Following Machinery of Government changes within the NSW Premier’s Department, the Australia Day in Sydney program and the Australia Day Council of NSW moved into Destination NSW, effective from 1 July 2024.

Destination NSW and the Australia Day Council of NSW worked together in partnership with the National Australia Day Council to present a progressive, inclusive and contemporary program for Australia Day in Sydney 2025.

Guided by the overall national theme of Reflect, Respect, Celebrate, tens of thousands of people came together to enjoy free events and activities.

Destination NSW delivered all aspects of the Australia Day in Sydney 2025 program including creative direction, production, operations, and promotions and communications.

The free-to-attend, day-long program took place across Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and Darling Harbour.

Events such as the Dawn Reflection and WugulOra Morning Ceremony encouraged the community to reflect and respect our shared history and First Nations cultures.

Australia Day in Sydney 2025 proudly placed accessibility and inclusion at the forefront of the event program to ensure everyone could participate.

Initiatives included haptic vests for Deaf guests to ‘feel’ the beat at the Australia Day Live concert, Auslan interpreters at events, access to quiet rooms, as well as wheelchair basketball and a silent disco activation for people with physical, sensory or cognitive disability.

The Australia Day Live concert also featured a performance by Sync or Swim, with all band members having a lived experience of disability.

Destination NSW and the Australia Day Council of NSW will continue to evolve its Australia Day in Sydney program in 2026 to ensure that it is the best expression of our national identity and encourages us to explore the meaning of what it is to be Australian.

Learn more here.