Boat races at Sydney's harbour mark Lunar New Year

Australia celebrated Lunar New Year on Saturday with dragon boat races at Sydney's harbourside. More than 3,000 paddlers are taking part in the annual competition.

Competitors raced in 12-metre-long boats on the first day of the event at Cockle Bay Wharf. In the lead-up to the racing, Taoist monks performed a blessing and painted red "eyes" on the boats which they believe awakens the dragons.