Australia Day: Guide to the best events around Sydney
Not sure what to do to celebrate Australia Day tomorrow? NewsLocal has you covered, with a list of activities and events happening right across Sydney.
There is no better way to celebrate Australia Day than by cracking a cold one and putting a snag on the barbie.
However, if you are looking to shake up annual household traditions of most Australians, there are a range of great activities and events happening across Sydney too.
From themed markets to concerts, hot-air balloon rides and indigenous dances, NewsLocal has you covered for ideas on how to celebrate tomorrow.
Lower and Upper North Shore
Pool Party, Milsons Point
Grab your cozzies and celebrate Australia Day sitting by the water, with a huge pool party being held at the North Sydney Olympic Pool.
The Family Fun Day — set to run from 11am until 2.30pm — will feature pool inflatables, music, roving entertainers, face-painting and children’s activities for all to enjoy.
Highland Dancing, North Sydney
In Civic Park, North Sydney a team of highland dancers will be donning their colourful kilts and performing from 9am until 1pm.
Australia Day Ceremony and Barbecue, Mosman
Mosman celebrates Australia Day with a citizenship ceremony and an address by Australia Day ambassador Dr Cindy Pan. Mosman’s 2019 Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will be announced at the Drill Hall ceremony, with a community barbecue being held afterwards. A community BBQ will be held afterwards.
Traditional Barbecue and 21-Gun Salute, Milsons Point
Enjoy a traditional Aussie barbecue with a multicultural twist in Bradfield Park at Milsons Point. With one of the most spectacular vantage points of the Sydney Harbour festivities, Bradfield Park is the perfect spot to watch the celebrations while enjoying barbecued cuisines from across the globe.
With festivities kicking-off at 10am, there will be live music and entertainment for all ages.
Those attending will get the chance to get up close and personal with native wildlife, as well as learn circus skills or simply enjoy the view. There will be free face painting and jumping castles for little ones, too.
Bradfield Park is also the staging point for an incredible 21-gun salute, known as The Salute to Australia, at 11.57am on the day. It will be received by the Governor of New South Wales David Hurley on the HMAS Canberra — the lead ship of the Canberra-class landing helicopter dock in service with the Royal Australian Navy.
Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club 183rd Australia Day Regatta
Sail into Australia Day by joining Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club for their 183rd Australia Day Regatta. The club will run three sprint races for 1-Up and 2-Up sabots, and a fun sailing activity for Green Fleet sailors new to the sport. Don’t own a boat? No problem. The day is for all sailors and aspiring sailors.
Sabot Club boats will be available for the day but you will need to request a club boat as part of the registration. Club boats will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Bacon and egg rolls will be on the grill from 9am, with lunch on the deck for sailors and their family and friends from 1.30pm. After lunch there will be a team novelty event. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed sailors, most helpful and courteous sailors. Members and friends are encouraged to join in the spirit of the day.
9am until 4pm Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club Inc, Stuart St, Longueville
More information: www.lc12ftssc.org.au/racing/australia-day-regatta
Australia Day in Ku-ring-Gai
Bicentennial Park in West Pymble will play host to a range of entertainment and activities for families this Australia Day, including a live stage show featuring the ABC kids show Bananas in Pyjamas, bush band Reel Matilda, an Aussie reptile show and a range of cultural dance performances.
For the children, there will be games, amusement rides, sheep shearing, sheep dog demonstrations and roaming performers.
After the event ends at 2pm, everyone is invited to cool off at the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre next to Bicentennial Park for an afternoon of entertainment and activities. The council recommends catching the free shuttle bus from Gordon train station to the event as parking is limited.
10.30am until 2pm, Bicentennial Park, Prince of Wales Drive, West Pymble.
Australia Day in Willoughby
Join Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney and Councillors of Willoughby City in celebrating Australia Day at The Concourse in Chatswood to welcome the new citizens to Willoughby and hear a keynote speech from our Australia Day ambassador, Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
There will be performances by the Willoughby Band, a local choir and a special poetry reading from Willoughby Public School.
