And just when you thought the festive season was over, Australia Day in Sydney 2026 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 Australia Day events in Sydney that are built on the values that define us as Australians: diversity, inclusion, respect, and a whole lot of fun!

Happy Straya Day!

When is Australia Day 2026?

Australia Day falls on a Monday this year, so mark your calendars for Monday 26 January 2026. This celebrated day marks the anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival at Port Jackson, NSW, in 1788. Captain Arthur Phillip hoisted the British flag, and voilà, a new colony was born. Over the years, January 26th has morphed into a day to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and acknowledge the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—the true custodians of this beautiful land.

The Best Free Australia Day Events in Sydney 2026

1. Dawn Reflection at Circular Quay

For all you early birds, head down to Circular Quay to celebrate our nation at the Dawn Reflection 2026.

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. 2026 marks the sixth 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.

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

2. Australia Day Live at the Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House will come to life to reflect, respect, and celebrate this January.

From 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm, 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. 

Where:   Sydney Opera House
When:    From 7.30 to 9.30 pm
Cost:     FREE ticketed event, tickets released Wednesday 14 January 2026

3. Australia Day Concert and Fireworks in Blacktown

Western Sydney knows how to celebrate, and Blacktown’s Australia Day Concert at The Rooty Hill is set to deliver one of the biggest parties in town. This free family event features an epic live music lineup headlined by Diesel with support from Taxiride and other fan favourites, alongside rides, games and plenty of delicious food stalls to explore.

The evening wraps with a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky and brings the whole crowd together. A brilliant pick for families wanting a full day of entertainment, community spirit and summer vibes without spending a cent.

Where:   The Rooty Hill, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill.
When:    Monday 26 January 2026 | 4 pm - 9.30 pm
Cost:      FREE

4. Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal 

Australia Day is about to go next-level for families, with the Mega Kidz Zone taking over the iconic Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay.

Filled with inflatable obstacle courses, arcade challenges and the always-popular Wheelchair Basketball, where kids and adults can try adaptive sport for themselves, this is an awesome event for families.

Outside, the foreshore buzzes with roving performers, DJ music, heaps of food trucks and great views of all the harbour action. Over on the MCA Lawn, the Fun in the Sun Zone offers more free games, activities and sunscreen from Surf Life Saving NSW. With so much in one easy location, it’s the perfect spot for families to celebrate Australia Day without spending a thing.

Where:  Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay
When:   10.30 am to 4 pm
Cost:     FREE

5. Free Pool Party at Ripples Leisure Centre – Penrith and St Marys

Families are invited to dive into a splashtastic day out at the free pool party happening at Ripples Leisure Centre Penrith and Ripples Leisure Centre St Marys, where summer fun is well and truly turned up.

With FREE entry all day at both venues, this Australia Day celebration is packed with kid-pleasing excitement, from lively circus performances and hands-on workshops to creative activities like Aussie animal cooking, making your own boomerang and even diving into a magical mermaid experience that's sure to spark wide-eyed wonder. Between splashes, families can grab something tasty from the kiosk, spread out a poolside picnic or tuck into a classic Aussie sausage sizzle, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the festivities.

It's a relaxed, high-energy celebration that ticks all the boxes for a memorable family day out without spending a cent at the gate.

Where:
Ripples Penrith: 119 Station Street, Penrith  
Ripples St Marys: Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys   
When:    26 January from 8 am to 6 pm
Cost:      FREE entry

6. Yabun Festival

 

Yabun Festival is the largest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia and it's back in 2026!

Yabun is a fantastic way to engage kids in the First Nations history, and the 2026 celebration marks 24 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. 

Where:   Victoria Park, Broadway
When:    From 10 am to 7 pm
Cost:      FREE entry

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

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!

The FREE festivities kick off with a massive pool party at Waves, followed by fun for the whole family at Bella Vista Farm on Sunday 26 January. Bring the whole family along for fireworks, activities, food and roving entertainment.

Where:    Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Baulkham Hills & Bella Vista Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive
When:     From 10 am to 9 pm
Cost:       FREE

8. Ryde's Australia Day Celebrations

Join all the festive families at Ryde's Meadowbank Park on Monday 26 January for their annual Australia Day Celebrations.

This is one of our favourite community events with loads of FREE activities for families to celebrate the 26th, including the legendary thong throwing competition, Spikeball, skate workshops, live entertainment from local performers, food trucks, inflatable fun for the kids, plus a mega finale show ending the night with a 9 pm fireworks spectacular! 

Where:  Constitution Rd, Meadowbank
When:   From 4 pm to 9 pm
Cost:     FREE

9. Watch the 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 2026 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. 

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

10. Australia Day Harbour Parade

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.

Where:   Around Circular Quay
When:    From 1 pm - 2 pm
Cost:      FREE

11. Australia Day Eve Open Air Cinema

If you're keen to celebrate on the eve of the 26th, head down to Narrabeen's Lakeside Park for a FREE movie under the stars.

The Northern Beaches Australia Day Eve Open Air Cinema is a great event for the whole family to enjoy a night under the stars. This year's movie is the 2025 hit, Kangaroo — a heart-warming family film about a former TV star who, stranded in the Outback, teams up with a spirited 12-year-old girl to rescue orphaned joeys

Gates will open at 5.30 pm for a 6.30 pm movie start. Bring your picnic blankets and get ready for a comfy night of free entertainment. Food trucks will be on-site for anyone needing dinner or a snack. Book your free tickets online today.

Where:  39 Lake Park Rd, Narrabeen
When:   25 January 2026 | Gates open at 5.30 pm for a 6.30 pm movie start
Cost:     FREE

12. Aussie Party in the Park

There's something for everyone at Padstow's Aussie Party in the Park with heaps of free activities, including amusement rides, kids' workshops, interactive games, roving entertainment, food trucks and more.

Bring your friends and family, relax and soak up the festive atmosphere while enjoying a jam-packed stage schedule. The festivities kick off at 4 pm with DJ Aria, followed by Ambrosia Band from Picnic Point High School and dance performances by Ignite Dance Co. Other highlights include the Acknowledgement of Country and Smoking Ceremony at 5 pm, an official speech at 5.50 pm, and a special show with The Wiggles at 6 pm. From 7pm, catch Live Baby Live, the INXS tribute show, before the night wraps with a breathtaking fireworks display at 9 pm.

Hosted by Picnic Point High School's Jack Campbell and Ellen Walsh, this Australia Day promises to be unforgettable fun for all ages.

When:    Playford Park, Cahors Road, Padstow
Where:   26 January 2026 from 4-9 pm
Cost:      FREE 

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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