AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

All around the State NSW is celebrating Australia day. A few of the highlights in Sydney and Regional NSW follow.

SYDNEY

7am, P&O Cruise Ships

Approximately 6,000 guests will be on board three of the world’s most impressive cruise ships that arrive in Sydney; Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl will join in the celebrations this Australia Day. The ships will stand in the midst of the Harbour activities providing passengers a birds-eye view.

7.30am, WugulOra Indigenous Ceremony

A special moment to commence Australia Day, WugulOra celebrates Australia’s traditional landowners in a ceremony on the Northern Forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. The ceremony will see the Aboriginal flag raised along with the Australian flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This will be followed by a performance by the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company.

8.30am, The Great Australian Swim Series – Great Sydney Swim

More than 1,000 participants are expected to take the plunge in the 2.2km final event of the swim series. The final takes place around Farm Cove – right alongside the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

9am – 5pm, Hyde Park Summer Playground

Hyde Park North will come alive and transform into a Summer Playground for a fun-filled day for the whole family. Nickelodeon is taking over Hyde Park offering a host of kids’ favourite characters, live performances, superheroes, character meet and greet and sporting activities.

10am – 11am, The Wiggles Australia Day Concert

Australia’s biggest, brightest and wiggliest entertainment group The Wiggles are all set to hit the Sydney Opera House stage this Australia Day. The Wiggles’ first show of the year will see them wiggle and sing alongside Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Captain Feathersword. Please note, the ballot for this event is now closed and is at capacity.

11am, Ferrython

Sydney’s beloved First Fleet ferries will line up for one of Australia’s most popular and iconic free events. Cheer on your favourite ferry as the vessels make their final dash to the finish line under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For the best vantage points head to Shark Island, Milsons Point or Lavender Bay.

12pm, Salute to Australia

Audiences at the 12pm to Salute to Australia can sing the national anthem in harmony with synchronised choirs, and the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force will combine their efforts in a ceremonial display of respect. A 21 Gun Salute will be fired from Bradfield Park, under the north side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, followed by an aerial flyover of RAAF jets to complete the Salute.

1pm, Sydney’s Tall Ships Race

A fleet of historic and charter vessels will capture attention, slicing their way through the harbour waves in the Tall Ships Race, starting from Bradley’s Head and travelling on the northern side of Fort Denison to finish under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The best vantage points to catch the race are from Bradley’s Head to the Harbour Bridge on the northern side of Sydney Harbour.

1.30pm, 179th, Australia Day Regatta

The 179th Australia Day Regatta is the world’s oldest continuously conducted annual sailing event and will turn Sydney Harbour into an aquatic spectacle. Up to 700 vessels, including traditional and classic yachts from around the nation, will take part in the Regatta.

11am – 7:00pm, Cruising Concert

This year’s Cruising Concert will make its way around Sydney Harbour throughout the day, entertaining crowds at different locations. The custom-built floating stage will be hosted by entertainer Darren Percival and his band. Starting at Bradfield Park from 11:00am the Cruising Concert will visit Blues Point Reserve, Dawes Point, the Sydney Opera House, Farm Cove, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Cremorne Point and the Athol Bay Playground before a special performance at Cockle Bay at 6pm.

7pm – 8.30pm, The Australia Day Concert at the Sydney Opera House

The Australia Day Concert at the Sydney Opera House will see some of Australia’s brightest stars come together, including Jessica Mauboy, Sheppard, The Veronicas, Justice Crew, James Morrison, Russell Morris and host David Campbell. Please note this event is at capacity.

8.30pm, P&O Cruise Fireworks

See the spectacular fireworks display between the three P&O cruise ships which will be a real treat for passengers and foreshore spectators.

REGIONAL NSW

Regional NSW is also celebrating. A few of the highlights include:

Byron Bay

Time: 7.30am – 2pm
Where: Next to the Byron Bay Surf Club, Main Beach
Watch the paddlers come in and enjoy the live entertainment.

Port Stephens

Time: 8am-3pm
Where: Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace
Enjoy the Great Aussie breakfast, goodie bags, music, live music, market stalls, speedboat displays and more.

Shellharbour region

Time: 7am – 2pm
Where: Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra
Featuring live music, a sand modelling competition, an animal farm, pony rides, face painting and more.

Bega region

Time: 7.30am onwards
Where: Littleton Gardens, Bega
Featuring a free breakfast, citizenship ceremony, magic show and entertainment.

Wagga Wagga

Time: 7am onwards
Where: Civic Precinct
Featuring a free Aussie breakfast and live entertainment.

Broken Hill

Time: 7am onwards
Where:Civic Centre Plaza
Barbecue breakfast followed by a country and flag raising ceremony, citizenship ceremony and morning tea.

Go to australiaday.com.au for further information about events happening around Sydney and NSW this Australia Day.