- Australians have been confronted with strict security scans on the harbour
- X-ray machines, metal detectors and police dogs all occupied the area
- ‘If a terrorist is going to come at any time it would be today,’ said revellers.
People turning up to Sydney Harbour to celebrate Australia Day looked they were going through airport security.
Backpacks were thrown under X-ray carousels, metal detectors were waved and police dogs were awaiting a busy night ahead.
Crowds swarmed around the Opera House but were delayed as they were pulled to the side to undergo security checks in the anti-terrorism measures.
Bag check to a new level: Australia Day celebrations were put on hold as bags forced to go through X-ray machines
Like a scene from airport security, people were told to put their possessions under an X-ray carousel
Security and police were in full force as they patrolled the harbour at Circular Quay.
The measures are similar to those introduced for Boxing Day shoppers, when trucks and bollards were set up to protect people from any potential attacks.
Bingo callers, Matt Smith and Nicole Lloyd-Jones, travelled from the Central Coast in New South Wales to enjoy the Australia Day festivities and felt safer with the measures in place.
Nicole said: ‘We have been commenting about how great the security measures are here today, because if a terrorist is going to come at any time it would be today or a day like today.’
Bingo callers from the Central Coast Matt (left) and Nicole (right) were happy with the security at Circular Quay
‘We don’t usually get Australia Day off, so we got here early, we got here at 9.30am to make a run for the stage and get into the front.’
Most didn’t notice the police and x-ray machines as they were too busy celebrating.
Alex, Brandon, Harry and Max flew down from Brisbane to experience Australia Day with the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as their backdrop.
‘It didn’t slow us down, it’s not fully over the top,’ said Max.