Once the official proceedings are over, enjoy the day on The Concourse with a free community barbecue lunch and listen to classic Aussie tunes.
The day is also a chance to congratulate our Australia Day award winners, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and the Community and Cultural Building Award.
9.30am until 11am, Civic Pavilion on The Concourse at 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.
Central Coast
Family Fun Filled Day, Woy Woy
Celebrate this great nation by heading along to The Boulevard at Woy Woy — from 2pm until 9pm — as there will be loads of activities and entertainment for all to enjoy.
There will be live entertainment, food on offer, market stalls, zorb balls, a lantern parade and fire works display.
The event is happening opposite the Fishermans Wharf.
Music and Fireworks, The Entrance
Fireworks will light up the night sky and a range on musicians will be on show at Memorial Park, the Entrance, to celebrate Australia Day on January 26.
Kids can splash around in the water park or enjoy amusement rides and activities.
There will also be a ducks for bucks race on, an ice cream eating competition, free lawn activities and a range of food stalls.
The event, starting 1.30pm, runs until 9pm.
South West Sydney
Pool Party, Prairiewood
10am until 4pm
Prairiewood Leisure Centre, Prairie Vale Rd, Prairiewood
Free entry to the pool with DJ and other activities and entertainment. Children under the age of 16 years require supervision.
Cost: free
Pool Party, Fairfield
10am until 4pm
Fairfield Leisure Centre, Vine St, Fairfield
Free entry to the pool with DJ and other activities and entertainment. Children under the age of 16 years require supervision.
Cost: free
Fun Day For Kids, Fairfield
10.30am until 4pm
Fairfield Youth and Community Centre, Vine Street, Fairfield
Free entry so everyone can enjoy this great facility to rock climb, trampoline and play table tennis and basketball. The Adventure Park and obstacle course is also nearby.
Cost: free
Fireworks, Canley Heights
9pm
Canley Heights Town Centre
Witness a spectacular fireworks display in the town centre with friends and family.
Cost: free
Twilight Party, Belmore
6pm until 9.30pm
Belmore Sports Ground
An Australia Day Twilight Party — featuring fireworks, a concert, children’s activities and more — is being held at the Belmore Sports Ground on January 26.
Entertainment features The Oz Blues Brothers Show, fire dancers, Giant Bouncing Roos, Scott McRae, rock musician Spencer Jones from The Voice Australia, SplashDance characters from the ABC Kids television show.
Family Fun, Liverpool
5pm until 10pm
Woodward Park, Liverpool
Liverpool Council’s free celebration with DJ duo Mashd N Kutcher leading a line-up of live entertainment for children and adults.
International cuisine, children’s activities, carnival rides and a spectacular firework display at 9pm.
Gates at the all-ages celebration will open at 4pm, with entertainment from 5pm.
Western Sydney
Fun For The Whole Family, Blacktown and Rooty Hill
Aussie rock band Screaming Jets will be one of the headline acts at Blacktown Council’s Australia Day celebrations.
Blacktown’s Australia Day begins with ‘Wake Up with the Wildlife’ at Featherdale Wildlife Park, before continuing with a citizenship ceremony and the announcement of the Citizens of the Year.
The day will end with a free Australia Day concert at The Rooty Hill, ending in western Sydney’s largest fireworks display.
Mayor Stephen Bali said more than 50,000 people are expected to attend events.
From 7am at Featherdale, families and children can enjoy breakfast with the animals.
Tickets are still available for the first session from 7am — 9am. Tickets are $3 with all money donated to the Koala Plantation Fund.
Bowman Hall in Blacktown will be the scene for a special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony from 10.30am and following the ceremony, Cr Bali will announce Blacktown’s Australia Day Award winners.
Celebrations continue from 3.30pm with the free concert on The Rooty Hill where there will be free rides, Australiana demonstrations including sheep shearing and whip cracking, as well as live music performances from artists including Ted Mulry Gang, The Screaming Jets and Boys Light Up.
The concert will end with a fireworks display from 9.15pm.
Wake up with the Wildlife breakfast: 7am-noon: Kildare Road, Blacktown.
Citizenship ceremony:
10.30am Bowman Hall, Campbell St, Blacktown.
Australia Day at The Rooty Hill: 4pm to 9.30pm, Church St, Rooty Hill.
3.30pm: Gates open on Eastern Road, Rooty Hill
4pm: Boys Light Up
5pm: Original Sin INXS Show
6pm: Oz Icons
7pm: TMG
8.15pm: The Screaming Jets
9.15pm: Fireworks
Details: Facebook, blacktown.nsw.gov.au or 9839 6000.
Park Party, Penrith
Penrith’s Australia Day celebrations will again be held at Jamison Park with all the best entertainment on show for the whole family.
From 3pm, celebrate the country’s diverse heritage and traditions with lamington making, games, face painting, inflatable volleyball, scooter and skateboard demonstrations, live music and performances plus a special visit from Peter Rabbit (TM).
A traditional Aussie barbecue will be accompanied by a variety of food stalls.
For more details visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.
Cooee Festival, Emu Plains
Western Sydney’s first Cooee Festival will also be held on January 26 at Regatta Park at Emu Plains from 9am to 4pm on January 26.
Headlining the music festival is Baker Boy, Street Warriors and Sean Choolburra. There will also be a Healing Feeling Gathering.
Entry to the music festival is free and no drugs or alcohol will be allowed.
More details about the festival are available via Instagram at @cooeefestival.
Southern Sydney
Concert, Cronulla
Thirsty Merc frontman Rai Thistlethwayte, national treasure Christine Anu and opera singer Mark Vincent will headline the Australia Day celebrations at Cronulla.
The event includes a free screening of The Greatest Showman and other live local performers.
Music and Dancing, Carss Park
Justice Crew will headline Georges River Council’s Australia Day celebrations at Carwar Park in Carss Park.
There will be live, loud music and dancing all day before a fireworks spectacular over Kogarah Bay at 9pm.
Family Fun, Dolls Point
Broadcaster and foodie Indira Naidoo is the ambassador for Bayside Council’s Australia Day event at Dolls Point.
Family-friendly activities include live music, lamington workshops and spin hoop lessons after a traditional welcome to country in the morning.
Sydney’s CBD
Australia Day Live, Sydney Opera House
Australia Day Live at Sydney Opera House promises a spectacular night of concerts, a fireworks display and a breathtaking maritime extravaganza.
Free tickets have just been released. Tickets are available until allocation is exhausted. Only ticket holders will be admitted into the Sydney Opera House forecourt. Entry after 6.30pm is not guaranteed.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
When: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Australia Day Live, Circular Quay
The popular Australia Day fireworks returns to Circular Quay. Watch as Australia’s biggest music stars perform on the big screens.
Where: Circular Quay
When: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Australia Day Harbour Parade, Sydney Harbour
The Australia Day Harbour Parade is back and bigger than ever. Come along and watch as vessels of all shapes and sizes take to the blue waters.
Where: Sydney Harbour
When: 12.45pm to 2pm
Salute to Australia, Sydney Harbour
From 9.30am visitors can get up close and look at the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Choules at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
From 10.45am to 12.15pm, the ship will be positioned in Sydney Cove. From 11.30am a smoking ceremony and salute will take place.
From 11.45 a 21-gun salute will fire from Bradfield Park which will be accompanied by the Navy Band and an address from the Governor of NSW David Hurley. From 12pm visitors can join a crowd of choirs who will sing the national anthem.
From 12pm to 2pm enjoy as RAAF fast jets, a Navy helicopter and a Qantas aircraft shoot across the sky before Red Berets parachute from the sky.
Where: Sydney Harbour
When: 11.30am to 12.05pm
183rd Australia Day Regatta, Sydney Harbour
Vessels of all shapes and sizes, from 18 foot skiffs to radio controlled models are invited to set sail this Australia Day.
Where: Sydney Harbour
When: 1.30pm to 5pm
Tug and Yacht Ballet
Just after midday, an array of yachts, tugboats, jet skis and ferries will dance across the harbour in a choreographed show.
Where: Sydney Harbour
When: From 12.05pm
Ferrython, Sydney Harbour
This iconic event will see ferries from across Sydney Harbour race from Circular Quay to Shark Island and back.
Where: Sydney Harbour
When: 10.45am to 11.30am
Tallawoladah Stage, The Rocks
Join City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore in welcoming our newest Australian citizens at the City’s citizenship ceremony on the Tallawoladah stage from 10.30am to 11.15am.
Then from 12.30pm to 4pm, watch and listen to Aboriginal stories, music, song and dance including a performance by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
Where: Campbell’s Cove Pontoon, Campbells Cove Pontoon, The Rocks
When: 11.30am to 4pm
Children’s Festival, Tumbalong Park
The Wiggles Australia Day concert will have singing and dancing in the morning, then a live performance from The Vegetable Plot and The Beanies. Kids can later take part in a workshop at the Circus Playground, marvel at the Big Science show or get involved with roving performances and the True Blue Bush Games.
The Wiggles Australia Day concert is a ticketed event.
Free tickets to see The Wiggles will be released today (January 16, 2019)
Where: Tumbalong Park at 11 Harbour St, Sydney
When: 11am to 3pm
Australia Day BBQ by the Bridge
Bradfield Park will host local bands and DJ’s, a jumping castle, face painting, circus activities, native wildlife displays and a variety of delicious food stalls. The vantage point is also a great spot to watch the Harbour Parade, Ferrython, Salute to Australia, Tug and Yacht Ballet, Tall Ships Race and the 181st Australia Day Regatta.
Where: Bradfield Park, Alfred St, Milsons Point
When: 10am to 4pm.
Yabun Festival
The Yabun Festival is the largest one day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia.
The event will showcase some of the best indigenous music talent in the country and performers including Archie Roach, Dan Sultan and Jessica Mauboy.
Where: Victoria Park
When: 10am to 7pm
The Rocks Street Party
The Rocks will transform into a family friendly playground with roving performers, games and a tonne of activities. A market stall with fashion, jewellery and art will be set up at Jack Mundey Place.
Where: The Rocks Square
When: 9am to 6pm
Wugulora Morning Ceremony, Barangaroo
Join the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the NSW Governer David Hurley to celebrate our traditional custodians. Enjoy an Aboriginal dance troupe perform a smoking ceremony, and sing the national anthem.
Where: Barangaroo Reserve
When: 7.45am to 8.30am
Inner West
Picnic In The Park, Marrickville
Australia Day picnic in Enmore Park, kicking off at 2.30pm featuring Alex Papps, Martha, Dande and the Lion, Countdown Explosion, Mental as Anything on the main stage. The day culminates with a fireworks display at 8.45pm.
Free, innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Strathfield Community BBQ, Strathfield
A community barbecue, jumping castle, face-painting, reptile display and Life Be In It children’s activities will be held at Strathfield Park from 10am until 1pm.
Free, strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Macarthur
Stalls and Activities, Camden
From 9am to 2pm, John St in Camden will be filled with Australiana themed stalls and activities, including free face painting, koala cupcake making workshops, cork hat making, a thong throwing competition, a reptile display, food, beverages and live entertainment including local rock band Mad Rhino.
The free event will also include the annual Macarthur Lions Parade from 11.15am.
Australia Day Awards, Campbelltown
The Mayor of Campbelltown will host the Australia Day awards from 10am at the Greg Percival Community Centre, Ingleburn.
The Australia Day Ambassador is Nicholas Gleeson a Paralympic athlete who has represented Australia. Following the Australia Day Awards ceremony we will celebrate our newest Australians in a citizenship ceremony.
Once the official proceedings have concluded people are invited to enjoy a free sausage sizzle and refreshments.
