Sydney to celebrate Australia Day with a host of harbour activities for young and old
Pack a picnic or sample some of the many foodtrucks dotting Sydney Harbour this January 26 and then prepare to enjoy the spectacle. From dawn until late there will be something for everyone.
NSW
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Sydneysiders are encouraged to reflect, respect and honour the history of our nation by participating in events this Australia Day.
The 2023 program, created by the Australia Day Council of NSW and NSW Government, will return to its full scale with stories to share and to bring communities together.
These much loved Australia Day tradtions are back for 2023:
1. WUGULORA MORNING CEREMONY, BARANGAROO RESERVE
7.30am – 8.30am
Hosted on Gadigal land and celebrates First Nations culture, language, music and dance, with special performances by Christine Anu, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers and singers, including the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
2. THE OZ DAY 10K WHEELCHAIR RACE
8.30am – 10.00am
Featuring more than 30 athletes, from Paralympians to juniors, battling it out on a super tight and technical course that will push them to their limits. Cheer on the athletes along George Street and Hickson Road, The Rocks.
3. MEGA KIDZ ZONE AT THE OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL
10.30am – 4.00pm
A family-friendly zone with roaming buskers, street performers, food trucks and more. Lose yourself in the ninja-inflatable obstacle course and a massive maze, or take in some wheelchair basketball.
4. AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE ROCKS
11.00am – 6.30pm
Indulge in an international food extravaganza, from authentic pizzas and handmade chocolate, to caramel waffles and Portuguese egg tarts. Enjoy free live music and views of the Harbour.
5. FAMILY FUN WITH SURF LIFE SAVING NSW ON THE MCA LAWN
10.30am – 4.00pm
Learn about the great work that Surf Life Saving NSW and the little Nippers do to educate families on beach and sun safety. Get a photo dressed as a life saver, enjoy arts and crafts or meet the lifesavers.
6. WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
10.30am – 4.00pm
Take in some wheelchair basketball at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
7. FOOD TRUCKS AT THE OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL
9.00am – 9.00pm
Head to Argyle Street and taste a range of international cuisine from a variety of friendly food trucks surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere.
8. DAWN REFLECTION, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
5.20am – 5.50am
The day will start with a reflective moment to honour the nation’s traditional custodians with the symbolic dawn illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails with First Nations art by Kamilaroi woman and artist Rhonda Sampson.
9. DAWN REFLECTION AND FLAGS RAISED, SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE
5.20am – 5.50am
The dawn projection will coincide with both the Australian National Flag and Australian Aboriginal Flag being raised on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sun comes up, in a symbol of unity, recognition and inclusion.
10. SYDNEY HARBOUR SPLASH AT WOOLLAHRA SAILING CLUB
8.00am – 10.45am
Challenge yourself to swim in the world’s greatest harbour. Compete in the endurance 2.5km or 5km events or take on the Dementia Australia 1km swim and raise money for a worthy cause. Dive into Sydney Harbour at Rose Bay, then head to Woollahra Sailing Club.
To enter, visit splashseries.events
11. FERRYTHON, SYDNEY HARBOUR
10.45am – 11.20am
See our beloved ferries in this popular Australia Day tradition, as they compete for honours in the race around Shark Island and back under the Harbour Bridge. This year, ferries will be colourfully dressed in honour of their namesakes – Catherine Hamlin, May Gibbs, Fred Hollows and Bungaree.
12. SALUTE TO AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY HARBOUR
11.30am – 12.05pm
At Hickson Road Reserve, the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force combine, featuring a Naval ship on the water, a 21-gun salute on land and a fast jet tribute in the sky. Hear the Governor of NSW’s Address and our national anthem.
13. HIGH IN THE SKY OVER SYDNEY HARBOUR
12.00pm
The F-35 Lightning II fast jet will conduct an impressive fly-past on the last notes of the national anthem at midday, as part of the Salute to Australia at Hickson Road Reserve.
14. MARITIME MAYHEM, CIRCULAR QUAY
12.15pm – 12.30pm
Like a Monster Truck show but on water! A high-voltage display accompanied by fun commentary. See stunts by jet skis and a tug handling display choreographed to music.
