Australia Day Cruises & Things to Do in Sydney 2026

Planning Australia Day in Sydney? The harbour comes alive on January 26th with spectacular events including a Ferrython, Tall Ships and Harbour Parade and fireworks. Get the best vantage point and maximise your celebrations with Sydney Harbour cruises. Choose from budget spectator cruises or premium lunch and dinner experiences with included drinks and entertainment. Below, discover what’s on, where to watch, and the best cruise options to book for 2026.

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What is Australia Day about?

Australia Day marks January 26th, when the first British settlers landed in Port Jackson in 1788. For visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience one of Australia’s biggest national celebrations, a day when Sydney’s iconic harbour becomes the backdrop for spectacular waterborne events, live music, food, and fireworks.

Important context: While many Australians celebrate, it’s worth knowing that the date is significant and sometimes controversial among Indigenous Australians, as it marks the beginning of colonisation. Modern Australia Day celebrations aim to reflect on our nation’s journey and celebrate the cultural diversity that defines us today.

Related: Read our post on Exploring Aboriginal Culture in Sydney

For first-time visitors, the key thing to know is that on January 26th, Sydney transforms into a festival. The entire city—especially the harbour—is filled with celebrations, events, and activities. Book your spot (especially if you want to be on the water) well in advance, as it’s one of the busiest days of the summer.

What should you do on Australia Day in Sydney?

There are two main ways to celebrate: on the water with a harbour cruise, or from a foreshore vantage point on land.

• Being on the water means you’ll avoid the crowds, have unobstructed views, and many cruises include food, drinks, and entertainment.
• From the foreshore, you can camp out at Barangaroo Reserve, Circular Quay, The Rocks, or Bradley’s Head to watch for free, but expect crowds, limited sightlines, and the challenge of holding your spot for hours.

Quick tip: If you’re planning to be on the water, book your cruise NOW—they sell out weeks in advance, especially the lunch and dinner options.

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-5.40am
• 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-9:30am
• AirForce Roulettes – 12pm-12.10pm
• Ferrython – 12:10-12:30pm – watch from the Harbour Bridge or foreshore.
• The Great Aussie BBQ – 11am-2pm Hickson Road Reserve
• Tallships Race – 1pm-1.30pm and then tall ship festival at Campbells Cove until 4pm
• Vintage Bus Rides – 10:30am-5:30pm The Rocks and North Sydney
• Australia Day Live – 7:30pm-10:30pm

You can find the full list here.

Australia Day at Barangaroo (7:30am–8:30am)

If you want an authentic, cultural start to your day, Barangaroo Reserve is the place to be. The morning ceremony features a smoking ceremony and the WulgulOra Morning Ceremony, with performances by Aboriginal dancers and the national anthem sung in both English and Eora language.

Best for: First-time visitors wanting a uniquely Australian cultural experience, and anyone who wants to start their day with something meaningful.

After the ceremony, you can stay at Barangaroo to watch the Ferrython (around 11:45am). Pack a picnic and camp a spot along the foreshore—it’s one of the best free vantage points for the morning events.

Optional add-on: If you want to be on the water after Barangaroo, the nearby Barangaroo Wharf (5-minute walk) or Circular Quay, (15 minute walk) has several cruise departures for the Ferrython and Harbour Parade events.

Australia Day on Sydney Harbour

The harbour is the main stage for Australia Day, with four major events unfolding across the middle of the day. Being on the water (or along the foreshore) gives you front‑row access without the worst of the crowds.

Here’s the timeline of what happens:

Ferrython & Midday Action

• Ferrython Race: 12:10pm–12:30pm, between Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge – this is the classic “First Fleet” ferry race.
• Maritime Mayhem: 12:15pm–12:30pm, stunt boats and jet skis performing in front of Circular Quay.
• Navy Helicopter Flag Display: 12:30pm–1:00pm, huge Australian White Ensign flag flown over the harbour.

Afternoon On‑Water Program

• Harbour Parade: 1:00pm–2:00pm, decorated vessels cruising a loop of the harbour.
• Tall Ships Race: 1:00pm–1:30pm, from Bradleys Head to under the Harbour Bridge – visually one of the best events of the day.
• 190th Australia Day Regatta: 1:30pm–6:00pm, racing yachts and classic boats spread right across the harbour.
• Working Harbour Vessel Display: 2:00pm–4:00pm, tugs, workboats and heritage vessels showing off on the main harbour.
• Australia Day Concert: (7:30-9:30pm)
• The fireworks: (9:30pm)

Check the full official schedule here

These timings are important when you’re choosing a harbour cruise – some departures are designed around the Ferrython and midday action, while others focus on the evening concert and fireworks.

Being out on the harbour is hands‑down the best place to be on Australia Day. All the major operators sell spectator tickets; some include food and drinks, others are BYO to keep costs down.

Spectator Cruises: Ferrython & Tall Ship Race

If you just want to be in the thick of the action for the morning program, a short Ferrython spectator cruise is ideal.

Recommended: Captain Cook Ferrython Cruise

Join one of Sydney’s most iconic Australia Day traditions and cheer on the Ferrython from the water. The colourful fleet completes two laps between Fort Denison and the Sydney Harbour Bridge finish line while you watch from a twin‑deck rocket catamaran with all‑weather indoor and outdoor viewing.

