Australia Day

One of the largest celebrations held throughout the country year after year is Australia Day.

Australia Day celebrated on January 26th, is a public holiday honouring the arrival of the first British Fleet on Australian soil.

Australia Day recognises that on 26th January 1788, the first British fleet arrived at Port Jackson in Australia. The event is celebrated to reflect Australia’s rich history, diverse society and unique heritage. In Sydney, Australia Day is celebrated by all residents and visitors. The Australian of the Year Awards is also held on this day, where people who have made outstanding contributions to Australia are recognised on this special day.

On 26 January, Sydney comes alive with locals celebrating the Aussie way of life in the middle of summer. With events at the harbour, family festivities, boat races, and a generally vibrant party atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

Dawn Reflection at the Overseas Passenger Terminal

As the sun rises on 26 January, the world-renowned Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated with spectacular Aboriginal artwork.

Dawn Reflection is a quiet time for all of us to recall our country’s unfolding story told in many voices across countless generations.

In the soft light before sunrise, a beautiful piece of Aboriginal art will illuminate the sails of the Sydney Opera House, reflecting in the waters of our timeless harbour.

This dawn is more than just another sunrise. It is a moment where we can draw courage and inspiration from each other and commit to shaping Australia into a place of unity and inclusion for all who call it home.

As our two flags rise in unison at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to salute the dawning of Australia Day, let us also rise and greet the day with respect.

Joined by our resilience, mateship and sense of community, we can look forward with optimism and unity to the future and to the opportunities we can create together.

Sydney Harbour Splash at Sydney Harbour East

Grab your goggles and start Australia Day with a splash in the world’s best harbour.

Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a first-timer, this annual event held every 26 January is the perfect way to dive into the excitement of our national day.

The swim begins at Rose Bay, where participants traverse the picturesque harbour shoreline and take in breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Sydney Harbour Splash offers participants the choice of a 5-kilometre endurance course, a 2.5-kilometre route, or a 1-kilometre swim, all supporting a worthy cause.

WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Walumil Lawns

After the Dawn Reflection on our national day, we join together for WugulOra in Barangaroo Reserve. This moving ceremony symbolises how we can embrace each other, united in a spirit of togetherness.

WugulOra means “One Mob” in the local Gadigal language, representing all of us and the future of a united Australia. It is a time for reflection, understanding and reconciliation as we gather as a nation proudly anchored by timeless rituals and beliefs.

WugulOra is a celebration of the culture of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, told through dance, song and storytelling. The ceremony features a smoking ceremony performed over countless generations, offering cleansing and healing for new beginnings and fresh inspiration for our future.

Aboriginal artists showcase the richness and significance of their culture with a blend of historical and modern expression. It is also an opportunity to hear from the NSW Governor and NSW Premier, as well as an address from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

The Australian National Anthem will be sung in Eora and English as we stand together in the early morning light of 26 January, joined by our history and shared future.

Sydney Harbour Australia Day cruises at Sydney Harbour

Book a spot on a vessel to immerse yourself in the heart of Australia Day action at the world’s greatest harbour.

There’s no better way to experience Sydney’s spectacular Australia Day celebrations than by immersing yourself in the heart of the action on Sydney Harbour.

As the nation comes together to reflect, respect and celebrate, cruises provide an exclusive vantage point to all of the unmissable events on 26 January, including Ferrython, the Air Force Roulettes flying display, and the Australia Day Live concert with fireworks over the harbour.

Whether you’re seeking a daytime adventure or a night-time extravaganza, we’ve curated a list of fantastic spectator vessel operators to ensure you can be part of the excitement of our national day like never before.

Oz Day10k at The Rocks

Head to The Rocks and watch in awe as some of the world’s best wheelchair track and road athletes battle it out through the streets of Sydney.

Celebrating a remarkable 37 years in 2026 and regarded as the best wheelchair race in the world, the Oz Day 10k has become a much-loved fixture on our national day.

The event sees some of the world’s best wheelchair track and road athletes race through The Rocks as they battle it out for honours.

Spectators can cheer on both the international Paralympians and the juniors who are taking part for the first time.

The race starts at 8:30am on George Street, the Rocks. The best vantage points to watch this free event can be found on George St and Hickson Rd.

Australia Day at Barangaroo at Barangaroo Reserve

Enjoy a range of exciting activities at Barangaroo this Australia Day weekend!

Start your day with WugulOra at Wulumil Lawn from 7:20am to 8:30am.

From 10am to 3pm, head to Marrinawi Cove for a refreshing swim while enjoying a pop-up gelato cart, acoustic music, umbrellas, picnic blankets, and deck chairs.

Hickson Park Harvest will feature a pop-up market on the Streets of Barangaroo, offering fresh food, flowers, and more, along with a relaxing lounge area with bean bags and a DJ.

Harbour Park will host the Movin’ Bed Cinema in the evening, offering movie screenings with headsets from 5pm until late.

Additionally, the Vigil Gunyah structure will be in place all day on Wulumil Lawn on the 26th.

Yabun Festival at Victoria Park

An annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures with music, market stalls, performances and more.

Head to Yabun Festival on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people for the largest one-day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia.

Yabun (meaning ‘music to a beat’ in Gadigal language) is a free event in Victoria Park with loads of live music, bustling market stalls, panel discussions and community forums on Aboriginal issues, plus children’s activities, and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances.

It’s a great way to spend the day, and Yabun Festival welcomes everyone to join in this one-of-a-kind event that honours the survival of the world’s oldest living culture.

Harbourfest at Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay are the places to be on 26 January, with plenty of free events and fun activities on the sea, shore and sky for all to enjoy.

Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the place to be on Australia Day for exhilarating activities on the sea, shore and sky that will delight friends and families alike.

Come and be part of the excitement as anticipation builds throughout the morning. Join thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors along the foreshore to enjoy the stunning views of our beautiful harbour.

Harbourfest is fun, free and for all ages. Join us for this unique event, celebrate the Australian spirit and become part of the story.

Grab a position anywhere around Circular Quay, Hickson Road Reserve, Dawes Point Reserve, or around the Sydney Opera House to view all the action of Harbourfest. You can see it from the Cahill Expressway Walkway or the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Australia Day Council of NSW strives to ensure all activities and events are accessible and inclusive so everyone can enjoy the magic of the day.

For spectators wanting to watch the activities from their boat on the harbour, check the best on-water vantage points and waterway restrictions in place throughout the day and evening.

Vintage Bus Ride at Sydney Harbour

Travel like it’s 1949 on a double-decker vintage bus from Macquarie Street across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to North Sydney and back again.

Step back in time by riding on a double-decker vintage bus over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and again on Australia Day.

Everyone is welcome to rest their legs and sit on one of Sydney’s beloved historic buses.

The vehicles will regularly depart from and return to a pickup and drop-off point located on Macquarie Street near the Sydney Opera House.

Rides on the classic buses are available from 10:30am to 5:30pm and are free for everyone with no booking required.

Australia Day at The Rocks

Watch as The Rocks transform into an open-air market featuring tasty eats celebrating Australia’s diversity with food.

In the heart of The Rocks, you’ll find an open-air market featuring tasty eats celebrating Australia’s diversity with food.

Visit and you’ll discover dishes from all over the planet – all prepared by local chefs right in front of you. Expect authentic pizzas, handmade chocolate, authentic paella and delicious gozleme, all within arm’s reach. There will also be a pop-up Cellar Door with the NSW Wine Association, all whilst enjoying the free live music and Yoga Under the Bridge at 8.30am and 9.30am.

Midday Salute at Hickson Road Reserve

Gather at midday around Circular Quay for an inspirational event that weaves together cultural and ceremonial traditions in a tribute to our nation.

The Midday Salute, held at noon on Australia Day, is a unique combination of meaningful events that weaves cultural traditions and military displays in a tribute to our nation.

Be awe-inspired by a ceremonial showcase from the Australian Defence Force, including a thunderous 21-gun Salute resonating from North Sydney, followed by an aerial flypast courtesy of the Roulettes, the Royal Australian Air Force’s elite aerobatic team.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Australian Navy’s Seahawk Helicopter soaring along the harbour, proudly displaying the Australian flag.

The Wirawi, part of the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation fleet, will conduct an on-water smoking ceremony, cleansing all who gather.

To conclude the Midday Salute, everyone is encouraged to sing the National Anthem around Circular Quay. The anthem will resonate in both English and Eora, with lyrics available on event screens.

Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes at Sydney Harbour

Let your spirits soar with the aerial acrobatics of the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes as they dance across the sky above Sydney Harbour.

Strap in for an unforgettable spectacle this Australia Day as the Roulettes take centre stage in Sydney.

For 13 thrilling minutes, the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) elite aerobatic display team, composed of some of the nation’s most skilled pilots, will showcase their awe-inspiring flying prowess over Sydney Harbour.

