Australia Day

Tenant update

Australia Day returns to The Rocks for 2024
Tenant update

Key Details:

Event Name: Australia Day 2024

Dates: Friday 26 January, 2024

 

Dawn Reflection

Time: 05:20 AM - 05:40 AM

Location: Sydney Opera House

As the sun rises on Australia Day, the world-renowned Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated with a spectacular Aboriginal artwork.

 

First Nations at first light

Start the day with a reflective moment as the sun rises over Sydney Harbour on Gadigal land to honour the nation’s Traditional Custodians.

At dawn, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with an artwork that represents and celebrates Aboriginal history, culture and people.

Everyone is encouraged to gather on the shores around the Opera House to pause, reflect and remember as the artwork is revealed on the nation’s most iconic canvas.

During the Dawn Reflection, the Australian National Flag and Australian Aboriginal Flag will be raised in unison on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in a symbol of unity, recognition and inclusion.

2024 will be the fourth year a projection has been illuminated on the sails at dawn, with the event growing in importance as a way of acknowledging Australia’s first peoples at first light.

 

GIO Oz Day 10k

Time: 8am (warm up) 9am race commences

Location: George Street, The Rocks

The GIO Oz Day 10k is celebrating a remarkable 35 years in 2024 and is regarded as the best wheelchair race in the world, the GIO Oz Day 10k has become a much-loved fixture on our national day.

The event sees some of the world's best wheelchair track and road athletes race through The Rocks as they battle it out for honours.

Spectators can cheer on both the international Paralympians and also the juniors who are taking part for the very first time.

The best vantage points to watch this free event can be found on George St and Hickson Rd. For more information and details on what’s on go to

 

The Great Aussie BBQ

Time: 10am-2pm

Location: Hickson Road Reserve

Indulge in the quintessential Australian tradition and support our farmers by grabbing a snag on January 26.

 

Australia Day Harbourfest

Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay is the place to be on January 26 with plenty of free events and fun activities on sea, shore and sky for all to enjoy. Australia Day Harbourfest is an exciting line up of free and fun events and activities taking place on, above and around Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of our national day on January 26 and enjoy a packed schedule brimming with entertainment both on the water and along the scenic shores of the Harbour.

From much-loved traditions such as the iconic FerrythonMaritime Mayhem and annual Harbour Parade to exciting new additions such as the jaw-dropping Royal Air Force Roulettes' aerial display and Great Aussie BBQ, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Kids can revel in the Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, featuring inflatable mazes, a silent disco, arcade games, and more. Street performers will dazzle, and food trucks will delight, ensuring everyone is entertained and well-fed.

 

Australia Day Live at the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay

Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm

Location: Sydney Opera House

A spectacular concert staged on land and water, featuring live musical performances from top Aussie acts and dazzling fireworks displays.

 

Australia Day Live 2024

As the sun sets on our national day, the Sydney Opera House forecourt and Circular Quay come alive for the unmissable Australia Day Live concert.

This unique event features live musical performances choreographed to a flotilla of yachts, projections on the Sydney Opera House sails, and stunning pyrotechnic displays over Sydney Harbour.

A stellar line-up of true blue Australian musical acts will take the stage to belt out beloved hits, accompanied by a full orchestra.

The full line-up of performers will be announced in January.

 

Operations

Bump in: 18th January in and around Circular Quay

Bump out: complete by 30th January

 

Road closures

4am to midnight: George St from Essex St to Lower Fort St, Hickson Rd from George St to Pottinger St and sections of Essex St and Circular Quay West.

7am to 10am: Hickson Rd from Napoleon St to Pottinger St, Towns Pl from Dalgety Rd to Hickson Rd, and Barton St (for Oz Day 10K wheelchair race).

10:30am to 1pm: Milsons Point/Kirribilli including Olympic Drive between Broughton St and Alfred St.

7.30pm to 10.30pm: Cahill Expressway lanes 7 & 8 and Overpass at Circular Quay including the High St, Mount St and Domain Tunnel on-ramps and lane 4 on the Harbour Bridge. Roads in Circular Quay north of Bridge St including sections of Albert St, Alfred St, Circular Quay East, Dalley St, Essex St, George St, Loftus St, Pitt St, Philip St, Macquarie St, Reiby Place, Underwood St and Young St.

Attendees and local residents are reminded that vehicles parked inside road closures, in private and commercial carparks or driveways, are not permitted to exit or drive onto closed roads until they are safely reopened by NSW Police. Familiarise yourself with the road closure locations and times and plan your movements ahead of time.

 

Special event clearways

Special event clearway parking restrictions will be in place on various roads in the Sydney CBD, around Circular Quay and The Rocks between 3am and midnight.

In Milsons Point, clearways will be in effect on Olympic Drive from 9:30am to 1pm.

Clearways are strict no-parking zones, and apply even to local residents and businesses with parking permits and TfNSW Mobility Scheme permit holders. Check signs carefully as vehicles left in clearways will be towed and a fee applies. If your vehicle is towed, you can search your vehicle registration at the Find My Car website to find its new location, or alternatively call 132 701 to speak to an operator .For a full list of clearway locations and times, visit livetraffic.com or see the .

 

Real-time information

For real-time information about road closures and current traffic conditions: