From dawn to dark, there’s an event for everyone this Australia Day on Sydney Harbour
Celebrate Australia Day 2024 in Sydney with a range of events for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the day around Sydney Harbour.
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Celebrate Australia Day 2024 in the heart of Sydney with a vibrant array of events around its iconic harbour.
From the Dawn Reflection with the Aboriginal flag projected on the Sydney Opera House sails to cultural ceremonies, fireworks, the thrilling Ferrython race, RAAF Roulettes in the skies, and the new Great Aussie BBQ, there’s something for everyone on January 26.
Join the festivities created to connect communities, families, and friends, embracing an inclusive and inspirational program unveiled by the NSW Government and Australia Day Council.
Revellers are encouraged mark the day meaningfully, reflect on our collective journey, and share in the rich tapestry of our state, nation, and shared future.
Here is your ultimate guide to what’s on around Sydney Harbour this Australia Day:
1. Dawn Reflection
5.20am-5.50am
Sydney’s full day of events on January 26 will kick off at dawn with a ceremony honouring the nation’s traditional custodians. As the sun rises, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with an artwork that represents and honours Aboriginal history, culture and people.
As the sun rises, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with an artwork that represents and honours Aboriginal history, culture and people.
2. Australian and Aboriginal flags raising, Sydney Harbour Bridge
5.30am
Both flags raised in unison to symbolise unity, recognition and inclusion.
3. WugulOra Morning Ceremony, Barangaroo Reserve (place name: Gudjyi)
7.30am – 8.30am
This event, which is held every year, is a reminder that Aboriginal people are the foundation of Australia’s story and caretakers of the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
It features many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and showcases the richness and historical significance of these many and varied cultures.
With the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, this formal event is open to everyone and will include the Australian National Anthem which will be sung in English and Eora, the local Aboriginal language.
For those unable to make the event, you can watch the WugulOra Morning Ceremony live on NITV or stream free on SBS On Demand from 7.30am.
4. The Oz Day 10K Wheelchair Race, The Rocks
8.30am – 10am
Wheelchair track and road athletes will compete in the 35th GIO Oz Day 10k, regarded the best wheelchair race in the world.
HarbourFest
5. P & O Cruise Ship, Sydney Harbour
All day
Australia’s homegrown cruise line will be part of the festivities.
6. Sydney Harbour Splash – Rose Bay
6am-10.30am
One of Sydney’s most iconic swims in its eighth year. To register or find out more visit: sydneyharboursplash.com
7. Eat Street, Overseas Passenger Terminal
9am – 9pm
A variety of food trucks will be serving international cuisine.
8. Great Aussie BBQ, Hickson Road Reserve
10am – 2pm
On January 26, Hickson Rd Reserve transforms into a modern foodie hub with The Great Aussie BBQ from 10am to 2pm, overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Multicultural vendors will showcase their creative takes on the classic sausage ‘sanga’. From Vietnamese inspired sambos to a Greek Gyros-style wrap and an Indian-inspired vegan option from Turbans4Australia, the diverse offerings will tantalise tastebuds.
Proceeds support farmers through Rural Aid, and sausages by Our Cow are limited. The first vendor to sell out earns the title of the “best Great Aussie BBQ sanger”.
Australia Day ambassador Kumar Pereira emphasises the celebration of diversity and suggests a simple feast at home for those unable to join the festivities, promoting the joy of celebrating Australia’s richness and safety in these uncertain times.
9. Wheelchair Basketball, OPT
10.30am – 2pm
Have a go at wheelchair basketball with The Wheelchair Sports NSW team.
10. Mega Kidz Zone, OPT
10.30am – 4pm
Children of all ages will have their own dedicated precinct to work off some energy or just cool down for an hour.
Building on last year’s popular Mega Kidzone, the Overseas Passenger Terminal will again play host to younger Australians.
There will be a range of fun activities to enjoy.
Navigate your way through a vast maze, challenge yourself to the inflatable obstacle course or take on the electronic games in the arcade.
This year will also feature a silent disco where kids of all ages and abilities can don headphones and move to the beat.
No bookings are needed, just turn up and jump in line for your free half-hour session.
But parents must stay close by — this is not a babysitting service.
At Darling Harbour there will be pedal boat rides on the harbour, Pixar Putt and a water play area to keep youngsters entertained.
