Australia Day
26
Jan
Uniquely Aussie

Australia Day

Reflect, Respect and Celebrate this Australia Day at The Rocks with free live music, yummy street food, spectacular displays and more.
When
Monday,
26 Jan 2026

Head down to The Rocks to for an Australia Day under the summer sun and soak up the best of Sydney Harbour.

The day begins with Dawn Reflection at sunrise followed by a thrilling wheelchair race at 9am. From 10am The Rocks Markets burst into life with stalls of local fashion, jewellery, crafts and irresistible eats from around the globe. Next, the Midday Salute fills the harbour with military and cultural displays, followed by the Ferrython, Harbour Parade and Tall Ships Race.

The afternoon brings the Working Harbour Vessel Display and the historic Australia Day Regatta, rounding out a vibrant celebration of community, culture and national pride at The Rocks. Wrap up the day nearby at Australia Day Live, a concert to inspire our national spirit, set against the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Dawn Reflection, 5.20am-5.40am

Dawn Reflection is a quiet time for everyone to recall our country’s unfolding story, told in many voices across countless generations. In the soft light before sunrise, a beautiful piece of Aboriginal art illuminates the sails of the Sydney Opera House, reflecting in the waters of our timeless harbour.

Oz Day 10K Wheelchair Race 9.00am-10.30am

A proud highlight of Australia Day in The Rocks, the Royal Rehab Oz Day 10K brings world‑class wheelchair racing to our historic streets each year. Elite athletes showcase extraordinary speed and determination as they race through The Rocks in a thrilling display of sporting excellence. Visitors can enjoy the action up close from iconic viewing spots along George Street and Hickson Road, cheering on legends of the sport and today’s champions in one of Sydney’s most inspiring annual events.

The Rocks Markets, 10am-5pm

In the heart of The Rocks, you'll find an open air market brimming with local fashion, jewellery and crafts; and tasty eats celebrating Australia's diversity with food.

Visit and you’ll also discover dishes from all over the planet - all prepared by local chefs right in front of you.

Expect authentic pizzas, delicious paella, handmade chocolate, sweet crepes and more all within arm’s reach, and while you’re there, enjoy free live music.

Midday Salute, 11.55am-12.10pm

The Midday Salute blends cultural traditions with military displays in tribute to the nation. Highlights include the showcasing of HMAS Canberra in Sydney Harbour, a thrilling jet flypast by the Royal Australian Air Force, a Seahawk Helicopter flying the Australian flag and the Wirawi performing an on-water smoking ceremony. The event ends with the crowds around Circular Quay and The Rocks singing the National Anthem.

Ferrython, 12.10pm-12.30pm

The iconic Ferrython is one of the most anticipated events on Sydney Harbour. Four ferries will race from under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, navigating around Fort Denison before racing to the finish line at the Sydney Opera House. For the best views, head to Circular Quay, Hickson Road Reserve, or Campbells Cove in The Rocks. 

 

Tall Ships Race, 1pm-1.30pm

The majestic Tall Ships Race is spectacular to see. Starting from Bradley’s Head, the impressive fleet of vessels race their way up the harbour to the finish line at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Spectators can catch a glimpse of the grandeur from The Rocks at Hickson Road Reserve or the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Harbour Parade, 12.45pm-2pm

The Harbour Parade is like ‘fashions on the field’ but for boats and their crews, as they get dressed in their finest and most flamboyant Australia Day-themed decorations to parade the harbour in a dazzling display of national spirit. Come to The Rocks to watch the harbour come alive with colour and fun.

Working Harbour Vessel Display, 2pm-4pm

The Working Harbour Vessel Display offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the vessels that serve on Sydney Harbour. Head to the Overseas Passenger Terminal to enjoy live entertainment while you check out the working vessels that make Sydney Harbour tick.

190th Australia Day Regatta, 1.30pm & 6pm

The Australia Day Regatta is the world’s oldest continuously run annual sailing regatta. Held every year, through peace and war, since 1837. It is a celebration of equality and opportunity through a series of friendly races across the coast of NSW.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

A number of food and beverage outlets, including take-away shops, cafes and restaurants will be open at The Rocks during Australia Day. View our list of places to eat and drink in The Rocks.

We recommend that you leave the car at home and use public transport. There will be extensive road closures and parking restrictions around The Rocks and CBD.
No, the event is FREE for all ages.
Getting to The Rocks is easy with a number of transport options available. For more information check here or to check further public transport options visit www.transportnsw.info.
Yes the Australia Day Event has several activities and performances that are appropriate for children and families.
All areas of the event are wheelchair accessible including train stations.
This year’s Australia Day program in The Rocks is being delivered by Destination NSW. Due to the scale of activity and associated operational requirements, all standard busking pitches in Circular Quay will be closed for the day.

To continue supporting performance opportunities, we are pleased to offer additional temporary busking pitches on George Street in The Rocks, where road closures will create dedicated pedestrian zones suitable for performance. Please refer to this map for the exact locations of these temporary pitches.

Looking for more fun things to do this Australia Day? Check out the Wugulora Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo or see what's on at Darling Harbour.