Ahhh Australia. Land of cuddly koala's, misunderstood slang, a bunch of big things, and people who turn their car's into pools during heatwaves. What's not to love?
Australia is worth celebrating, and this year there is more than ever to do in the picturesque city of Sydney on our official national day - 26th January. To make your life easy, here's a list of the best things to do in Sydney on Australia Day (apart from the obvious BBQ and beer with your mates by the beach).
Sydney Harbour, 10:45am - 11:30am
Our beloved Sydney ferries race from Circular Quay to Shark Island and then back to a glorious finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Some of the best spots to view the race include Bradfield Park, Blues Point, Hicksons Road Reserve, the Overseas Passenger Terminal or the Sydney Opera House. Pack a picnic, gather on the foreshore and barrack for your favourite ferry. Toot toot!
Campbells Cove - The Rocks, 10:30am - 4:00pm
Experience stories, music, song and dance with the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe, right next to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Having just returned from a tour of Europe, the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe look forward to celebrating their culture with Australians of all backgrounds on 26 January 2019.
Circular Quay, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Watch Australia’s biggest music stars rock out on the big screens around Circular Quay as everything else hits the water – a flotilla of yachts, jet skis, flyboarders and much more. Get to Circular Quay with time to spare and don’t miss the spectacular fireworks throughout the show. For a schedule of the performing acts see here.
Barangaroo Reserve, all day
Check out the ALWAYS installation at ** as part of Sydney Festival 2019. The headland hosts a large-scale sculpture by local Bangarra artist-in-residence Jacob Nash, featuring the declaration ‘ALWAYS’: always was, always will be. It is a nice reminder on Australia Day of the traditional owners of this land and the history they bring to our great country.
First Fleet Park - The Rocks, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Whatever your groove, you found it. Kick up your feet with food and drink from our licensed bar, or get down with dynamic musical artists SaxBeatz. Let their sweet sounds, from tropical house to delicious funk, take you away.
Bicentennial Park - West Pymble, 10:20am - 2:00pm
If you're north of the bridge families will enjoy a range of entertainment and activities this Australia Day in Bicentennial Park. Entertainment and activities will include a live stage show featuring the ABC kids show Bananas in Pyjamas, bush band Reel Matilda, an Aussie reptile show and a range of cultural dance performances. For the children, there will be games, amusement rides, sheep shearing, sheep dog demonstrations and roaming performers. After the event ends at 2pm, everyone is invited to cool off at the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre next to Bicentennial Park for an afternoon of entertainment and activities.The council recommends catching the free shuttle bus from Gordon train station to the event as parking is limited.
Belmore Sports Ground - Belmore, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
If you're in the Inner West, this is the event for you! You can learn to be a cheerleader with the Bulldogs’ cheer squad, enjoy the giant bouncing kangaroos and fire dancers and listen to performances by The Voice runner up, Spenser Jones, TV personality, Scott McRae, ABC’s Splash Dance and the Blues Brothers Show – and so much more! There will be live fireworks to end the night and the Harbour Bridge fireworks will be displayed on the big screen for all to see.
Information about Australia Day activities was provided by www.australiaday.com.au
Image credit: Destination NSW
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