Australia Day Highlights on Sydney Harbour

Australia Day on Sydney Harbour: Reflect, Respect & Celebrate

Celebrate

Sydney Harbour is the beating heart of Australia Day celebrations, offering a spectacular line-up of land and on-water events that capture the essence of our national spirit. From thrilling aerial displays to historic races and breath-taking fireworks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Reflect and Respect

Australia Day is a moment to reflect on our history and respect the First Nations people who have called this land home for over 65,000 years. Sydney, with its deep Indigenous roots, is a place where Aboriginal culture and traditions remain integral to the community.

On this day, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways of Sydney Harbour—the people of the Eora, Kuring-gai, and Dharug Nations. Their connection to the land and sea is profound, and we honour their ongoing custodianship. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Australia Day Highlights on Sydney Harbour

Midday Salute

A thunderous 21-Gun Salute by the Australian Defence Force from North Sydney will echo across the Harbour. Above, a Royal Australian Navy Seahawk Helicopter will proudly fly the Australian flag. On the water, the Wirawi, part of the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation fleet, will conduct an on-water smoking ceremony, cleansing and uniting all who gather. The event concludes with the National Anthem, inviting everyone to join in song.

Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes

Prepare to be amazed by the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes as they perform gravity-defying aerial stunts. These elite pilots will showcase precision aerobatics, pushing their aircraft to the limits with loops, rolls, and high-speed turns over Sydney Harbour.

Ferrython

An Australia Day tradition, Ferrython sees four iconic ferries—May Gibbs, Catherine Hamlin, Bungaree, and Fred Hollows—race from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, around Fort Denison, and back to the Opera House. Each ferry is adorned in vibrant colours, paying tribute to their namesakes.

Maritime Mayhem

Like a monster truck show—but on water! Circular Quay comes alive with high-speed jet ski performances, daredevil flyboard tricks, and dramatic tugboat displays, all set to a rock soundtrack.

Navy Helicopter Flag Display

Look to the sky as a Royal Australian Navy Seahawk Helicopter parades a massive Australian flag from the Northern Beaches, through Sydney Harbour, and past the Opera House.

Harbour Parade

Boats of all shapes and sizes dress up in their Australia Day finest, parading through the Harbour in a dazzling display of creativity and national pride. Prizes are awarded for the best-dressed vessels and crews.

Tall Ships Race

Since 1994, the Tall Ships Race has been a key feature of Australia Day on Sydney Harbour. Led by the historic 1874 tall ship James Craig, these magnificent vessels sail from Bradley’s Head, past Fort Denison, and under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

189th Australia Day Regatta

The world’s oldest continuously run annual sailing regatta! Dating back to 1837, this event sees yachts, skiffs, and even radio-controlled boats take to the water in a celebration of Australia's maritime heritage.

Australia Day Live

As the sun sets, Sydney Harbour transforms into a stage for an unforgettable evening. A spectacular concert at the Sydney Opera House, live performances, and a choreographed flotilla of illuminated boats light up the night. The grand finale? A dazzling fireworks display over the Harbour, bringing Australia Day to a breath-taking close.

Join the Celebration

Australia Day on Sydney Harbour is an experience like no other. Whether you're watching from the shoreline, cruising on the Harbour, or tuning in from home, the day is a powerful reminder of our shared history, diverse culture, and national pride. So gather your friends and family, and be part of this extraordinary celebration!