
Australians hit the bars this weekend as they started to enjoy 24-hour drinking again after ministers scrapped Sydney's strict 'anti-fun' licensing laws.

Partygoers, who donned their best dresses and heels, are now allowed to enter venues after 1.30am and order drinks late into the night.

The city was once famous for its bustling and vibrant nightlife until the strict lockout laws were enforced in 2014.

The crackdown brought the lively night-time economy to an abrupt halt and forced almost 200 licensed venues to close their doors.

Revellers pose for the camera on Saturday evening as they enjoy the first weekend free from controversial lockout laws in Sydney

A group of partygoers wave their hands in the air as they brace rainy conditions on Oxford Street in Sydney this weekend

Dressed to impress! People cross the road on Oxford Street in Sydney on Saturday evening, where they were promised a good night after the strict lockout laws were finally lifted

Partygoers, who donned their best dresses and button ups, were allowed allowed to enter venues after 1.30am and order drinks until 3.30am

The laws were introduced by the New South Wales Government with the aim to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence following the death of two young men in 2012 and 2013 in one-punch attacks.

Under lockout laws, nightclubs and bars in the city were required to deny entry to punters after 1.30am and stop serving alcohol at 3am.

Revellers braced for rainy conditions as they flocked to bars and nightclubs along Oxford Street in Sydney - known for its nightlife - on Saturday evening.

But while the usual rabble did head out for a night on the town, it was nowhere near the raucous parties that the city used to see.

A trio of friends hold hands as they walk down the strip in Darlinghurst, Sydney, on Saturday evening

Revellers braced rainy conditions as they flocked to bars and nightclubs along Oxford Street in Sydney on Saturday evening, to make the most of the new freedom

The changes have also seen the removal of restrictions on serving cocktails, shots and drinks in glasses after midnight, and the scrapping of the 10pm curfew on bottle shops.

In November 2005 the Labour government in the UK changed drinking laws in England and Wales to allow pubs - theoretically - to serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

The policy was introduced by Tony Blair to create a European cafe culture and end the problems caused by the rush at the 11pm pub closing time.

A group of friends opt for a rest on the ground as Sydney tries to recreate its once bustling nightlife on Saturday

One reveller dressed to impress in an animal print bodycon dress with matching nude high heels to enjoy the atmosphere on Saturday night

Sydney was once famous for its bustling and vibrant nightlife until the strict lockout laws were enforced in 2014

Night Time Industries Association chair Michael Rodrigues in Australia said removing the lockout laws was a 'turning point' for the city to get it back on track.

The Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian hopes the decision will inject money into the struggling city - where an annual loss of about $16billion has been reported since the laws were introduced in 2014, leading to mass venue closures.

Ms Berejiklian previously said that the lockout laws made Sydney safer but it was now time to encourage the city's 24-hour economy.

Partygoers opted for bodycon dresses and high heels despite gloomy rain on Saturday evening

The lockout laws were introduced by the New South Wales Government with the aim to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence following the death of two young men in 2012 and 2013 in 'one-punch attacks'

Crowds appear to wait in line as Sydney attempts to redeem itself as a city with a thriving nightlife on Saturday

A group of revellers wait in line to be checked by security before attempting to enter an establishment in Darlinghurst, Sydney

An ambulance vehicle is seen driving in the city as revellers linger on the street on Saturday

A woman in a red dress talks to her friend, who appears to take a break on the concrete amid celebrations in Sydney on Saturday

We're open! Crowds were forced to wait in line as Sydney opened for its first weekend after the lockout laws were lifted

Under lockout laws, nightclubs and bars in the city, Kings Cross and Darlinghurst areas were required to deny entry to punters after 1.30am and stop serving alcohol at 3am