11. Silent Disco, OPT
10.30am – 4pm
Kids of all abilities can dance to the beats of the silent disco at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
12. Surf Life Saving NSW, MCA Lawn
10.30am – 4pm
Learn about Surf Life Saving NSW. Discover Nippers, enjoy free face painting, sunscreen and access the water station.
13. Australia Day at The Rocks
11am – 5pm
An Australian edition of the markets.
14. Midday Salute, Circular Quay
11.55am – 12.15pm
Meaningful events weaving together cultural traditions and military displays in a tribute to our nation with the Australian Defence Force, The Roulettes, and an on-water smoking ceremony by The Wirawi, part of the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation fleet. Join in singing the National Anthem in English and Eora.
The Roulettes – High in the Sky
12pm-12.15pm
Strap in for an spectacle as the Royal Australian Air Force’s Roulettes show off their gravity-defying skills.
This elite aerobatic display team, including five of the nation’s most skilled pilots, will showcase their awe-inspiring flying prowess for Sydney’s Australia Day event for the first time since 1988.
For 13 thrilling minutes, these daredevil aviators will push their Pilatus PC-21 aircraft to the max, executing jaw-dropping loops, rolls, and high turns.
Flying at astonishing speeds of up to 685km/h and as low as 60 metres above the ground, the Roulette flyers can endure up to six times the force of gravity, delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience for onlookers.
The prime locations to see this high-speed, looping action from these top guns include Circular Quay, Hickson Road Reserve, the Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Sydney Opera House.
15. Ferrython, Sydney Harbour
12.15pm-12.25pm
The annual Ferrython race in Sydney Harbour is back with a new route and faster pace in 2024.
Four Emerald Class ferries — May Gibbs, Catherine Hamlin, Bungaree, and Fred Hollows — will compete, carrying 800 teachers and workers from the public education sector as a thankyou gesture.
The race covers two laps between Fort Denison and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, reaching the fastest speeds since 1977.
Spectators can enjoy the race from free vantage points and limited free tickets to board the ferries are available to win.
Principal Carla Scott of Verona School, which caters to students with behavioural difficulties, and other educators are among the invited passengers, highlighting the opportunity for team bonding and celebration on Sydney Harbour.
Each year, the NSW government recognises a special group to join the race; in the previous year, it was a group of refugees from Ukraine.
16. Maritime Mayhem, Circular Quay
12.15pm – 12.25pm
Like a Monster Truck show – but on water.
17. Seahawk Helicopter Flag Display, Sydney Harbour
12.30pm – 1.30pm
Australian Navy Seahawk Helicopter flying Australian flag.
18. Harbour Parade, Sydney Harbour
12.45pm – 2pm
‘Fashions on the field’, but for boats and their crews.
19. Tall Ships Race, Sydney Harbour Bridge
1pm – 1.30pm
A fleet of historic vessels race to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
20. 188th Australia Day Regatta, Sydney Harbour
1.30pm – 6pm
The oldest continuously run annual sailing event in the world, first held in 1837. Visit australiadayregatta.com.au
21. Working Harbour Festival, Campbells Cove
2pm – 4pm
View working vessels and enjoy live entertainment.
22-21 Australia Day Live, Circular Quay
7:30pm-9:30pm
The Australia Day Live concert promises a massive turnout with a dazzling night-time show at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt.
The two-hour spectacle features a musical and fireworks extravaganza, a lit vessel parade, jetski acrobatics, and more.
Notable performers include Casey Donovan, Dami Im, William Barton, Kate Miller-Heidke, and others.
Chocolate Starfish and Karnage N Darknis will debut with a special performance.
Donovan said Australia Day was a day of reflection, fostering conversations about history and a brighter future, while Miller-Heidke said the concert series would celebrate Australian music and culture with Indigenous artists in the spotlight.
Don’t miss the broadcast at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Around the City
24-27 An exciting range of family fun
From free entertainment in Victoria Park, Vintage bus ride across the CBD and family fun. Visit australiaday.com.au
Discover more Australia Day activities across NSW
Local councils are organising events to unite communities, and up to 100 Australia Day Ambassadors will join in various local activities.
These ambassadors travel across the state, from remote towns to coastal cities, sharing inspiring stories that embody the nation’s spirit.
For more event details, visitaustraliaday.com.au/whats-on/whats-on-in-nsw/
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