Free events were held across Sydney on January 26 to mark Australia Day and showcase the very best of our city and country to locals and visitors alike.

Destination NSW delivered the Australia Day in Sydney program, which commenced with the Dawn Reflection.

Garry Purchase’s Dancing in the Moonlight was projected on the Sydney Opera House sails, depicting the sacred BurriBurri, the humpback whale, breaching beneath a night sky. It represented its ancient journey since time immemorial, its path written across the dreaming and emblazoned in the stars.

The WugulOra Morning Ceremony took place from 7.30am at Barangaroo. Meaning ‘One Mob’ the ceremony features performances from First Nations storytellers and represents reflection, understanding and reconciliation as the nation proudly gathers.

The city’s newest world-class attraction, Sydney Fish Market, also hosted activities throughout the day.

This year, the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony was held at the iconic Sydney Opera House forecourt, a setting that reflected the significance of the unique celebration where we proudly welcome new Australians into our vibrant multicultural society.

More than 350 people were sworn in as our country's newest citizens and were joined by special guests including Premier of NSW Chris Minns and Professor Mark Spigelman, a child survivor of the Holocaust who has made a significant impact in science, medicine, law and on the nation’s human rights landscape.

From midday, Sydney Harbour came alive with a series of events across the water, including:

  • Midday Salute celebrated the contributions of many Australians through a tri-forces display including a 21 Gun Salute, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Canberra and a fast-jet fly past.
  • Ferrython saw four Emerald Class ferries go head-to-head in a spirited race to the finish line at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, flanked by responders of the Bondi attack.
  • The Tall Ships Race, 190th Australia Day Regatta and Harbour Parade rounded out the events showcasing Sydney’s maritime communities.

As the sun set, the Australia Day Live concert featured an all-star Aussie lineup, including Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton and Jude York, alongside supergroup The Fabulous Caprettos, composed of Wendy Matthews, Rai Thistlethwayte, Dave Gleeson and Joe Camilleri.

The concert included a tribute to the families and communities affected by the terror attack in Bondi last month and a performance by Sydney based band SHIR - Australian Jewish Music Festival.

The concert culminated in a unique fireworks display and a spectacular aerial show over Circular Quay.

Watch video highlights from the Australia Day in Sydney program below: