Australia Day in NSW

Wollongong  

In Wollongong, Australia's biggest swim-run festival, the Aquathon, held in the picture-perfect harbour, offers a mix of events for all ages. Compete individually or in teams with four swim and run distances to choose from, as well as the 5km Blue Mile Fun Run for those keen to stay on dry land.

Wollongong Aquathon, Wollongong

Lake Macquarie

In Lake Macquarie, start your day with a game of cricket and a barbecue. In the evening, eat your way through international food markets at the night markets before browsing the stalls and playing on the amusement rides. The celebrations will culminate in a fireworks display at 9pm. In the days leading up to Australia Day, Lake Mac Festival sees comedy, circus and music acts come to town. Don't miss a scorching all-Australian line-up headlined by Paul Kelly who will be performing alongside Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers and Jess Hitchcock.

Lake Mac Festival, Rathmines - Credit: Neil Keene | Lake Macquarie City Council

Newcastle  

Up for a challenge? Start the day with the Newcastle Harbour Swim - the only day of the year you’re allowed to swim across the city’s harbour. There are celebrations along the foreshore all day once your swim is finished, including options for those who would rather watch the athletes than compete. Afterwards, cheer on your favourite team at the Newcastle Beach 5s Australia Day Weekend Festival.

Newcastle Beach, Newcastle 

Goulburn

Goulburn's Australia Day Celebrations extend across the whole day. Kicking off with a free barbecue breakfast along with a junior cricket match at Seiffert Oval. Enjoy performances by local musicians, car club displays, kids activities, browse the market and feast at food stalls.

Goulburn Historic Waterworks, Goulburn - Credit: Goulburn Mulwaree Council

Cooma

For a day of music, exhibitions and displays of what’s great in the region, head to Centennial Park in Cooma for the town’s Australia Day celebrations. There will be pop-up food stalls, so bring a picnic blanket to set up in the shade for a leisurely afternoon.

Gunnedah

Gunnedah puts on a variety of community activities for all residents and visitors to share in on Australia Day. Highlights include a triathlon, barbecue brunch, great Aussie bake-off, alongside athletic events and splash day at the local pool. Explore the Rural Museum and watch classic Aussie movies at the Civic Theatre. In the days leading up there are several events, including a quiz night, chess challenges, a bowls competition and a cocktail party.

Australia Day, Gunnedah - Credit: Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre

Maitland

With free live entertainment, amusement rides, craft activities and a classic sausage sizzle, Australia Day in Maitland Park has a range of activities to choose from. As the evening unfolds, Maitland Pool (which has free entry all day) transforms into a floating cinema.

Australia Day in Maitland Park, Maitland - Credit: Australia Day in Maitland Park

Sydney

With free events on the harbour, family festivities and boat races, Sydney's Australia Day is one of a kind. As the sun rises, connect with the world’s oldest living culture as First Nations artwork is projected onto the Sydney Opera House and flags are raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Dawn Reflection. Celebrate our Indigenous past at the moving WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Walumil Lawns at Barangaroo, honouring the world’s oldest living culture.

WugulOra Indigenous Morning Ceremony in Sydney 

Challenge yourself with a 1-, 2.5- or 5-kilometre swim at Sydney Harbour Splash. A stirring 21-gun salute marks midday followed by the breathtaking aerial acrobatics of the Royal Australian Air Force as they conduct a high-octane fast jet flypast. The Royal Australian Navy HMAS Canberra takes centre stage in Sydney Harbour before the Ferrython, a crowd favourite, sees our iconic ferry fleet racing at double speed for line honours. Maritime Mayhem will entertain with fast and furious jet ski performances, daredevil flyboard tricks, and crazy tugboat stunts. Around the harbour, the 190th Australia Day Regatta, Tall Ships Race, Harbour Parade and Working Harbour Vessel Display celebrate our maritime heritage.

The Mega Kidz Zone transforms the Overseas Passenger Terminal into a massive interactive arcade. Challenge your kids to complete the massive maze, bounce through an enormous inflatable obstacle course or test your skills during a game of wheelchair basketball. See the world's best wheelchair track and road athletes battle it out through the streets of Sydney as they compete to win the Oz Day 10K. 

Discover more Australia Day fun in Sydney.

Australia Day Ferrython, Sydney