Australian shares ended the first trading day of new year on a strong positive basis as mining stocks surged on iron ore and bullion prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index increased 1.5% to 6684 points at closing, marking it the best since November 24. Heavyweights Evolution Mining, Newcrest Mining and Northern Star Resources gained between 3% to 4%. Miners witnessed a 2.7% growth as iron ore prices extended in the new year.