Any thoughts of an overhauled diet or exercise regime were on hold, for a few hours at least, as the city centre teemed with venderstrucks hawking ice cream and delicious food.

David George made his way into the city from the suburb of Franklin with wife Kate and their three children, and said the evening's atmosphere had been fantastic.

The George family had staked out their spot in Civic Square for the 9pm fireworks since about 6.30pm.

"It's been great," he said.

"The food has been good and the bands are excellent."

Mr George was quick to answer when asked if he had any resolutions for the new year.

"I think I'll focus on drinking more and exercising less," he joked.

Mrs George replied: "At least he won't have any trouble keeping those resolutions."

For entertainment, there was a free all-ages concert in the middle of Civic Square, headlined by Sydney electronic dance trio Art vs. Science.

Harry Carman also played to give the concert a bit of local flavour, as did the Brass Knuckle Brass Band, who returned after playing New Year's Eve in 2016.

Jolene Knight travelled to the capital all the way from Nowra to ring in the new year with her family.

"There are five of us total that made the trip," she said.

"The events have so far been a lot of fun. We have really enjoyed the music."

Festivities were punctuated by two colourful fireworks displays from City Hill near the parliamentary triangle, with the first at 9pm followed with a customary bang at the stroke of midnight.

Although the crowd was in a celebratory mood, there was also a strong police presence to keep a lid on any anti-social behaviour.

Abigail Stiles and her husband Tim travelled from Queanbeyan to Civic Square with their four children to celebrate New Year's Eve.

The family, including daughter Lucinda, took a trip on the carousel in Petrie Plaza before heading towards the Legislative Assembly to find a good vantage point for the fireworks at 9pm.

"We've had a nice evening," Mrs Stiles said.

"We came in early to find a parking spot, stopped at the pub for a bit of food and then me and the kids will head home after the fireworks."

Mr Stiles had a different idea.

"I've got a party to go to with some friends of mine on the north side," he said.