The Best Australia Day Events in Sydney 2024

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And just when you thought the festive season was over, Australia Day in Sydney 2024 is just around the corner!

It's that time of the year again - time to celebrate what being Australian is all about by coming together with the community on the most Aussie of all days: Australia Day.

This year, some of our favourite venues are offering a program of events that are built on the values that define us as Australians: diversity, inclusion, respect, and a whole lot of fun!

We've wrapped up the best Australia Day events in Sydney for Friday, 26 January 2024 - Happy Straya Day!

The Best Australia Day Events in Sydney 2024

1. Dawn Reflection at Circular Quay

Australia Day events in Sydney 2023
Dawn Reflection at Circular Quay


For all you early birds, head down to Circular Quay to celebrate our nation at the Dawn Reflection on Australia Day in Sydney 2024.

As the sun rises, connect with the world’s oldest living culture as First Nations artwork is projected on the Sydney Opera House and flags are raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is one of the most memorable Australia Day events in Sydney for the whole family to commemorate our beautiful Land Down Under. 2024 marks the fourth year of projecting an inspiring display on the sails at dawn, underscoring the growing significance of this event as a heartfelt tribute to Australia's first peoples at first light.

When:    From 5.20 am to 5.50 am
Where:   Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay

2. Australia Day Live at the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House fireworks
Australia Day Live at Sydney Opera House


The Sydney Opera House will come to life to reflect, respect and celebrate Australia Day in Sydney 2024.

From 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, Australia Day Live at the Sydney Opera House will host a colourful array of musical performances by top Aussie talent choreographed to spectacular fireworks displays, a flotilla of yachts and jet-skis. If you can't make it to the city this year, the concert will be broadcast live on ABC TV and ABC iView. 

When:    From 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Where:   Sydney Opera House

3. Australia Day Mega Kidz Zone

Australia Day Events Sydney
Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.


Give the kids a MEGA day out this Australia Day in Sydney at the FREE Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal will transform into a kids' wonderland on Australia Day—think the chance to explore the vast maze, navigate the giant inflatable obstacle course, and unleash your inner child with a variety of arcade games. Groove to the tunes at the silent disco—a space designed for kids of all abilities to enjoy a memorable party like no other.

When:    From 10.30 am to 4 pm
Where:   Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

4. Yabun Festival

Yabun Festival Australia Day
A celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture at the Yabun Festival.

 

Yabun Festival is the largest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia and it's back for Australia Day in Sydney 2024! 

Yabun is a fantastic way to engage kids in the First Nations history, and the 2024 celebration marks 22 years since the festival's inception, so you better believe this year's event is going to be bigger than ever! Bring the family along to a stellar lineup of music acts, food stalls, roving entertainment and more. 

When:    26 January 2024
Where:   Victoria Park, Broadway

5. Australia Day at Parramatta Park

Australia Day in Sydney 2023
Australia Day at Parramatta Park


Australia Day at Parramatta Park is the biggest celebration happening in Parramatta this January!

The City of Parramatta presents one of the biggest outdoor festivals to ring in 26 January, including family entertainment, yummy breakfast and BBQ food, historic vehicles, a live animal display, hot air balloons from 6 am, and plenty more!

When:    Thursday 25 and Friday 26 January 2024
Where:   The Crescent, Parramatta Park

6. Australia Day at Bella Vista Farm and Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre

Australia Day events in Sydney 2023
Bella Vista Farm


Australia Day celebrations are returning to Bella Vista Farm and Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre this year, making it one of the best Australia Day events in Sydney for 2024!

The FREE festivities kick off with a massive Australia Day pool party at Waves, followed by fun for the whole family at Bella Vista Farm on Friday 26 January. Bring the whole family along for fireworks, activities, food and live entertainment. A stellar lineup of entertainment is on the agenda this year, with Samantha Jade headlining on the main stage and Dorothy the Dinosaur and friends will be making a special appearance! 

When:     From 4.30 pm to 9 pm
Where:    Elizabeth Macarthur Dr, Bella Vista

7. Celebrate Australia Day with Dazzling Festivities at Rooty Hill

Australia day blacktown
Celebrate Australia Day at Rooty Hill​​​​​​


Mark your calendars for one of Western Sydney's grandest Australia Day celebrations, taking place at Rooty Hill, courtesy of Blacktown Council. This family-friendly, cost-free event promises an evening packed with entertainment and joy. In addition to the stellar entertainment, the event features a heaps of fun-filled activities including complimentary rides to thrill and excite, an interactive circus workshop for all ages, water games to cool off in the summer heat, and a variety of food stalls offering delectable treats

When:   Friday, 26 January 2024, 4.00 pm - 9.30 pm
Where:  The Rooty Hill, Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill
Cost:     FREE

8. Celebrations at The Rocks

The Rocks
Enjoy views across The Rocks right up to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 


Free live music, roving entertainers, games, chill-out zones, and international eats will be happening at The Rocks on 26 January.

If there's one thing we know about The Rocks, it's that they sure know how to celebrate major events on the Sydney calendar, and Australia Day in Sydney 2024 will be no different! From free live music to delicious street food, wheelchair races and superb views, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this festive day at The Rocks.

When:    26 January 2024
Where:   The Rocks precinct

9. Watch the Ferrython

Ferrython
An aerial view of the iconic Sydney Ferrython.


There are few Australia Day events in Sydney as iconic as the Ferrython!

This epic salute to Aus Day and Sydney's ferries has been running since 1977 and sees thousands of spectators take to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay to catch ferries race from Fort Denison to the Harbour Bridge.

This year, you can catch the 2024 Ferrython from vantage points around the Harbour and the bridge (the finish line), or you can choose to hop aboard a vessel yourself and watch the action from the water. 

When:    From 12.10 pm - 12.30 pm
Where:   You can catch the race around the Harbour

10. Australia Day Harbour Parade

Australia Day Harbour Parade 2023
Australia Day Harbour Parade 2024


While you're out in the harbour, catch the cool and colourful Australia Day Harbour Parade.

Kids will love checking out hundreds of boats in all shapes and sizes as they take to the waters of Sydney Harbour from 12.45 to 2 pm on 26 January. Along with the fun and funky decorations, there'll be cheeky prizes awarded, such as the Going Overboard Award and the Budgie Smuggler Award.

When:    From 12.45 am to 2 pm 
Where:   Around Circular Quay

11. GIO Oz Day 10k

GIO Oz Day
GIO Oz Day 10k


Marking an incredible 35 years in 2024, the GIO Oz Day 10k stands out as the premier wheelchair race globally and has become a cherished tradition on Australia Day.

Watch as the best wheelchair track and road athletes, including international Paralympians and enthusiastic juniors making their debut, race through The Rocks, showcasing their talent and vying for well-deserved honours. Join the spectators in cheering on these remarkable participants in this celebrated event!

When:    From 8.10 am to 10 am 
Where:   Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks

Further Afield...

12. Go for a Splash at Jamberoo Action Park

Jamberoo Action Park Australia Day
Head to Jamberoo for all the usual fun and some cool added extras this January!


NSW's largest family-owned and operated water theme park will be open on Australia Day, and it’s the ultimate destination for family fun in the South Coast region! Situated just an hour out of Sydney, Jamberoo is the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and explore somewhere new this Aus Day. 

When:   Open from 10 am to 5 pm daily
Where:  1215 Jamberoo Road, Jamberoo
Cost:     $64 per child aged 4 - 12 years; $74 per adult when you book online.

Want More of Sydney? These Venues Will be Open on Aus Day: 

The Chinese Garden of Friendship
WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo
Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden 

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