Wondering what’s happening around Sydney and the North Shore for Australia Day in 2025? Enjoy a long weekend kicking off on Saturday 25 to Monday 27 January, and celebrate at one of these amazing events.
Australia Day is a day to reflect on our past, accept the truth of our history, respect that we all have a contribution to make to the Story of Australia and celebrate being part of a diverse and multicultural nation.
There are many ways to celebrate Australia Day on Sunday 26 January. Here is a lowdown on events happening on the North Shore, the city and nearby suburbs. Take your pick and have a memorable day with the family!
Australia Day events on the North Shore
- This is Australia! Lane Cove Bush Kids
- Australia Day Picnic, Lane Cove
- Australia Day at The Canopy
- Australia Day at Saddles Featuring Digger & Normie
- Australia Day Celebrations at the Concourse, Chatswood
- Fagan Park, Galston-Australia Day Open Day, Picnic and Car Display
- Ku-ring-gai Aquatic Centre Pool Party
- Hornsby Leisure Aquatic Centre Pool Party
- Australia Day Concert at Hornsby Park
- Australia Day at West Pymble Bicentennial Club
Australia Day Events in Sydney
- Darling Harbour
- Dawn Reflection, Sydney Opera House
- Australia Day Live, Sydney Opera House
- Air Force Roulettes Flying Display Over Sydney Harbour
- Harbourfest
- The Rocks
- Australia Day Mega Kidz Zone
- Wulgulora Morning Ceremony, Barangaroo Reserve
- Yabun Festival
Australia Day events beyond the North Shore
Australia Day Events for 2025: North Shore
This is Australia! Lane Cove Bush Kids
Don’t miss This is Australia! Lane Cove Bush Kids at Tambourine Bay Park on Tuesday 21 January from 9:45-11:15am.
School holiday activity 2 to 12 years. The continent of Australia is an ancient land with many interesting species of plants and animals. Come along to celebrate Australia Day by learning about some unusual Aussie animals, Kokey Koala and the bush Olympics and enjoy an Aussie bushwalk.
- Where: Blackman Park, Lloyd Rees Drive, Lane Cove West
- When: Tuesday 21 January, 9.45am-11.15am
- Cost: $10.85
- northshoremums.com.au
Australia Day Picnic, Lane Cove
Kick-start your Australia Day at The Canopy as we welcome Lane Cove’s newest citizens in this special Citizenship Ceremony from 8am. Hear from special guest speakers and celebrate how we’re all part of the story
Head to Lane Cove Plaza to soak up the sounds James Scott, a talented Australian musician, whilst enjoying a sausage sandwich provided by Rotary, from 10am-12pm (all funds from the BBQ raised to support Rotary projects)
- Where: The Canopy and Lane Cove Plaza
- When: Sunday 26 January, 8am – 12pm
- More information.
Australia Day Celebrations at The Concourse
Join the Mayor and Councillors of Willoughby City in celebrating Australia Day at The Concourse.
Welcome our new citizens to Willoughby, hear a keynote speech from our Australia Day ambassador, and congratulate our local Australia Day award winners, including the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Citizen and the Culture and Community Award.
Acknowledgment to Country by the Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo group and performances by the Willoughby Band and Australian Institute of Performing Arts.
- Where: The Concourse Chatswood
- When: Sunday 26 January, 9.30am to 11.30am
- willoughby.nsw.gov.au
Ku-ring-gai Aquatic Centre Pool Party
Head to the Pool Party at Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre on Australia Day from 1-5pm. The Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre will host a pool party including a BBQ, face painting and poolside DJ.
- Where: Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre, Prince of Wales Drive, West Pymble
- Cost: Gold coin donation. No bookings required.
- When: Sunday 26 January, 1pm-5pm
- northshoremums.com.au
Hornsby Leisure and Aquatic Centre Pool Party
Cool off with a dip at the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre and have fun on their giant inflatables from 10.30am-2.30pm.
Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult, pool users must follow condition of entry rules.
- Where: Hornsby Leisure & Aquatic Centre
- Cost: Free
- When: Sunday 26 January, 10.30am-2.30pm.
- hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Australia Day Concert at Hornsby Park
Start your Australia Day activities with a free sausage sizzle and coffee at Hornsby Park.
Bring your picnic rug and enjoy a multicultural concert in Hornsby Park featuring The Funky Moneys, Gawura Cultural Immersions, and The Lily Guerrero Band.
You can also enjoy FREE tickets to Koala Park. Book here.
Or enjoy FREE tickets to see Paddington in Peru at Event Cinemas Hornsby. Book here.
- Where: Hornsby Park
- When: Sunday 26 January, 8am-5pm
- hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Fagan Park, Galston – Australia Day Open Day, Picnic & Car Display
All Museums will be open, and the Friends will be on hand to give talks and demonstrations. This includes the iconic Netherby Homestead, with all its wonderful early 20th century furnishings.
Trucks and tractors will be displayed and paraded at about mid-day through the Park. Vehicles from the visiting Military Vehicle Club will also be on display.
A Holden “Grey” motor will be running – did you know this engine powered all Holdens from 1948 till 1964? Stationary engines will be running.
Plenty of ‘hands-on’ things for the kids.
- Where: Fagan Park Hornsby
- When: Sunday 26 January
- More information
Australia Day at Saddles Featuring Digger & Normie
Get ready to rock & roll with two iconic Australian performers, Normie Rowe and Digger Revell, live at Saddles Mount White on Sunday 26 January, from 2-6pn.
It’s a ripper way to celebrate the Australia Day weekend with an afternoon of classic hits, great vibes, and an authentic Aussie BBQ experience.
This event will be held in Saddles Stables – a stunning space designed to set the scene for unforgettable moments.
We’ll be serving up an authentic Aussie BBQ to fuel your spirit and drinks to keep the energy high. The full menu will be published soon.
While enjoying the live act, you can relax in our alfresco area or explore the Saddles Stables. There will be a mix of seating and hay bales, or feel free to bring your own chairs for extra comfort.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Normie and Digger or discovering their music for the first time, it will be an Australia Day to remember.
- Where: Saddles Mount White, Ashbrookes Road, Mount White
- When: Sunday 26 January, 2pm-6pm
- Cost: $45 per person
- More information
Australia Day Events for 2025: Sydney
Dawn Reflection
This dawn is more than just another sunrise. It is a moment where we can draw courage and inspiration from each other, and commit to shaping Australia into a place of unity and inclusion for all who call it home.
As our two flags rise in unison at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to salute the dawning of Australia Day, let us also rise and greet the day with respect.
Joined by our resilience, mateship and sense of community, we can look forward with optimism and unity to the future and to the opportunities we can create together.
- Where: Sydney Opera House
- When: Sunday 26 January, 5.20am-5.40am
- More information
WulgulOra Morning Ceremony, Barangaroo Reserve
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.
Since its inception in 2003 (when it was called Woggan-ma-gule), this ancient smoking ceremony has cleansed the way for new beginnings and celebrated the Gadigal people of the Eora nation through music, dance, language, storytelling and ceremony.
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.
This ceremony and much of the Australia Day in NSW program is guided by Aboriginal representatives. It features many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists showcasing the richness and historical significance of their culture through modern and meaningful performances. The event is co-curated with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Everyone is welcome to attend, free of charge.
- Where: Walumil Lawns, Barangaroo Reserve
- When: Sunday 26 January, 7.30 – 8.30am
- More information
Australia Day Sydney Harbour Events
An annual crowd favourite, Ferrython sees thousands of spectators line the shores of Sydney Harbour to cheer on four of the city’s iconic Emerald Class ferries as they compete for honours in a race across the waves.
Four ferries will race from the starting line of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, completing two laps around Fort Denison, vying for line honours at the Sydney Opera House.
The ferries taking part in 2025 are May Gibbs, Catherine Hamlin, Bungaree and Fred Hollows. Each boat will be brightly dressed in honour of its namesake.
- When: Sunday 26 January, 12.10pm-1.30pm
- Where: Sydney Harbour
- More information
Air Force Roulettes Flying Display Over Sydney Harbour
Strap in for an unforgettable spectacle this Australia Day as the Roulettes take centre stage in Sydney.
For 13 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.
The aerial acrobatics in the skies above Sydney Harbour on 26 January are exhilarating. Prime viewing locations to see the looping, whooping, barrel-rolling display of action from the RAAF’s top guns include Circular Quay, Hicksons Road Reserve, Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Sydney Opera House.
- Where: Prime viewing locations include Circular Quay, Hicksons Road Reserve, Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Sydney Opera House
- Time: Sunday 26 January, 12pm-12.10pm
- australiaday.com.au
Australia Day Live, Sydney Opera House
Start planning for Australia Day Live 2025, a spectacular concert staged on land and water as the sun sets on our national day. It’s an unmissable celebration of music, lights and dazzling fireworks to entertain the nation.
Set against the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge backdrop, the night turns to magic as you experience live musical performances choreographed to a flotilla of yachts and watercraft. You’ll be inspired as the heart of Sydney lights up with striking imagery on the Sydney Opera House sails and stunning pyrotechnics over the harbour.
An all-star line-up of Australian artists will entertain you on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt with powerful renditions of iconic Aussie hits. You’ll meet much-loved characters and hear stories that reflect the diversity of our cultures, lifestyles and the quirkiness that makes our country so special.
Australia Day Live is a one-of-a-kind celebration that brings us all together to sing, laugh, dance and have fun. It’s guaranteed to inspire and celebrate the Australian spirit.
- Where: Sydney Opera House
- When: Sunday 26 January, 7.30pm – 10.30pm
- More information
Australia Day Mega Kidz Zone
The arrivals hall of the Overseas Passenger Terminal will be transformed into a massive interactive arcade perfect for kids of all ages.
Entry to the Mega Kidz Zone is free, and families are set to have hours of fun on Australia Day. Each child gets 45 minutes in the zone to bounce around and dance in the silent disco, but it’s first in first served.
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.
- Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay
- When: Sunday 26 January, 10.30am-4pm
- More information
Australia Day on Darling Harbour
There’s plenty of choice for fun things to do for the whole family to have a fantastic time out this Australia Day at Darling Harbour.
Att the ICC Sydney Forecourt, join us for the Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony at 11am followed by live music from a Kombi Van DJ between until 4pm. Snap selfies with roving entertainment, have a round of putt-putt, explore Cupid’s Koi Garden, take a pedal boat ride around Cockle Bay and grab a bite to eat at one of Darling Harbour’s many restaurants.
- Where: Tumbalong Park and Darling Quarter Village, Darling Harbour
- When: Sunday 26 January
Harbourfest
Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the place to be on Australia Day for exhilarating sea, shore and sky activities that will delight friends and families alike.
Come and be part of the excitement as anticipation builds throughout the morning. Join thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors along the foreshore to enjoy the stunning views of our beautiful harbour.
The annual Oz Day 10K Wheelchair Race will spin through The Rocks, and the Overseas Passenger Terminal has plenty of fun and free activities for the young at heart. Get ready for a Mega Kidz Zone, a silent disco, street food and lots more.
Harbourfest is fun, free and for all ages. Join us for this unique event, celebrate the Australian spirit and become part of the story.
- Where: Circular Quay
- When: Sunday 26 January, 10.30am-4pm
- More information
Australia Day at The Rocks
Head down to The Rocks to commemorate Australia Day under the summer sun. Take a relaxed stroll through The Rocks Markets and enjoy yummy street food, soak in the views at yoga under the bridge or sip, swirl and savour your way through the best NSW’s vineyards at the NSW Wine Cellar Door.
- Where: 134 George Street, The Rocks
- When: Sunday 26 January
- therocks.com/whats-on/campaigns/australia-day
Yabun Festival
Yabun Festival takes place annually on January 26th and is the largest community-led one-day festival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It was founded in 2001 as a continuation of the very first Survival Day events held during the 1990s.
Yabun is 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated through Gadigal Information Service (GIS).
- Where: Victoria Park
- When: Sunday 26 January, 10am – 6pm
- More information
Australia Day Events on the Northern Beaches
There are plenty of Australia Day events still taking place across the Northern Beaches over the Australia Day long weekend. There will be pool parties, performances, open air cinema, Australian made markets, food truck party, and more.
