Wondering what to do in Sydney on Australia Day? Sydney city turns on a big show each January 26th to celebrate our national day. If this is your first Australia Day in Sydney we have put together a list of the highlights to help you decide how to join in the celebrations. Visitors should make their way to Sydney Harbour for the Ferrython and Tall ships races. They are most certainly a spectacle.

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What are we celebrating on Australia Day?

Officially Australia Day commemorates the founding of the colony of Sydney on 26 January 1788 when the ships of the first fleet arrived. However, not everyone feels that this is the right choice for a national day, as it also represents the day that the indigenous peoples of Sydney’s world changed in the worst way possible. This post will not delve into this debate, but there is more about it here if you are interested.

Related: Read our post on Exploring Aboriginal Culture in Sydney

What should you do on Australia Day in Sydney?

So where should you head to join in the celebrations? Well, there are plenty of choices, and it is possible to cover all if you are in the mood for a big day out. Below is a brief rundown of the most popular city-based options, but along with these almost every local council runs their own celebrations.

The key events on the city schedule are:

• Dawn Reflection – Early risers will be treated to stunning First Nations artworks light the sails of the Opera House between 5.20am-5.50am
• WulgulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo – 7:30-8:30am – Join local elders and Aboriginal dancers and singers in a smoking ceremony
• Sydney Harbour Splash – Join or cheer along swimmers who undertake a 1km, 2.5km or 5km swim, leaving from Rose Bay at 6am-11am
• GIO Oz Day 10K Wheelchair Race – 8.30am-10am
• AirForce Roulettes – 12pm-12.10pm
• Ferrython – 12-12:30pm – watch from the Harbour Bridge or foreshore.
• The Great Aussie BBQ – 10am-2pm Hickson Road Reserve
• Tallships Race – 1pm-1.30pm and then tall ship festival at Campbells Cove until 4pm
• Vintage Bus Rides – The Rocks and North Sydney
• Australia Day Live – 7:30pm-9:30pm

You can find the full list here.

Victoria Park – Yabun Festival

If you are interested in the Indigenous celebrations, get along to Victoria Park for the Yabun Festival.

The festival will run from 11 am – 6 pm and is by far the biggest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia. There is an excellent line-up of artists to entertain – it’s a great day out!

It’s a great way to learn more about Aboriginal culture. For more information check the official website. 

Australia Day at Barangaroo

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the morning ceremony on Australia Day on Sydney Harbour. Join the traditional owners as they perform a smoking ceremony to begin today’s official program.

If you are looking for something uniquely Australian, then start the day at Barangaroo with an indigenous smoking ceremony at 7.30am followed by the WulgulOra Morning Ceremony.

This celebration includes performances by Aboriginal performers including the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe. The ceremony celebrates Australia’s traditional landowners and includes singing of the national anthem in both English and the Eora language.

Pack a picnic and hang around, Barangaroo also offers an excellent vantage point to watch the finish of the Sydney Harbour Ferrython.

Australia Day on Sydney Harbour

The harbour is home to some of the day’s most spectacular events.

At 10.45 am the Sydney Harbour Ferrython’s First Fleet ferries, will depart from Barangaroo Wharf and make their way to Shark Island and then back to a spectacular finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For the best views, line up along the foreshore between Bradley’s Head and the Harbour Bridge. The footpath of the Harbour Bridge is also a great place to watch this unfold.

From 11:55am-12:05pm in the harbour near Circular Quay The Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force will combine in a Salute to Australia, featuring ships on the water, a 21-gun salute on land and a fast jet tribute in the sky.

From 12:30am-1.30pm Navy Helicopter Flag Display, it will be all eyes on the skies for this new display

The Tall Ship Race will get underway straight after this at 1pm–1.30pm. Visually, this is my favourite event – the ships in full sail are a majestic sight. The race starts at Bradley’s head and finishes under the Harbour Bridge. Again, the deck of the Harbour Bridge is a great place to watch and photograph the action.

1:30pm-6pm 188th Australia Day Regatta

Australia Day Harbour Cruises

Being out on the harbour is THE best place to be on Australia Day. All the cruise operators sell spectator tickets. Some include a food and beverage package and others offer BYO options to help keep the prices down.

Australia Day Ferrython Spectator Cruise

Be out on the water in the middle of all the excitement this year and get up close to the action. See the Ferrython, Tall Ships Race, Harbour Parade from a front row position.

Captain Cook Picnic Cruise

A budget friendly cruise that allows you to bring your own picnic lunch as you spend 4 hours out on the harbour taking in the action from one of Captain Cook’s premium vessels.

Another option is the Fantasea spectator cruise. This cruise will have you on the water in time for the Ferry race, which is quite a sight. Being out in the thick of the race cheering the ferries on is an exciting way to spend a few hours.

Drinks and snacks are available for purchase and there is a licensed bar (card payments only). Alternatively, bring your own picnic to enjoy on deck. No BYO alcohol is permitted. Only $55 for adults and $33 for kids. A family ticket is available.

Lunch Cruise with Ferrython and Tall Ship race viewing

Captain Cook is offering three dining options for their lunch cruise.

• The Sky Deck, on the top floor of the vessel will offer a 4 course premium meal with premium beverages, including spirits. There are just a few tickets left, $229 for adults and $199 for kids.
• One floor down on the Club Deck you will enjoy a 3 course meal with premium beverages. $165 for adults and $99 for kids.
• Ocean deck with its water level views is a casual affair with seafood and charcuterie boards featuring cheeses, cured meats and antipasto. Your booking includes a welcome drink with an open bar to purchase beverages. $145 for adults and $99 for kids.

