#AusDaySyd /#AusDayNSW
@AustraliaDayNSW
AustraliaDayNSW
@AustraliaDayNSW
1
OFFICIAL
Link here – Images and for B-Roll Footage
Dawn Reflection - Sydney Opera House (5:20am-5:50am)
Start the day with a reflective moment as the sun rises over Sydney Harbour on Gadigal
land to honour the nation’s Traditional Custodians. At dawn, the sails of the Sydney Opera
House will be illuminated with an artwork that represents and honours Aboriginal history,
culture and people. The Australian National Flag and Aboriginal Flag will also be raised in
unison on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in a symbol of unity, recognition and inclusion.
WugulOra Morning Ceremony - Walumil Lawns Barangaroo Reserve
(7:30am-8:30am)
The WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve is a reminder that Aboriginal
people are the foundation of Australia’s story and caretakers of the world's oldest
continuous living culture. It is held on Gadigal land year on January 26 and celebrates
Aboriginal culture, with special performances by dancers and singers. Addresses will be
given by dignitaries and the Australian National Anthem will be sung in English and Eora,
the local Aboriginal language.
Harbourfest – an exciting line-up of free and fun events and activities taking place on sea,
shore and sky around Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay, and includes:
Midday Salute – Sydney Harbour/Circular Quay (11:55am–12:05pm)
A unique combination of meaningful events that weaves together cultural traditions and
military displays in a tribute to our nation. Be awe-inspired by a ceremonial showcase from
the Australian Defence Force, including a 21-Gun Salute resonating from North Sydney,
followed by an aerial flypast courtesy of The Roulettes. Keep your eyes peeled for the
Australian Navy Seahawk Helicopter soaring along the harbour, displaying the Australian
flag. The Wirawi, part of the Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation fleet, will conduct a
serene on-water smoking ceremony, cleansing all who gather. Everyone is encouraged to
join in singing the National Anthem in English and Eora.
The Roulettes – Sydney Harbour (12pm-12.10pm) – RETURNING
For 10 thrilling minutes, the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) elite aerobatic display
team, composed of some of the nation's most skilled pilots, will showcase their awe-
inspiring flying prowess over Sydney Harbour. Watch in amazement as the daredevil
aviators push their aircraft to the limits, executing jaw-dropping loops, rolls, and high-G
turns. Flying at astonishing speeds of up to 685km/h and as low as 200 feet, the Roulette
flyers can endure up to six times the force of gravity, delivering an adrenaline-pumping
experience for onlookers. This special Australia Day display marks the squad's return to
the skies above Sydney Harbour on January 26 after more than a decade, promising an exhilarating and unmissable
show.
Media Release
Australia Day 2024 Program – “Top Picks”
#AusDaySyd /#AusDayNSW
@AustraliaDayNSW
AustraliaDayNSW
@AustraliaDayNSW
2
OFFICIAL
Ferrython – Sydney Harbour (12:05pm-12:30pm) – FASTER THAN EVER
Ferrython is back for another Australia Day – and this year, the ferries will be racing
faster than ever! An annual crowd favourite, cheer on four of the city’s iconic Emerald
Class ferries May Gibbs, Catherine Hamlin, Bungaree and Fred Hollows. For 2024, there’s
an all-new race route, with the ferries completing two laps from Fort Denison to the
finish line beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge, allowing the vessels to reach speeds
unparalleled since the inception of Ferrython on Australia Day in 1977. While you can’t
buy tickets to board a ferry for the big race, you can be part of the excitement with a
limited number of free tickets available to win.
Great Aussie BBQ – Hickson Road Reserve (10am-2pm) - NEW
Aussies love nothing better than a cracking good BBQ and let’s face it there is no better
day to grab the snags, slice up the onions and get out the tongs this Australia Day at the
Great Aussie BBQ. Head down to one of the most picturesque Harbour spots, purchase a
sausage sizzle and help raise money for Rural Aid. The Great Aussie BBQ ain’t no
ordinary sausage sizzle though as we throw down the gauntlet to our multicultural
community asking them to put their spin on our very own Aussie classic!
