Celebrate Australia Day in Sydney

Ferrython race

On 26 January each year, Australians come together to celebrate our national day. True to tradition, Australia Day 2017 will deliver plenty of lively events and great activities to enjoy in Sydney.

If you're thinking of what to do to mark the national holiday, here are some of the activities taking place in Sydney:

• Much of the action of Australia Day takes place on and around Sydney Harbour. The WugulOra Indigenous Morning Ceremony marks the official start and honours the traditional land owners with the raising of the Aboriginal and Australian flags on the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 8.00am.
• Another harbour highlight is the Ferrython race, one of Australia's most famous free Australia Day events. Watch as the ferries venture from Circular Quay to Shark Island and then back to finish under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For the first time ever, visitors can participate in the Ferrython by booking a place as a passenger on one of the ferries. Tickets start at $120 and include morning tea on arrival, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a lunch box. Tickets can be purchased here. Visitors can also get a birdseye view of the race atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of a special Ferrython BridgeClimb. 
• The Salute to Australia ceremony is a 21 gun salute fired from Bradfield Park and received by the Governor of New South Wales on board HMAS Canberra. Tina Arena will then sing the national anthem at 12.00pm.
• From 1.00pm, Sydney's Tall Ships will lead a fleet of historic vessels from Bradleys Head to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. After the race, the ships will be on display at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
• The two free Australia Day Concerts, held in association with Destination NSW, cater to all ages and are a highlight of the Australia Day program. Australia's biggest, brightest and wiggliest entertainment group, The Wiggles, will perform as part of the Children's Festival in Darling Harbour from 11.00am. Families are advised to arrive early to secure their spot. In the evening, the Australia Day 2017 - Live at Sydney Opera House concert will commence at 7.30pm and will feature Australian superstars Tina Arena and Guy Sebastian. Tickets for the concert will be released at midday on January 16 via australiaday.com.au. READ MORE