Popular Sydney Harbour Events To Add To Your Calendar
Sydney isn’t just a city—it’s the life of the party and its heart beats the strongest on the harbour! Whether you’re a Sydneysider looking to shake up your social calendar or a visitor ready to experience the best of Sydney events, you’re in for an unforgettable ride.
Sydney Harbour plays host to world-famous events that turn ordinary days into unforgettable moments—dazzling fireworks, high-speed yacht races and a festival of lights that transforms the city into a dreamscape. Sound like your kind of fun? Then get ready—here’s what’s on in Sydney that you absolutely need to experience.
Sydney New Year's Eve
Sydney doesn’t just celebrate New Year’s Eve; it owns it! If you haven’t rung in the new year on Sydney Harbour, have you celebrated NYE the iconic way. This is the ultimate bucket list event, with the world-famous fireworks that explode into a kaleidoscope of colours over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, drawing millions of spectators from all over the world.
The best way to experience it you ask? Aboard a Sydney Harbour cruise. Join the ‘Magistic Two,’ where you can avoid the thronging harbour and get the best views of the fireworks display from the exclusion zone. Enjoy a delectable buffet with free-flowing beverages throughout the night and bring in the year with a bang.
Australia Day
January 26th isn’t just another summer’s day—it’s a full-blown celebration of all things Aussie, and Sydney Harbour is the heart of it all. There is no better way to soak up the action than on the popular Sydney Harbour cruises, where you’ll have the ultimate vantage point. By day, watch the iconic Ferrython, the Air Force Roulettes and the majestic Tall Ships Race fill the harbour with energy. By night, the festivities continue with Australia Day Live and the dazzling fireworks that take over the water.
Sail GP
If adrenaline-pumping action is your thing, then SailGP is the event to watch out for on Sydney Harbour. Think of it as Formula 1, but on water, with the ‘F50’ catamarans battling it out for championship glory. Watching it from land is one thing. But how about watching it from a Sydney Harbour cruise right next to all the action? That is next-level awesome!
Feel the thrill of the chase, hear the wind whipping past the sails and witness the world’s best sailors push the limits. This is a sporting event you definitely don’t want to miss.
Vivid Sydney
Every year, Sydney’s winter nights shine brighter with Vivid Sydney. This annual event transforms the city into a glowing wonderland of light, music, ideas and food. For three weeks, the harbour is bathed in a neon brilliance, with jaw-dropping light installations at every turn. Iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge transform into dazzling works of art and music performances that make the whole city come alive.
In 2025, Vivid invites Sydney to ‘Dream’ big. What better way to do that than aboard our Vivid Sydney cruises, offering an unforgettable view of this futuristic wonderland? Whether you're an art lover or just someone who loves a good night out, Vivid is an event that must be seen to be believed.
Rolex: Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race (Boxing Day)
The day after Christmas, while most people are still recovering from festive feasts, Sydney shifts into high gear with the legendary Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Dubbed the ‘Everest of Ocean Racing,’ this Boxing Day tradition is one of the world’s top sailing events. The race starts from Sydney Harbour, with dozens of yachts jostling for position as they set sail on their epic journey. The excitement is palpable, the competition fierce and the best part? You can be right in the middle of it all on a Sydney Harbour cruise. Watch these incredible yachts power through the water, feel the energy of the crowd and be part of a true Sydney tradition.
There’s nothing quite like Sydney Harbour events—they’re bigger, brighter and better than anywhere else in the world. Whether it’s fireworks, fast boats or festivals of light, this city knows how to put on a show. So, which of these incredible Sydney events are you adding to your calendar?