Community Carnival, Campbelltown
The action at Campbelltown’s Koshigaya Park begins at 2pm, with a kids’ zone — including free face painting, free Aussie craft, a reptile show and whip cracking — running until 6pm.
A free community BBQ will be hosted by Ingleburn Rotary.
A carnival with rides and side shows will run throughout the afternoon and evening, and a line-up of local musicians will take the stage, followed by popular Sydney act the Baker Boys Band.
The festivities will conclude with a spectacular firework display at 9pm.
Pool Party, Bradbury, Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre and Eagle Vale Central
Campbelltown’s three public swimming pools will also join in the family fun for the national day, offering half price swim entry, lucky door prizes and giveaways, pool inflatables and jumping castles.
The three pools are at Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre in Bradbury, Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre and Eagle Vale Central.
Fun For Kids, Wollondilly
Come along to Australia Day in Wollondilly shire from 8am till noon at the Picton Botanic Gardens.
Lots of free activities for the kids including: Snake Tails Reptile Display, Golden Ridge Animal Farm, Face Painting, Cricket NSW, Football NSW, Picton Tennis Club, Mobile Library, Dilly Wanderer, Giant Slide and Jumping Castle.
Eastern Suburbs
E very Man and His Dog SUP eve nt, Watsons Bay
Get ready to do your public holiday differently, with paws and paddling at the centre of the fifth annual Every Man and His Dog stand-up paddling event at Watsons Bay.
For the past four Australia Days, Watsons Bay beachfront has played host to paddleboard and fitness enthusiasts, dog owners and elite athletes in the annual event run by WATSSUP Watsons Bay.
Stand Up Paddling, Watsons Bay
Every Man and His Dog welcomes contestants and their pooches to participate together in a range of stand-up paddleboard races, based on their level and skill with prizes up for grabs, including an award for the best-dressed human-dog duo.
The event not only attracts athletes, but local families and visitors who have a chance to compete in the more basic SUP courses as well as the iconic, novelty man and dog races. There’s a race for everyone and every pooch.
From 7.30am, Watsons Bay beachfront.
More information: http://everymanandhisdog.com.au/
Bottomless Brunch, The Royal, Paddington
Celebrate Australia Day in true Aussie style with a drink in hand and within proximity to a Vegemite scroll. Paddington’s infamous Bottomless Brunch at The Royal is getting an Aussie twist this Australia Day Long Weekend. Think everything from damper, to bottomless beer and the must-have smashed avo.
The two-hour cocktail offering will also get an Aussie makeover with the addition of Shandies, Cider and your trusty Beer available on top of the classic Bellini.
Available on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th January, 11am until 1pm, $80 per person with bottomless Aussie drinks package.
More information: https://www.royalhotel.com.au/australiadaybrunch/
Electric Gardens Festival, Centennial Park
Electric Gardens returns to Sydney’s Centennial Parklands this Australia Day weekend for an epic day of music, dancing and pyrotechnics. Up to 20,000 revellers will be moshing across four massive stages, headlined by Sigma, Paul Van Dyk, Erick Morillo, Eats Everything as well as local favourites Set Mo and Bag Raiders.
The festival will also host the largest CO2 ice cannon ever seen in Australia as Ibiza superclub, Amnesia is brought to life Down Under for the very first time. Icy, icy, icy, Oi, Oi, Oi.
From 2pm. Tickets: $128.80 to $259.68. More information: via www.electricgardens.com.au
North West Sydney
Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
The Bananas in Pyjamas will join the Australia Day celebrations at Bicentennial Park on January 26.
The ABC’s iconic duo will join the line-up for the Ku-ring-gai Council’s Australia Day event.
Along with the pair in the blue and white striped pyjamas, the stage will also host the Reel Matilda Band, Korean fan dancers and drummers, and a reptile show.
There will also be sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, whip cracking and Australiana craft activities as well as rides, farm animals and face painting.
The Australia Day festivities begins at 9am with the citizenship ceremony and Local Citizen of the Year awards followed by the family-friendly celebrations from 10.30am until 2pm.
