Matthew, 9, said Australia Day was about celebrating the good fortune of the 'lucky country'.
Cassie Armstrong, Danny and Bianca Politis and Misty Walker on the Perth foreshore for Australia Day. Picture: Jordan Shields
"I'm pretty lucky to be living in Australia because there's lots of poverty going on around the world," he said.
A State Government crackdown on illegal camping and unruly partygoers at the shack community of Wedge Island, north of Lancelin, has so far proved successful.
More than 4000 people gathered on the 400m long island on Australia Day last year - authorities say the island can't cope with that many visitors - while a New Year's party this year ended in an alleged murder.
Department of Parks and Wildlife midwest regional manager Nigel Sercombe said visitor numbers were lower than 2013.
Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields
``It seems the disruptive element has stayed away,'' Mr Sercombe said.
``Visitors have mainly been shack lessees, their friends and family, and day visitors. It has been a quiet weekend at this stage.''
Perth beaches were busy, as expected, with a Guinness world record set at Cottesloe for the third consecutive year for the longest line of inflatable thongs on the ocean.
A South West beach was the scene of controversy, however, with the first shark killed at Meelup under the state's catch-and-kill policy designed to protect water users.
Chris Beaumont, Amy Devenish and Karel Losada brought down the cricket bat and ball for a bit of a hit along the Perth foreshore. Picture: Matthew Poon
At the nation's biggest citizenship ceremony in the northern Perth suburb of Wanneroo, where 751 people became Australians, WA Premier Colin Barnett was heckled about the shark program.
He replied: "The great thing about Australia is we can all voice our opinion''.
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