Watch in amazement as the daredevil aviators push their aircraft to the limits, executing jaw-dropping loops, rolls, and high-G turns. Flying at astonishing speeds of up to 685km/h and as low as 200 feet, the Roulette Flyers can endure up to six times the force of gravity, delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience for onlookers.

The aerial acrobatics in the skies above Sydney Harbour on 26 January are exhilarating. Prime viewing locations to see the looping, whooping, barrel-rolling display of action from the RAAF’s top guns include Circular Quay, Hicksons Road Reserve, Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Sydney Opera House.

Ferrython at Sydney Harbour

Ferrython is back for Australia Day tradition and is one of the most popular events on Sydney Harbour on 26 January.

An annual crowd favourite, Ferrython sees thousands of spectators line the shores of Sydney Harbour to cheer on four of the city’s iconic Emerald Class ferries as they compete for honours in a race across the waves.

Four ferries will race from the starting line of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, completing two laps around Fort Denison, vying for line honours at the Sydney Opera House.

Head to one of the many free vantage points to catch the action and support the ferries as they speed by. Best spots include Mary Booth Reserve, Circular Quay, Hickson Road Reserve, Campbells Cove, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Opera House and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Want to watch Ferrython from a vessel? Limited free tickets are available to be on board one of the ferries.

Maritime Mayhem at Circular Quay

Like a Monster Truck show – but on water! If you’ve never seen a tugboat do a burn-out, head down to Circular Quay and witness the action.

Are you looking for something energetic, full of action, and that also happens to take place on water? If so, schedule Maritime Mayhem into your must-see events on Australia Day.

Happening in the heart of Circular Quay, get ready for a high-octane, exhilarating display of fast and furious jet ski performances, daredevil flyboard tricks and crazy tugboat displays.

Watch the mayhem unfold as vessels of all shapes and sizes battle it out on the water, synchronised to a rockin’ soundtrack with beats that will make your heart race and feet tap.

For spectators wanting to watch the activities from their boat on the harbour, check the best on-water vantage points and waterway restrictions in place throughout the day and evening.

Navy Helicopter flag display at The skies over Sydney Harbour

On our national day, an impressive Navy Seahawk helicopter will be flying the Australian flag high above Sydney Harbour.

Look up to see one of the Royal Australian Navy’s impressive Seahawk Helicopters take to the Sydney sky on our national day. The chopper will paint the sky with a giant Australian flag to mark Australia Day.

The helicopter will parade from the Northern Beaches through Sydney Harbour and past the Opera House.

Australia Day Harbour Parade at Sydney Harbour

This annual tradition sees boats and crews parade in their Australia Day finest as they challenge other vessels for best dressed and prizes.

Sydney Harbour is the place to be on 26 January with the exciting Australia Day Harbourfest program offering an abundance of free and fun events for all to enjoy across sea, shore and sky.

The Harbour Parade is ‘fashions on the field’, but for boats and their crews as they don their finest and most flamboyant Australia Day-themed decorations to parade through the waves in a dazzling display of national spirit.

Regardless of size or shape, all vessels are invited to dress their decks and be part of the annual flotilla.

Prizes will be awarded to the winning vessel in each of the following categories:

• Budgie Smuggler Award — Best Small Vessel
• Best in the Biz Award — Best Commercial Vessel
• Hello Sailor! Award — Best Newcomer
• The Captain’s Choice Award — Best Dressed
• Going Overboard Award — Most Imaginative

All participating vessels will also have access to front-row Harbour views to catch all the exciting action of the thrilling Ferrython race.

For spectators wanting to watch the activities from their boat on the harbour, check the best on-water vantage points and waterway restrictions throughout the day and evening.

Tall Ships Race at Sydney Harbour

Watch as an impressive fleet of historic vessels compete for line honours in a race to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The majestic Tall Ships Race has been integral in Australia Day celebrations on Sydney Harbour since 1994 and is always a spectacular sight.

Heading off from Bradley’s Head, the historic 1874 tall ship James Craig will lead an impressive fleet of historic and charter vessels as they make their way up the Harbour.

The race will travel on the northern side of Fort Denison, taking in glorious views of Sydney Harbour’s iconic landmarks, and is expected to conclude under the Sydney Harbour Bridge at 1.30pm.

Spectators wanting to catch a glimpse of this grandeur are encouraged to line the shores at vantage points of Bradfield Park, Blues Point, Hickson Road Reserve, Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Sydney Opera House.

Australia Day Live Concert at Circular Quay

A spectacular concert staged on land and water, featuring live musical performances from top Aussie acts and dazzling fireworks displays.

Start planning for Australia Day Live 2026, a spectacular concert staged on land and water as the sun sets on our national day. It’s an unmissable celebration of music, lights and dazzling fireworks to entertain the nation.

