Top 3 Attractions in Sydney Harbour on Australia Day

Come January 26, and Australia’s favourite ‘Harbour City’ is all set to transform into a colourful carnival…

The last few weeks leading up to the countdown buzzes with visible excitement among Sydneysiders. Right from elaborate plans for barbecue parties to local shops selling flags, flag-themed hats, facial tattoos, tee-shirts or house decorations and more – Sydney is dripping with festive frenzy!

After all, ethnic heritage of Australia deserves a grand celebration. Australia Day is all about the locals displaying pride in their indigenous culture. This signature day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. With a series of celebratory events in order – Sydney is geared up for an animated Australia Day 2023.

On the official National Day of Australia, Sydney Harbour comes alive in a riot of colours. From an authentic paddlewheeler cruise experience to the mindblowing ‘Ferrython’ or the Tall Ships Race – the Sydney Harbour has different events to honour Australia Day.

Enumerating the best Sydney Harbour attractions on Australia Day, the article attempts to help your dilemma.

1. Australia Day Special Lunch Cruise Delight

How about celebrating the special day with a paddlewheeler cruising experience on the world’s largest natural harbour?

Harbour cruising is a great way to reminisce about the glorious diversity of Australia. The Australia Day cruises on Sydney Harbour spice-up the patriotic fervour of the occasion perfectly!

For, the charm of witnessing harbour events on this gala day, from inside climate-controlled cruise vessels is unforgettable. Feast your eyes on the sight of ferries or tall ships racing through the sparkling harbour waters. Follow every moment of this sailing regatta along with a buffet lunch on a Showboat cruise. And, catch all the action from the spacious decks of an Australia Day lunch cruise!

As you cruise past iconic Sydney landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, capture gram-worthy photos of the spectacular harbour.

However, a Showboat dinner cruise would be more apt – if you seek to celebrate a fitting end to Australia Day. Among the popular Australia Day cruises in Sydney, the fireworks dinner cruise experience is unrivalled, with a spectacular cabaret show by an all-Australian cast, close-ups of a vibrant Australia Day celebration on Sydney Harbour from the cruise deck, comfort of a seated dining arrangement and more.

An Australia Day celebration with dear ones can’t get any better.

2. Ferrython:

Another thrilling Australia Day attraction is the ‘Ferrython’. Personifying top-notch harbour extravaganza, it is a highly favoured Australia Day tradition on Sydney Harbour.

For this event, Sydney’s beautiful ferries are decked in finery, sporting a gorgeous makeover. These ferries are dressed in costumes that complement their namesakes – Victor Chang, Catherine Hamlin, May Gibbs and Pemulway.

Join your fellow revellers as they cheer their favourite ferry boats on the harbour.

Numerous locals make a beeline to Sydney Harbour to witness this exhilarating ferry race on the Australian national day. With a feverish gusto, the emerald-class ferries compete with each other. So, make sure you don’t miss this live action as you watch the Ferrython in eager anticipation!

Kicking off at Circular Quay, the ferries speed towards Shark Island – eventually returning to the finish line under the Harbour Bridge.

3. Tall Ships Race

High on the patriotic flavour, Sydney Harbour becomes a unique aquatic playground on January 26. Another highlight of Australia Day is the Tall Ships Race at Port Jackson.

The Tall Ships Race commences at Bradley’s Head and finishes under the towering Harbour Bridge. Historic tall ships including the Southern Swan, Soren Larsen or Coral Trekker participate in this race.

While some spectators love to follow every race update from the decks of a harbour cruise, others prefer to watch it simply from the harbour itself.

During one of the past Australia Day celebrations, a convoy of charter vessels followed the tall ships as they raced towards the finish line – presenting a grand spectacle of harbourside merriment!

Which of the above Sydney Harbour attractions do you personally prefer? Gather your team-mates… invite your besties… and raise a toast to Australia Day in style!

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