- Celebrate Australia Food Truck Party: Friday 24 January, 5pm-9pm, Lionel Watts Reserve, Frenchs Forest
- Australia Day Eve Open Air Cinema: Saturday 25 January, 5.30pm-8.30pm, Lakeside Park, North Narrabeen
- Australian Made Markets: Sunday 19 January, 8am-2pm, Village Park, Mona Vale
- Australia Day Pool Party at Manly Aquatic Centre: Sunday 26 January, 9am-12pm, Manly Aquatic Centre, Kenneth Road, Manly
- Australia Day Pool Party at Warringah Aquatic Centre: Sunday 26 January, 9am-12pm, Warringah Aquatic Centre, Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest
- Australia Day 2025 at Manly Beach: Friday 26 January, 10am-2pm, Manly Beach
- Australia Day 2025 at Dee Why Beach: Friday 26 January, 10am-2pm, Dee Why Beach
Australia Day Events in Ryde
Ryde’s Australia Day Backyard BBQ
Australia Day is a day to reflect on our past, accept the truth of our history, respect that we all have a contribution to make to the Story of Australia and celebrate being part of a diverse and multicultural nation.
Come down to Meadowbank Park this Australia Day, Sunday 26 January to join in on our Australia Day Celebrations with the rest of the community with a range of free activities and workshops, thong throwing competition, live entertainment from local performers and jammed packed finale show ending the night with 9pm fireworks spectacular!
- Where: Meadowbank Park, Constitution Rd, Meadowbank
- When: Sunday 26 January
- ryde.nsw.gov.au
Australia Day Events in Parramatta
Parramatta Park
This Australia Day weekend enjoy two very special events in Parramatta: experience the breath taking hot air balloon illumination spectacular on Saturday 25 January, followed by a morning of watching hot air balloons soaring, delicious BBQ food, and family-friendly activities on Sunday 26 January.
- Watch the mesmerising hot air balloons
- Enjoy the live music entertainment program
- The whole family will love the activities, roving entertainers and amusement rides.*
- Grab a delicious meal, refreshing drink or yummy dessert from one of the food trucks.
- Test out your kicking and handball skills at our AFL Skill Zone Inflatable, or try to jump as high as the pros at our Vertical Jump Test. Want to win some prizes? Have a go at guessing how many footies are in the tubs for a chance to win!
- Where: Parramatta Park Macquarie Street, Parramatta
- When: Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 January
- atparramatta.com/australia-day-2025
Australia Day Events in The Hills District
Australia Day 2025 at Bella Vista Farm & Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre
One of Sydney’s biggest Australia Day celebrations is back at Bella Vista Farm Park with Ricki-Lee headlining a day of free family fun, food and fireworks.
The festivities won’t be limited to Bella Vista with a massive pool party and free barbecue kicking off the day at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre from 10am to 3pm.
Families can enjoy a FREE sausage sizzle (limited availability), inflatable obstacle course in the 50m pool, party tunes from a DJ and roving entertainment.
The celebrations at Bella Vista Farm run from 4:30pm to 9pm, where Australian singer Ricki-Lee will take the stage as the headline act, performing some of her biggest hits.
Audiences can also enjoy an exclusive Bluey Live Interactive Experience and the interactive renditions of Junkyard Beats.
- Where: 44 Mileham Avenue, Baulkham Hills & Bella Vista Farm
- When: Friday 26 January, 10am-9pm
- thehills.nsw.gov.au
Looking for more outdoor places to spend Australia Day?
- Best child-friendly beaches near Sydney’s North Shore
- Best picnic spots by the water
- Best Sydney Aqua Parks and waterslides for summer fun
- 10 Outdoor Spaces on the North Shore to explore with kids
- 15 child-friendly bushwalks on the North Shore
The events featured in this guide are organised by third parties, with details sourced directly from their official websites at the time of publication. While we strive for complete accuracy, last-minute cancellations may occur. To avoid disappointment, we recommend verifying event details on the official websites provided before attending.
