Sydney’s official Australia Day program for 2026 has been unveiled, setting out a full day of free events across the harbour, foreshore and city that organisers say will invite Australians to reflect, respect and celebrate together on Eora Country.
Monday, 26 January will begin before sunrise with Dawn Reflection, featuring an artwork projection on the sails of the Sydney Opera House by Garry Purchase, a proud Aboriginal man of Dharawal, Bidjigal and Dhungutti descent. The morning will continue with the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo, marking respect for First Nations culture and a shared sense of togetherness.
The day’s program stretches across Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay, combining long-standing traditions with family-focused activities. Events include the Midday Salute, a tri-forces display across the harbour, Ferrython with four Emerald Class ferries racing toward the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Harbour Boat Parade, and the 190th Australia Day Regatta, recognised as the world’s oldest annual sailing event.
One of the country’s most recognised community organisations, Surf Life Saving NSW, will host its Fun in the Sun activation at First Fleet Lawn, offering free activities where children can meet volunteers and learn how to stay safe in the water. Other returning events include the OzDay 10K: The Great Australian Wheelchair Race, the Sydney Harbour Splash starting at Rose Bay, and the Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Across New South Wales, citizenship ceremonies, local community events and festivals will also take place, supported by Australia Day ambassadors.
Music will anchor the evening with the Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, featuring Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton, Jude York and The Fabulous Caprettos, made up of Wendy Matthews, Rai Thistlethwayte, Dave Gleeson and Joe Camilleri. The concert will include a tribute to families and communities affected by the Bondi terror attack in December, alongside an aerial display over Circular Quay.
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the day was about coming together with care and unity. “Australia Day 2026 gives us the chance to come together again with care, respect and unity to reflect on who we are and what we stand for,” he said.
“At the end of 2025, we saw that spirit at its strongest, as communities came together to support one another in the wake of the tragic events at Bondi.
“The NSW Government has delivered an action-packed program that’s bigger than ever, with free events for all ages across the day, and a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House.
The NSW Government has delivered an action-packed program that’s bigger than ever, with free events for all ages across the day, and a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House
“Whether you’re starting the day at Dawn Reflection, firing up the barbecue with friends and family, or enjoying our harbour and beaches, it’s a chance to come together and recognise what makes our country so wonderful.”
Aboriginal advisors, cultural artists and performers have been involved in shaping the Sydney program, with organisers saying it will honour the world’s oldest living culture through traditional ceremonies and performances.
Chair of the Australia Day Council of NSW Yvonne Weldon AM said Australia Day carried different meanings for different people. “Australia means lots of things to different people, it is in this land that we share with hundreds of different traditions, nations, religions and practices,” she said.
“Yet it is in the sharing of who we are and who we need to be together.
“Our coming together on Australia Day can and will bring all of our diversity together because that’s where kindness is, us. We don’t always agree but we can and need to be kinder to one another, to commemorate, to reflect, to respect and to honour who we are in Australia where everyone is included.”
Free tickets for Australia Day Live will be available from 10.00am AEDT on Wednesday 14 January via the Sydney Opera House website. The ticketed concert precinct will host thousands on the forecourt, with additional non-ticketed capacity across Circular Quay supported by giant screens. The concert will be broadcast live on ABC TV and ABC iview from 7.30pm.
The WugulOra Morning Ceremony will also be broadcast live from 7.30am on NITV and SBS, with no registration required to attend in person.
Destination NSW is delivering the Australia Day in Sydney program on behalf of the Australia Day Council of NSW, with further announcements expected in the lead-up to 26 January.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