​This short spectator cruise ($59) runs for up to 1 hour 45 minutes, departing 11:00am from King Street Wharf and returning around 12:45pm, perfectly timed for the Salute to Australia, RAAF Roulettes fly‑past and Ferrython race. It’s BYO drinks and light snacks with open, “ferry‑style” seating, so you can move around the decks for the best views and photos.

My tip: Head straight to the front deck as you board so you’ve got an unobstructed view of the ferries rounding Fort Denison and racing to the bridge

Take part in the Tall ship Race

If you want the most atmospheric way to see the on‑water action, join one of the historic tall ships – Coral Trekker, Soren Larsen or Southern Swan – as they actually take part in the Australia Day Tall Ships’ Race.

You’ll watch the crew set the sails and race for line honours, or you can even lend a hand if you like.​
This 4‑hour lunch cruise departs from Campbell’s Cove at The Rocks and includes a substantial lunch plus unlimited wine, bubbly, beer, soft drinks and juice. There’s also an optional mast climb for those who are game, and plenty of time to enjoy the Tall Ships Race and the afternoon Australia Day Regatta from the deck of a working sailing ship.​

Good for: keen photographers, repeat visitors and anyone who wants an immersive “old Sydney Harbour” experience

Australia Day Harbour Parade cruise (BYO)

If you just want to be out on the water for the most colourful part of Harbourfest without committing to a full lunch package, this 2‑hour Harbour Parade cruise is excellent value. It runs from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on a twin‑deck rocket catamaran with all‑weather indoor and outdoor viewing, timed around the Tall Ships Race finish, Navy helicopter flag display and start of the Australia Day Regatta.

​Bring your own drinks and light snacks and settle into “ferry‑style” open seating as boats of all shapes and sizes cruise past in their Australia Day best, competing for prizes in the Harbour Parade. This is one of the cheapest ways to get out on the harbour for the afternoon program, ideal if you’ve spent the morning on land and want a simple, no‑frills spectator cruise.​

​Australia Day Lunch Cruises

If you’d like to sit down to lunch and stay out on the water through the busiest part of the program, a dedicated Australia Day lunch cruise works well.

Captain Cook Sydney 2000 Australia Day lunch cruise

For a more comfortable, food‑focused way to see the daytime action, the flagship Sydney 2000 offers a 3.5‑hour lunch cruise with front‑row views of the Ferrython, Salute to Australia, RAAF flypast, Harbour Parade, Tall Ships Race and Australia Day Regatta.​

Core inclusions and timing:

• Boarding 10:30am, departing 11:00am and returning 2:30pm from King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour.​
• Large windows, three dining decks plus an open‑air Star Deck, (roof) with individual reserved seating (minimum two per table).​
• Premium 3‑ or 4‑course dining, Aussie lamington on arrival, Summer in Sydney “Aussie classics” playlist and access to spacious outdoor decks for photos.​

Deck options

• Sky Deck – Australian Spectacular: 4‑course premium à la carte menu, premium beverages plus house spirits and the most elevated views on the ship. $239pp​
• Club Deck – Australian Classic: 3‑course premium menu with premium beverage package on the mid‑level dining deck. $199pp​
• Ocean Deck – Australian Chilled: 3‑course premium menu with premium beverages on the water‑level deck; best value and fully accessible with same‑level wheelchair bathrooms. $165pp​

View the menus here

Good for: first‑time visitors, anyone who wants guaranteed seating, air‑conditioning and a proper long lunch while still seeing most of the Harbourfest program from the comfort of a big boat.

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

Australia Day Dinner & Fireworks Cruises

Australia Day evenings on the harbour are all about light shows, lit-vessel parades, and the fireworks finale. Choose between a premium sit‑down dinner on Sydney 2000 or a more casual tall ship BBQ with open bar and rigging‑framed fireworks views – all three options include fireworks on the harbour.​

• Sydney 2000 fireworks & dinner cruise – premium, seated dining with multiple decks and the full Australia Day Live program.​
• Tall ship dinner & fireworks (Soren Larsen) – hands-on sailing feel, BBQ dinner and open bar on a character ship.​
• Tall ship dinner & fireworks (Southern Swan) – similar to Soren Larsen, with a relaxed, social vibe and great rigging-framed fireworks photos.​

Good for: travellers who value atmosphere and storytelling over white-tablecloth dining, and anyone keen on unique photos rather than a standard dinner boat.

The tall ship Soren Larsen will also offer a 4-hour evening cruise with a BBQ dinner and open bar.

If you prefer linen tablecloths and air‑conditioning, Sydney 2000 is the best fit; if you’re happy with a BBQ, open bar and timber decks under the rigging, the tall ship dinners are a more atmospheric way to watch the fireworks.

Captain Cook Australia Day Dinner Cruise

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.

Beyond the Harbour Cruises: Free & Local Events

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.

• 11am – Welcome to Country in the ICC forecourt
• 11.30am-4pm – 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.

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

Bondi – Dawn Reflection: A Morning of Connection and Acknowledgment with traditional dance, and cultural ceremonies honoring our First Nations community. Following the reflection, connect with community over breakfast at Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club (gold coin donation supporting the GO Foundation).

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.

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