Details: kmc.nsw.gov.au
Bella Vista Farm, Baulkham Hills
Hi-5 and Reece Mastin will join a range of performers celebrating Australia Day at Bella Vista Farm.
The children’s group will be joined by The High Rollers Big Band and The Voices Supergroup, featuring The X-Factor Australia winner Mastin as well as Jason Singh, Dale Ryder and Mark Gable.
Along with live music, the free event will also include amusement rides, street food, roving performers, including the popular Convict Footprints, and Australiana displays such as sheep shearing and blacksmith demonstrations.
Visitors can also visit The Homestead and enjoy a Devonshire tea and browse the historic displays.
The celebrations start at noon and will finish with a fireworks display at 9pm.
Details: thehills.nsw.gov.au
North Ryde Common, North Ryde
A family concert will be held in North Ryde to celebrate Australia Day.
The Australia Day concert will be held at North Ryde Common on the corner of Twin and Wicks roads from 5pm on January 26.
The Battle of the Bands competition returns for a second year as three finalists, Dysfunction, Dial Denial and Saturn V, compete for the chance to win $1000 and a mastering session at Studios 301.
Musicians Jay Parrino and the Ozzy Iconics, and the JC All Stars will also perform on the night, alongside rides, sporting activities, food trucks and a thong-throwing competition.
The concert will finish with a fireworks display at 9pm.
Details: ryde.nsw.gov.au
Parramatta Park, Parramatta
More than 80,000 people are expected to celebrate Australia Day in Parramatta Park in a 15-hour long extravaganza.
The City of Parramatta’s Australia Day celebrations will begin at 6am with a hot-air balloon display and continue with live music, activities and workshops and competitions before ending with fireworks at 9pm.
A welcome ceremony featuring more than 500 Aboriginal children and dancers will begin at 7.45am followed by the official citizenship ceremony.
Lord Mayor of Parramatta Andrew Wilson said the celebrations would “be particularly special as we welcome almost 1500 New Australian citizens as part of Australia Day’s largest citizenship ceremony”.
Iconic Aboriginal band Yothu Yindi and The Treaty Project, featuring original Yothu Yindi members and emerging First Nations artists, will perform new remixes of classic Yothu Yindi hits to conclude the citizenship program.
Live entertainment will run throughout the day at the Family Stage, which will also host the Parravision talent contest grand final from 11am with judges including local rapper D Minor and Daddy Cool frontman Ross Wilson.
Australian artists including Swanee, Eurogliders and The Chantoozies will headline a concert at The Crescent from 6pm.
Meanwhile, some of Australia’s best barbecue teams will showcase their skills in the Big BBQ Competition and CARnivale will allow visitors to see a unique display of classic and vintage vehicles.
The event will also include a range of activities for young children such as dance workshops, roving performers, magic shows and a circus tent.
Details: ausdayparramatta.com.au
Northern Beaches
Q Station Celebration, North Head
Q Station is celebrating all things Aussie, with celebrations kicking off at 9:00am in the Wharf Precinct.
There will be a thong throwing competition at 9.30am, an inflatable boat race at 10.30am and a sandcastle competition on Quarantine Beach.
Children will also have the option to explore the old buildings and machinery, and jump on the Jump and Splash castle for just $10.
There will be food and drinks available at stalls from 9am.
For more information, visit www.qstation.com.au
Open Barbecues, Five Locations
Enjoy Australia Day at your favourite spot.
Devour a snag at a barbecue breakfast, join a thong throwing competition, have your face painted, watch live entertainment, swim and more.
• Ted Jackson and James Meehan Reserves, Dee Why Beach. 7am until 2pm.
• Lakeside Park, Lakeside Rd, North Narrabeen. 8am until 12pm.
• Bert Payne Reserve, Newport Beach. 8am until 12pm.
• Warringah Aquatic Centre on Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest. 9am until 12pm.
• Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre at 1 Kenneth Road, North Manly. 12.30pm until 3.30pm.
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