For different people, 26 January has different meanings. The long weekend gives us the opportunity to reflect on our nation's history and to consider how we can make Australia an even better place in future. Here is a collection of events across NSW to give you some ideas on how to get out and about and enjoy the diversity our nation offers.
Hero image credit: NSW Government, Australia Day in New South Wales
Sydney
WugulOra Indigenous Morning Ceremony
Celebrate our traditional custodians at the WugulOra Indigenous Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo – an event that honours the world’s oldest living culture through Aboriginal dance and song, with special performances by the Sydney Festival’s Bayara Choir and the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe. Take part in a smoking ceremony – an ancient custom among Aboriginal Australians in which native plants are burnt to produce smoke, listen as the national anthem is sung in English and Aboriginal language Dharawal, and watch as the Aboriginal and Australian flags are raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the start of Australia Day long weekend. What follows will be an exciting series of free family-friendly activities spanning Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour, The Rocks and Darling Harbour.
Yabun Festival
Yabun Festival is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures held on the lands of the Gadigal people at Victoria Park in Camperdown. Established in 2001, Yabun (meaning ‘music to a beat’) Festival includes a march that starts at Hyde Park at 11am and finishes at the festival site, which features live music and dance, including some of the best Indigenous music talent from across the country, bustling market stalls, panel discussions and community forums on Aboriginal issues, and plenty of children’s activities.
Ferrython
One of Australia’s most iconic events, follow as Sydney ferries race from Barangaroo Wharf to Shark Island and back to a glorious finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Ferrython attendees are encouraged to come dressed in the colour of their favourite ferry. Or, for a birds-eye view of the race, take part in a special Ferrython BridgeClimb.
Sydney Tall Ships
From 1pm, Sydney's Tall Ships will lead a fleet of historic vessels from Bradley's Head to the Harbour Bridge, joined by the 182nd Australia Day Regatta, the world’s oldest continuously conducted annual sailing event, from 1.30pm. Join the crew on board and watch as they battle for line honours, or pitch in and help if you’re feeling adventurous.
Australia Day Parramatta
Parramatta has an action-packed line-up for the whole family on the 26 January, kicking off proceedings from 6am. Watch the sun rise as Sydney’s biggest hot-air balloon displays take to the sky. You might just catch a glimpse of roving entertainers including Circular Keys, Up, Up and Away and Roo’d too. Other highlights include exploring various heritage sites in Parramatta on free bike tours, classic and vintage vehicles at the CARnivale display, the Big BBQ competition, amusement rides and entertainment in the Kid’s Crescent, a fantastic program of live music and a fireworks finale at 9pm.
Regional events
Below are some highlights from regional NSW.
Bathurst
The hub of the Central West will host a BBQ breakfast, with a flag raising ceremony, car displays and novelty races for kids. There’s also free entry to the pool at the Manning Aquatic Centre.
Wollongong
This family friendly event starts with the Illawarra Aquathon and continues with entertainment, stalls, amusement rides, street theatre and fireworks.
Newcastle
Start the day at the Newcastle Harbour Swim, the only day of the year you’re allowed to swim across the harbour. There's also plenty of entertainment along the foreshore all day.
Taralga
Head to Taralga for the annual Australia Day rodeo, with three days of entertainment including cattle dog trials, a country music night and senior rodeo championships.