Maritime Mayhem - Sydney Cove (12:15pm – 12:25pm)
Like a Monster Truck show - but on water! If you’ve never seen a tugboat do a burn-out,
head down to Circular Quay and witness the action. Maritime Mayhem is a must-see event
on Australia Day. Get ready for a high-octane, exhilarating display of fast and furious jet
ski performances, daredevil flyboard tricks and crazy tugboat displays. Watch the mayhem
unfold as vessels of all shapes and sizes battle it out on water, synchronised to a rockin’
soundtrack with beats that will make your heart race and feet tap.
Mega Kidz Zone – Overseas Passenger Terminal – (10.30am-4pm)
The arrivals hall of the Overseas Passenger Terminal will be transformed into a massive
interactive arcade perfect for kids of all ages. Entry is free and families are set to be
entertained with hours of fun on Australia Day. Get lost in the massive Maze, bounce
through the enormous inflatable obstacle course, or satisfy your inner kid on one of the
arcade games. Dance to the beats of the silent disco, a space for kids of all abilities to
experience one big party they’ll never forget.
In the evening:
Australia Day Live – Sydney Opera House Forecourt and Circular Quay (7:30pm-9:30pm)
(Pre-show entertainment starts at 6.30pm)
As the sun sets on our national day, the Sydney Opera House forecourt and Circular
Quay come alive for the unmissable Australia Day Live concert. This unique event
features live musical performances choreographed to a flotilla of yachts, projections
on the Sydney Opera House sails, and stunning pyrotechnic displays over Sydney
Harbour. A stellar line-up of true blue Australian musical acts will take the stage to
belt out beloved hits, accompanied by a full orchestra. The full line-up of performers
will be announced in January.
Everyone is welcome to gather around Circular Quay for the harbour show and artists performances can also be
seen on the large screens in Circular Quay. Limited free tickets will be available at australiaday.com.au from
Thursday, 18 January 2024 for the Sydney Opera House forecourt.
Australia Day Live at Sydney Opera House is brought to you by the NSW Government through its tourism and
major events agency Destination NSW.
#AusDaySyd /#AusDayNSW
@AustraliaDayNSW
AustraliaDayNSW
@AustraliaDayNSW
3
OFFICIAL
For ALL the event program visit australiaday.com.au
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Sydney Splash – Rose Bay (6am–11am)
The Sydney Harbour Splash, one of Sydney’s most iconic swims, is back for its 8th year. This annual event held
every January 26 is the perfect way to dive into the excitement of our national day.
OZ DAY 10K – The Rocks (8:30am–10am)
Head to The Rocks and watch on in awe as some of the world's best wheelchair track and road athletes battle it out
in the GIO Oz Day 10k. Celebrating a remarkable 35 years this year and regarded as the best wheelchair race in the
world, spectators can cheer on both the inspirational Paralympians and also the juniors who are taking part in the
event for the first time.
Fun in the Sun with Surf Life Saving NSW – The Rocks (8:30am–10am)
Head to the red and yellow flags of Surf Life Saving NSW, to beat the heat.
Vintage Buses – Macquarie Street/ North Sydney (10:30am–5:30pm)
Step back in time by riding on a double-decker vintage bus over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and back again on
Australia Day.
Harbour Parade – Sydney Harbour (12.45pm–2pm)
The Harbour Parade is ‘fashions on the field’, but for boats and their crews as they don their finest and most-
flamboyant Australia Day-themed decorations and parade through the waves in a dazzling display of national spirit.
Tall Ships Race – Sydney Harbour (1pm–1.30pm)
Watch as an impressive fleet of historic vessels compete for line honours in a race to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
188
th
Regatta – Sydney Harbour (12.45pm–2pm)
First held in 1837, the Regatta is the oldest continuously run annual sailing event in the world.
Working Harbour Display – Sydney Harbour (2pm–4pm)
Enjoy live entertainment and check out the working vessels that make Sydney Harbour tick.
The Rocks Markets (11am–5pm)
Nestled amid historic laneways with their harbour views, this January 26 there will be a special The Australian
Edition of the markets.
AustraliaDay @ the House (12pm- 6pm)
Grab your picnic basket, bring a blanket and bask in the splendour of Government House, the official residence of
the Governor of New South Wales.
Yabun Festival (10am–7pm)
Yabun (meaning ‘music to a beat’ in Gadigal language) is a free event in Victoria Park with loads of live music,
bustling market stalls, panel discussions and community forums on Aboriginal issues, plus children’s activities, and
traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances.
For ALL the event program visit australiaday.com.au