15. NAVY HELICOPTER FLAG DISPLAY, SYDNEY HARBOUR
12.00pm – 1.30pm
The Navy Helicopter will tow a giant Australian National Flag over crowds gathered with friends and family to mark our national day. Make sure you look out for it.
16. HARBOUR PARADE, SYDNEY HARBOUR
12.45pm – 2.00pm
Grab a spot on the harbour for the Australia Day Harbour Parade, celebrating some of Sydney’s most iconic vessels in a dazzling display of fun national spirit.
17. TALL SHIPS RACE, SYDNEY HARBOUR
1.00pm – 1.30pm
See historic ships battle for the coveted Tall Ships Trophy. Find the perfect vantage spot, bring the binoculars and watch the ships race from Bradleys Head to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
18. 187TH AUSTRALIA DAY REGATTA, EASTERN SYDNEY HARBOUR
1.30pm – 4.00pm
It’s a race for the ages as vessels big, small, new and old prepare to take each other on. Watch great ships – from large yachts to 18-foot skiffs – glide through the waves.
19. WORKING HARBOUR FESTIVAL, THE ROCKS
2.00pm – 4.00pm
Come and check out the working vessels that are the lifeblood of Sydney Harbour at Campbells Cove. Get up close and personal with hard working tugs, immense barges and majestic tall ships.
20-21. AUSTRALIA DAY LIVE, CIRCULAR QUAY
7.30pm – 9.30pm
An unmissable concert taking place on the Opera House forecourt stage, featuring live musical performances from top Aussie acts such as Dami Im and Christine Anu, choreographed to a flotilla of yachts, jet-skis and fly-boarders with a spectacular fireworks display on Sydney Harbour. Watch on ABC TV or ABC iview on January 26.
22. FAMILY FUN AT DARLING HARBOUR
12.00am – 6.00pm
Tumbalong Park will be bursting with sights, sounds and activity this Australia Day with events including a Smoking Ceremony at midday, live music, roving entertaining, putt-putt and pedal boats all day. There’s plenty of choice for the whole family to have a fantastic day.
23. VINTAGE BUSES,
MACQUARIE STREET NEAR THE OPERA HOUSE
10.30am – 4.30pm
Travel like it’s 1949 on a double-decker vintage bus from Macquarie St across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to North Sydney and back again. Step back in time as you ride on a double-decker vintage bus over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and looping back. Enjoy a slice of yesteryear with the best views.
24. AUSTRALIA DAY @ THE HOUSE, ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
10am – 5.00pm
Escape to an oasis in the heart of the city for a free family-friendly experience at Government House. Live music, fire engines, guide dog demonstrations, tours of Sydney’s ‘Castle by the Harbour’ and more - all in one of the most spectacular locations in Australia.
25. YABUN FESTIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK, BROADWAY
10.00am – 10.00pm
This popular festival is free to attend and allows Australians to celebrate and share in the world’s oldest continuous living culture. Yabun features live music, performances, arts and stalls, panel discussions, community forums, children’s activities and much more.
On Australia Day, transport will run regularly throughout the day and night to a weekend timetable with some additional services. Roads around the harbour will close from early morning and remain closed until the evening. Special event clearway parking restrictions will also be in place.
OTHER EVENTS
The Hottest Pie Hundred
This summer’s hottest list of songs will have you salivating, thanks to National Pies.
The brand has released its Hottest Pie Hundred playlist on Spotify, featuring 100 of the world’s best pie-related tunes.
Music fans will be given the chance to get their mitts on the ultimate mega prize pack: 100 tasty pies and 100 canned ‘coldies’ from some of Tassie’s finest breweries.
To enter, head to National Pies’ Instagram page, follow, tag three mates, and comment with their favourite pie tune. Closes January 27.
Burrawa Climb
BridgeClimb will be taking a moment to reflect and recognise the important history of Sydney’s First People.
The Burrawa Climb will run four times throughout the day for guests that wish to take a moment to immerse themselves in the history of Indigenous Sydney.
A smoking ceremony will be held before the first Burrawa Climb of the day, and $50 from every Burrawa Climb ticket sold will be donated to Tribal Warrior to support their incredible work empowering community through connection to culture and family.
Plan your trip and visittransportnsw.info orlivetraffic.com for real-time traffic conditions
Visit australiaday.com.au for updates.
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