Set against the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge backdrop, the night turns to magic as you experience live musical performances choreographed by a flotilla of yachts and watercraft. You’ll be inspired as the heart of Sydney lights up with striking imagery on the Sydney Opera House sails and stunning pyrotechnics over the harbour.

An all-star line-up of Australian artists will entertain you on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt with powerful renditions of iconic Aussie hits. You’ll meet much-loved characters and hear stories that reflect the diversity of our cultures, lifestyles and the quirkiness that makes our country so special.

Australia Day Live is a one-of-a-kind celebration that brings us all together to sing, laugh, dance and have fun. It’s guaranteed to inspire and celebrate the Australian spirit.

Public Transport

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Australia Day, and the best way to get to and from events is by public transport, with extra trains and buses running throughout the day.

Australia Day event precincts are all within short walking distance of train and metro stations, including:

• Circular Quay, Wynyard or Martin Place for events at Circular Quay and The Rocks.
• Town Hall, Central or Gadigal for events at Darling Harbour.
• Barangaroo for events in Barangaroo

Keep in mind that some transport services, including buses and light rail, will be affected by road closures, and ferry services will be affected by exclusion zones on the harbour in the daytime and evening.

Buses
Buses will run to and from Martin Place instead of Circular Quay from 7:30pm until 10:30pm while roads are closed. Other bus routes will be affected in the early morning for other events.

Light Rail / Trains
Light rail services will not run between Circular Quay and Town Hall from 7:30pm to 10:30pm to allow crowds to leave the harbour after the Australia Day Live concert safely. Catch trains or metro services during this time instead. Keep in mind that Circular Quay station will be busy after the show, be patient and follow directions of staff on site, for a faster trip continue on foot to Wynyard or Martin Place stations instead.

Ferries
Ferries will not run to or from Circular Quay, while events occur on the harbour around midday and evening. If you plan to catch a ferry on Australia Day, allow plenty of extra travel time as long queues and delays are expected at wharves, so have a backup travel option in mind.

Road Closures

Road closures and Special Event Clearways (SEC) will be in place on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Sydney CBD, The Rocks, Dawes Point, Millers Point, Barangaroo, and Milsons Point for Australia Day in Sydney.

Road closures

• 4am to midnight: George St from Essex St to Hickson Rd, and sections of Essex St, Circular Quay West and Pitt St.
• 7am to 10:30pm: Sections of Argyle St and Harrington St.
• 7am to 10:00am: Hickson Rd from Napoleon St to Pottinger St, Towns Pl from Dalgety Rd to Hickson Rd, and Barton St (for Oz Day 10K wheelchair race).
• 7am to midnight: Hickson Rd between Pottinger St and George St.
• 10:30am to 1pm: Milsons Point/Kirribilli, including Olympic Drive between Broughton St and Alfred St.
• 6:30pm to 10:30pm: Macquarie St north of Bridge St
• 7.30pm to 10.30pm: Cahill Expressway lanes 7 & 8 and Overpass at Circular Qua,y including the High St, Mount St and Domain
• Tunnel on-ramps and lane 4 on the Harbour Bridge. Roads in Circular Quay north of Bridge St, including sections of Albert St, Alfred St, Circular Quay East, Dalley St, Essex St, George St, Loftus St, Pitt St, Philip St, Macquarie St, Reiby Place, Underwood St and Young St.
• 9:15pm to 10:15pm: Sections of Grosvenor/Bridge St, Argyle St and Harrington St.
• 9:15pm to 10:30pm: Sections of Argyle St and Harrington St.

Attendees and local residents are reminded that vehicles parked inside road closures, in private and commercial carparks or driveways, are not permitted to exit or drive onto closed roads until NSW Police safely reopen them. Familiarise yourself with the road closure locations and times and plan your movements ahead of time.

Special event clearways
Special event clearway parking restrictions will be in place on various roads in the Sydney CBD, around Circular Quay and The Rocks, between 3am and midnight. In Milsons Point, clearways will be in effect on Olympic Drive from 9:30am to 1pm. Clearways are strict no-parking zones and apply even to residents and businesses with parking permits and TfNSW Mobility Scheme permit holders. Check signs carefully; vehicles left in clearways will be towed, and a fee will be applied.

Australia Day also falls on the final day of the Sydney Festival – a vibrant cultural celebration that boasts theatrical performances, dance, cabaret, music and big ideas.

Even though Australia Day is a public holiday, plenty of attractions are open, including the SEA Life Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.