All guests are welcome to access the rooftop deck, however only the Ocean deck is wheelchair accessible.

Seafood Lunch Cruise

This cruise with Vagabond Cruises has you out on the water for 3.5 hours and includes seafood and carvery buffet lunch. There are allocated indoor tables and space on the outside decks for everyone to enjoy the action before and after lunch.

Reasonably priced at $120 pp, beverages are not included, but there is a bar on board. The cruise leaves from the Commissioner’s Steps Circular Quay.

Australia Day Evening Cruises – See the fireworks

You have two superb choices for the evening Australia Day Celebrations depending on your budget.. Either of them is a memorable way to end the day.

We highly recommend the Australia Day Dinner on Captain Cook’s Sydney 2000 – Club Deck. This 4-hour dinner cruise features 3 courses and superior beer and wine. Be part of the evening light show (and possibly fireworks weather permitting).

• The Sky Deck, on the top floor of the vessel will offer a 4 course premium meal with premium beverages, including spirits. There are just a few tickets left, $229 for adults and $199 for kids.
• One floor down on the Club Deck you will enjoy a 3 course meal with premium beverages. $165 for adults and $99 for kids.
• Ocean deck with its water level views is a casual affair with seafood and charcuterie boards featuring cheeses, cured meats and antipasto. Your booking includes a welcome drink with an open bar to purchase beverages. $145 for adults and $99 for kids.

Captain Cook is also offering a BYO Australia Day Fireworks Cruise. This 4 hour cruise features DJ entertainment and a bar with the option to BYO Picnic dinner on board. Tickets are $75.

If this is sold out, an alternative option is to cruise with Vagabond. Check out the photos and prices of the cruise here.

Australia Day in The Rocks

The Rocks will see plenty of action throughout the day with activities planned from 9 am

The Streets of The Rocks will provide the route for the annual 10K Wheelchair Race from 8:30am-10am. The best place to watch the action is George Street or from the Cahill Walk for a bird’s-eye view if it is open.

The following events will run from 10 am

• A special Australia Day edition of the Rocks Market
• A mega kids zone in the Overseas Passenger Terminal which includes a ninja inspired inflatable obstacle course and a massive maze, and family friendly arcade and more.

Australia Day in Darling Harbour

There will be lots of family fun in Darling Harbour this Australia Day. With dozens of Sydney Festival activations already in place there will be some special additions for Australia Day.

• 12pm – Welcome to Country in the ICC forecourt
• 10am-3pm – Kombi Van DJ
• Enjoy roving entertainers

There is also Putt Putt, Paddle Boats and more (these may require tickets). Check the Darling Harbour website for more details.

Vintage Bus rides to North Sydney

Take a vintage bus ride from Macquarie Street across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to North Sydney. Rides will operate from 10.30am-4.30pm.

Australia Day Concert at the Sydney Opera House

There will be plenty of crowds at the Opera House for the Australia Day concert. There will be a ballot for tickets in early January. Follow Australia Day on Facebook to know when the ticket ballot opens. Headline acts have not yet been announced.

If you don’t get a ticket, you can watch from a harbour cruise or one of the foreshore locations around Circular Quay.

Suburban Events

If you prefer to stay outside the city centre, I would recommend checking out one of these great local events. Most events are free unless otherwise mentioned.

If you join in the action in any way you can share your images online with using #AustraliaDay

Cronulla – Plenty of fun at the iconic Cronulla beachside concert featuring headline performers Sheppard, Cronulla beachside concert featuring headline performers Sheppard, together with Samantha Jade, locals Caravãna Sun, Jess, and Matt, and the Royal Australian Navy Band and concluding with a spectacular firework display over South Cronulla beach. From 4pm.

Kirrawee – Cinema Under the Stars at Biddy Giles Park. Watch DC League Of Super Pets (PG) as part of our family-friendly outdoor cinema experience. Including garden games, free popcorn, and local acoustic performances.

Sutherland Shire – Head to any of Sutherland Shire’s three Leisure Centres for Australia Day Pool Parties. Free swim entry between 10am and 2pm and DJs will keep the tunes going all day.

Carss Park – Starting from noon there will be big screen entertainment featuring Australian screen classics, as well as a broadcast of the Australian Open tennis tournament. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy what’s on offer, including the food from many stallholders and some activities for children. There will be a fireworks show over Kogarah Bay at 9pm.

Botany – Bayside Council will host an Australia Day party at Botany Aquatic Centre. Enjoy live music, inflatable water slides and Indigenous crafts on our national day. Regular entry fee applies.

Manly – Australia Day Pool Parties (Manly & Warringah aquatic centres)

St Ives – Experience summer in St Ives! Join us at the St Ives Summer Fair for a huge Australia Day celebration! We’ve got rides, games, food and entertainment topped off with a special performance by the #RingofSteel. Open for the whole family and only $2 entry. 10am to 10pm Australia Day at the St Ives Showground. 

Parramatta Park – This is an excellent choice for families with lots of fun stuff for the kids. The day begins with a hot-air balloon display, a vintage car show, the Parravison talent quest, the Big BBQ featuring the big Lamb competition and fireworks show to wrap things up. Full program here.

So either get out and enjoy the city or if crowds are not sure your thing, find the nearest BBQ and have a few Australian beers with some friends.

Featured image Creative Commons By Travis Simon from Sydney, Australia (Australia Day 2010 Uploaded by berichard) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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