Massive dragon brought to life in Melbourne for Chinese New Year celebrations

Chinese New Year celebrations have begun early in Melbourne with the unveiling of a 100-metre dragon at Docklands.

More than 50,000 Chinese people living in Melbourne have begun celebrating on the eve of the year of the horse.

It has taken more than six tonnes of steel, 1,600 metres of fabric and 2,000 light globes to bring the dragon to life.

Installation co-organisers John Forman says Docklands will be the dragon's new home until mid-February.

Forman told the ABC "we have been going non-stop since mid-December to pull this to life.

"I think if you're travelling over the Bolte Bridge, if you're on the big wheel, the Melbourne Star you'll see this massive illuminated dragon."

In Sydney, there will be fireworks around the Harbour and the Opera House will be lit up red to bring in the Lunar New Year tonight (31st January). 

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