Australia Day celebrations in Sydney has the city bustling with proud Aussie energy and events that ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate’. From stunning artwork to choreographed performances, each corner of Sydney is filled with that quintessential holiday vibe.
Though celebrated country-wide, for Sydney, Australia Day gives way to vibrant, large-scale celebrations all across the city. The streets are decorated and the harbour is bustling with activity. Ferries and vessels are decked up in national colours while locals and visitors all come together to “reflect, respect and celebrate”!
With a host of events and activities, there are many ways that you can celebrate being Aussie in Sydney. And we invite you to experience the best of it with Magistic Cruises! So before booking your cruise, take a look at the various ways the city celebrates and all the things to do on Australia Day in Sydney.
When it’s Australia Day in Sydney, you are sure to know about it. Events flood both the streets and the water with something for everyone!
Sydney Harbour transforms into a stage for a full day of celebrations on the water! From ferry races to aerial displays, the harbour is a bustle of activity. The Harbourfest is a collection of events including the Ferrython, Tall Ships Race, Maritime Displays and more. The best way to be part of this annual event is on the Australia Day cruises on Sydney Harbour, which focus on giving the guest the best views – right in the middle of the action!
The Australia Day Ferrython is one of the beloved events that Sydneysiders and visitors come together to witness. This annual race features four of Sydney’s iconic Emerald Class ferries racing around the harbour, completing laps and finishing near the Harbour Bridge.
As part of the Australia Day tradition, the Royal Australian Air Force puts up a glorious aerial display by aircrafts including fighter jets and helicopters. The show features dramatic turns, altitude drops and jaw-dropping manoeuvres! It is a demonstration of the country’s pride and world-class capability.
The Midday Salute celebrates being Australian through a stunning tri-forces display. The ceremony starts with the 21-Gun Salute by the Australian Army, followed by the HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy’s flagship with a Seahawk helicopter proudly carrying the Australian National Flag. The Royal Australian Air Force joins in with a fast-jet flypast, which is accompanied by the National Anthem.
A smoking ceremony is also performed onboard the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation Fleet vessel.
The day’s festivities come to an end with spectacular fireworks displays. This is best seen from vantage points in Circular Quay, Darling Harbour or on a spectator cruise.
While the harbour is bustling with activity, the shores make way for community gatherings, citizenship ceremonies, cultural performances and family-friendly zones! Parks and landmarks transform into stages, fairs and markets – all celebrating the nation-wide holiday.
As the sun rises and the first rays of light hit the shores of Sydney, the Opera House sails are illuminated with beautiful Aboriginal artwork that pays respect to the First Nations of Australia.
Pro-tip: The best vantage point to see the artwork is the Overseas Passenger Terminal at The Rocks.
The WugulOra Morning Ceremony usually takes place after the Dawn Reflection in Barangaroo Reserve. It is a ceremony that celebrates the Aboriginal culture through dance, song and storytelling. A featured section of it is the traditional smoking ceremony performed by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dancers. Speeches are given and the Australian National Anthem is sung in both the Eora language and English.
This annual one-day festival is Australia’s largest and is 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated. With free-entry for all, Yabun, meaning “music to a beat” features food, market stalls, music and dance for all ages. The festival focuses on the Torres Strait Islander cultures with First Nations musicians, dancers and speakers at the festival.
This 10K race has quickly become one of Australia Day’s favorite events. Each year, wheelchair track and road athletes show up and unleash incredible speed and strength as they race through The Rocks. This race showcases talent like no other.
Pro-tip: The best place to witness the race is along George Street and Hickson Road.
The concert takes place in the evening, on the Opera House forecourt and the surrounding Circular Quay areas. Featuring top Aussie artists, the program includes musical performances, choreography and light displays on the Opera House sails. The tickets start selling in the second week of January. If you can’t make it though, you can always watch the live broadcast on the telly!
Apart from the land and harbour events, Australia Day offers many activities and things that you can do to be part of the celebration in your own Aussie way. From family oriented zones to high-energy activities on the harbour, there’s something for everyone.
Harbour cruises offer prime views to Sydney’s biggest day. From ferry races and flypasts to fireworks shows, they provide guests with the full spectator experiences. They operate without the crowds and offer uninterrupted views of the harbour activities and events.
Circular Quay, Barangaroo Reserve and The Royal Botanic Garden are popular places to enjoy a picnic. Claim patches of shade with harbour views, and lounge while enjoying snacks and bevs! It's a casual and flexible option on this popular holiday.
The Mega Kidz Zone is for families to make the most on Australia Day. With inflatables, games and supervised activities, it gives kids a place to spend their energy while still being part of the wider celebration. And for parents, it’s a place where they can be part of the festivities and still be with their children.
Australia Day brings a festival-style food scene to Sydney’s main precincts. With pop-up stalls, food trucks and temp bars, the city’s multicultural palate makes eating part of the experience rather than a break from it.
Overall, Australia Day is a time where Sydney comes alive in both spirit and enthusiasm. With festivities happening left, right and centre, it is a day where Aussies celebrate being Aussie with the whole nation. From watching the sun rise behind the Opera House to witnessing the Ferrython onboard our spectator cruise, it's a day to be out and about with your fellow Sydneysiders and experience the city at its peak!
If you’d like to know more about the various celebrations in the city, check out our guide to events happening in Sydney
