Massive dragon brought to life in Melbourne

The head of a 100-metre dragon unveiled in Melbourne fro Chinese New Year celebrations. [Photo/Australia Plus]

Chinese New Year celebrations have kicked off 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.

One of the organisers of the installation John Forman says Docklands will be the dragon's new home until mid-February.

"We have been going non-stop since mid-December to pull this to life," he said.

"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.

Hudson Chen from the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation says the year of the horse is a romantic time for many people.

"We love looking at horse, especially race horses," he said.

"Chinese always love horses because in the old days they were the means of transportation and they are tough."

Mr Chen says people born in the of the horse will have strong and healthy characteristics, but can also be stubborn.