The Best Australia Day Events in Sydney 2025

And just when you thought the festive season was over, Australia Day in Sydney 2025 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 2025?

Australia Day falls on a Sunday this year, so mark your calendars for Sunday 26 January 2025. 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.

Australia Day Events in Sydney 2025

1. Dawn Reflection at Circular Quay

For all you early birds, head down to Circular Quay to celebrate our nation at the Dawn Reflection 2025.

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. 2025 marks the fifth 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

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

3. 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.

This FREE interactive arcade promises a day packed with fun, adventure, and a whole lot of laughter. The Mega Kidz Zone is the perfect spot for kids to play, move, and let their imaginations run wild, all while parents soak up the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. 

There'll be a massive maze for kids to channel their inner explorer, a mega inflatable obstacle course, plus, a silent disco where little dance machines can groove their hearts out. 

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

4. Yabun Festival

 

Yabun Festival is the largest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia and it's back in 2025!

Yabun is a fantastic way to engage kids in the First Nations history, and the 2025 celebration marks 23 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

5. 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 live entertainment. A stellar lineup of entertainment is on the agenda this year, with Ricki-Lee Coulter headlining on the main stage, plus, there'll be a Bluey Live Interactive Experience, and the interactive renditions of Junkyard Beats.

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

6. Ryde's Australia Day Celebrations

Join all the festive families at Ryde's Meadowbank Park on Sunday 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 legenadry 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:   4-9 pm
Cost:     FREE

7. Concert & Festivities 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

Where:  The Rooty Hill, Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill
When:   From 4 to 9.30 pm
Cost:     FREE

8. 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 2025 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

9. 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 12.45 to 2 pm 

10. 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 2020 Australian classic Go Karts!—a thrilling family film about a boy who must overcome tremendous odds and his own recklessness to achieve his dream of winning the National Go Kart Championship.

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 onsite for anyone needing dinner or a snack. Book your free tickets online today.

Where:  39 Lake Park Rd, Narrabeen
When:   25 January 2025 | Gates open at 5.30 pm for a 6.30 pm movie start
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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