Sydney Harbour Australia Day 2026
Schedule
Mon Jan 26 2026 at 05:20 am to 06:20 am
UTC+05:30Location
Sydney Harbour | Sydney, NS
π¦πΊ Australia Day 2026: Sydney Harbour Program
Monday, 26 January 2026
Sydney Harbour will transform into a world-class stage for a day of reflection, community, and celebration.
π Morning: Reflection & Culture
- Dawn Reflection (5:20 am β 5:40 am): The Sydney Opera House sails illuminate with First Nations artwork. It can be best viewed from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
- WugulOra Morning Ceremony (7:30 am β 8:30 am): A sacred smoking ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve celebrating the Gadigal people that also includes the Australian National Anthem sung in Eora and English.
- Oz Day 10K (9:00 am): Watch the worldβs elite wheelchair athletes race through the historic streets of The Rocks.
β΄οΈ Midday: Harbourfest Highlights
- Midday Salute (11:55 am): A thunderous 21-gun salute followed by a high-octane RAAF F-35A Lightning II flypast over the harbor.
- Ferrython (12:10 pm β 12:30 pm): Four of Sydneyβs Emerald Class ferries race from Fort Denison to the finish line under the Bridge.
- Maritime Mayhem (12:15 pm): Tugboat stunts and jet-ski acrobatics in Sydney Cove.
- Harbour Parade (1:00 pm β 2:15 pm): A "best-dressed" flotilla of private vessels.
π Evening: The Grand Finale
- Australia Day Live (7:30 pm β 9:30 pm): A star-studded concert at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt choreographed to a parade of illuminated boats (the Lit Vessels Parade) and a massive fireworks display.
- Tickets: Tickets are free but essential. They will be up for sale from Wednesday, 14 January 2026 via the Opera House website.
- Broadcast: Watch live on ABC TV or iView if you can't make it to the Quay.
π Attendee Essentials (The Fine Print)
π Getting There & Home
- Circular Quay Station: From 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, trains will not stop at Circular Quay to manage crowds. Use Wynyard, St James, or Martin Place and walk.
- Light Rail: L2 and L3 services will not run between Circular Quay and Town Hall from 7:30 pm onwards.
- Wharf Closures: Major wharves (including Circular Quay and King St) will have intermittent closures for the Ferrython and evening shows. Check the Trip Planner at transportnsw.info.
π€ Information for Boaties
- Exclusion Zones:
- 11:45 am β 12:45 pm: Full closure from the Bridge to East of Fort Denison.
- 7:00 pm β 10:00 pm: Full closure of Sydney Cove.
- Spit Bridge: Operates on a regular Public Holiday timetable (no extra openings).
- Safety: NSW Police will enforce a 0.05 BAC limit. Lifejackets are mandatory for children under 12 in open areas of vessels under 8m.
βΏ Accessibility & Comfort
- Viewing: Designated accessible viewing areas are located at the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Barangaroo Reserve.
- Drop-offs: A dedicated accessible drop-off point is located at Harrington Street (The Rocks).
- Amenities: For the evening concert, haptic vests and quiet spaces for neurodivergent guests are available (registration required via australiaday.com.au).
- Security: Expect bag checks at the Opera House and major entry points. No glass or alcohol is permitted in most public vantage points.
Where is it happening?
Sydney Harbour, Sydney, AustraliaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:


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