Australia Day 2023 in Sydney - Top Things To Do

And just like that, we’re cruising towards yet another major holiday celebration. That's right! Australia Day is right around the corner. It seems like New Year's Eve was just last night, but oh well! More celebration equals more fun! That’s how Sydney’s always been – it’s culture calendar stacked right from the beginning of the year.

This year, some of our favourite events are coming back and with it, an opportunity to celebrate the nation and its wonderful people. These events are curated on the values that bind us together as Australians, and are further indication to celebrate the day in unity, and harmony.

We have jotted down some of the most memorable ways to embrace being a true Aussie - Happy Straya Day!

Dawn of Reflection

The celebrations start as early as dawn on Australia Day. For the early risers, there is no better way to start your mid-week holiday than to head down to Circular Quay, for the Dawn Reflection. A touching First Nations artwork will be projected onto the iconic sails of the Opera House! This, paired with the flag-hoisting on The Bridge, and the stunning lavender skies makes for the perfect Australia Day event for the whole family to enjoy.

Ferrython Race

As iconic as it gets – the Ferrython race on Sydney Harbour is probably the one event which the whole of NSW looks forward to. Spectators can catch an exhilarating display of four Emerald-Class ferries racing from Fort Denison, around Shark Island, and to the finish line under The Bridge. Although there are many vantage points around the harbour to watch this thrilling event, you can make it extra special for the whole gang by treating them to one of the best Australia Day cruises.

Australia Day Spectator Cruises

Coming down to the harbour is definitely one of the best ways to celebrate national day, even better if it’s aboard a cruise! It is your ultimate chance to be in the middle of all excitement, while staying away from the busy crowds. See Ferrython, along with other events including the Tall Ships race, Harbour Parade, Maritime Mayhem, and so on. Some of the Australia Day cruises for 2023 include a food and beverage package, while some offer BYO options to keep the prices budget-friendly. Book your cruise now and gear up for a celebration like no other!

Yabun at Victoria Park

If a celebration that is uniquely Australian is what you’re after, then it doesn't get much better than the Yabun Festival in Victoria Park. The largest one-day celebration of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture – this is the place to be if you’re looking to learn more about the Aboriginals and their way of living. Marking its 21 year anniversary, the event is going to be bigger than ever, this means more music acts, more food stalls and plenty more fun for the whole family!

Australia Day Live

The evening of Australia Day is just as star-studded as its morning schedule. Around 7.30pm, the harbour and its massive foreshore transforms into a multi-entertainment platform, bringing a rousing close to the national day celebrations. The country’s most talented set of acts lineup at the Opera House forecourt to bring you the most emphatic live performance ever. The music will be accompanied by an incredible projection on The House, a stellar show of fireworks, and an epic flotilla of yachts, jet skis and flyboarders! It’s amped up to be a bonanza of endless entertainment, so be there with your family!

The official lineups are yet to be released – check the official website for more info.

Stay in the loop for part two!

Looking for ideas and activities to celebrate Australia Day in Sydney. I am a blogger who loves to share unique ideas about travelling or to celebrate occasions in a different way.