What’s On Australia Day 2020

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Whether it’s a beach day, hanging with family & friends or relaxing by the pool, Australia Day is our chance to get together and celebrate this great country we call home.

If you fancy getting out and about, we have you covered for what’s happening around town this Australia Day!

 

North Ryde Common

Join City of Ryde at North Ryde Common this Australia Day to celebrate our diverse society and landscape, remarkable achievements and bright future.

From 5-9pm there’ll be fun galore including:
? amusements rides
? food trucks
? face painting
? kids craft activities
? Aussie sports
? battle of the bands
?and of course the famous thong throwing competition

The Aussie Rock concert will begin at 5pm, starting with Battle of the Bands and followed by a great line up of performances including Thirsty Merc who will be headlining from 8pm.

Please bring your own picnic rugs, low lying chairs and reusable water bottles to use at the refillable water station. Some parking will be available on site.

As part of its fundraising efforts, Council will be raising money for the Salvation Army Bushfire Disaster Appeal on the day. The usual fireworks display at the end of the concert will not be going ahead.

Time: 5 – 9 pm

Venue: North Ryde Common, corner Twin and Wicks Roads, North Ryde

Cost: Free

Read more here

 

 

Parramatta Park

You won’t want to miss Parramatta’s massive all-day Australia Day party. Enjoy 15 hours of non-stop entertainment for the whole family from dawn until dusk. Featuring a hot-air balloon display, classic vehicles, kids activities, live entertainment, delicious food, amusement rides and more!

Time: 6am – 9pm

Venue: Parramatta Park

Cost: Free

More info here

 

 

Bicentennial Park, West Pymble

This Council event celebrates Australia’s heritage, history, and culture with live performances, animal encounters, amusement rides, and a Citizenship Ceremony to welcome new Australian Citizens.

Time: 5pm – 9pm

Venue: Bicentennial Park, Prince of Wales Drive, West Pymble

Cost: Free – Food and drink stalls will be available for purchase.

More info here.

 

 

Children’s Festival, Darling Harbour

Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour will transform into a ‘Summer Playground’ to host Australia Day, with many children’s activities to enjoy during the day.

The Children’s Festival takes place between 11am and 3pm. After all the fun and games, indulge yourself with the great food and activities on offer at Darling Harbour.

Time: 11am – 3pm

Venue: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour

Cost: Free

More info here.

 

 

Picnic at NSW Government House

Anyone for a picnic? Bring a basket and enjoy the beautiful gardens of Government House, home of the Governor of New South Wales.

Escape to an oasis in the heart of the city for a free family-friendly experience at Government House. Come on in and discover Sydney’s ‘Castle by the Harbour’. Explore the exquisite staterooms, picnic in the newly refurbished gardens or kick back and enjoy the musical entertainment.
 

Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm

Venue: Royal Botanic Garden

Cost: Free

More info here.

 

 

Wugulora Morning Ceremony, Barangaroo

Rise with the sun and celebrate the world’s oldest living culture at Walumil Lawns at Barangaroo Reserve.

Witness special performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers and singers, includingIsiah Firebrace, KARIand the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe.

Cleanse the way for new beginnings by taking part in a smoking ceremony – an ancient custom among Aboriginal Australians in which native plants are burnt to produce smoke. In Aboriginal culture, this smoke, dependant on which leaves are used, has different healing and cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.

Listen as the national anthem is sung in English and Eora, the local Aboriginal language. Then watch as the Aboriginal and Australian flags are raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the start of Australia Day.

Time: 7.45am – 8.30am

Venue: Barangaroo Reserve

Cost: Free

More info here.

 

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour will come alive this Australia Day as large crowds gather around Circular Quay, Dawes Point, The Rocks and other vantage points to witness the activities on and above the water. Highlights include:

  • Ferrython
  • Salute to Australia
  • Tug and Yacht Ballet
  • Tall ships race

Time: All Day

Venue: Sydney Harbour

Cost: Free

More info here.

 

Australia Day Live, Circular Quay

This year’s Australia Day Live at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt and Circular Quay will be a night to acknowledge the Aussie spirit and celebrate our strength. 

Australia Day Live is a unique concert taking place both on land and water, featuring live musical performances choreographed to a flotilla of yachts, jet-skis and fly boarders, with a synchronised pyrotechnics display on the harbour.

Aussie music icons Vanessa AmorosiJohn WilliamsonThe Original Seekers, Eurovision star Isaiah Firebrace, along with rockers Eskimo Joe, singing star Christine Anu, 2019 The Voice winner Diana Rouvas, opera supremo Daniel Belle, talented Indigenous vocal group KARI and world-renowned didgeridoo player William Barton will move the crowd with their epic ballads, including patriotic and unifying songs such as ‘I Am Australian’. Artists will be accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Everyone is welcome to gather around Circular Quay, or watch it live on ABC TV or iview. Limited free tickets to the Sydney Opera House Forecourt are now available and will close when ‘booked’ out. 

Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Venue: Circular Quay

Cost: Free

More info here.

 

 

BBQ By The Bridge, Milsons Point

Nestled under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bradfield Park in Milsons Point hosts the traditional Aussie BBQ we all know and love… but with a multicultural twist!

Enjoy a free Australia Day party with live music, food stalls and activities for kids.

With delicious cuisines from around the world, amazing local bands and DJs, a jumping castle, face painting, circus activities and native wildlife displays, it’s an event not to be missed – you can even bring your dog!

BBQ by the Bridge is a family-friendly and smoke-free event presented by North Sydney Council. Find out more at the council’s website.

Time: 10am – 4pm

Venue: Bradfield Park, Milsons Point

Cost: Free

More info here.

 

 

Further Afield

The Hills

Celebrate with an awesome line-up of entertainment featuring The Black Sorrows with Vika & Linda Bull, Simply Bushed, The Voice’s Diana Rouvas and everyone’s favourite Aussie children’s act – The Wiggles!

Dauntless Movement Crew will be also performing their fire breathing, acrobatic daredevil stunts and everyone can enjoy rides, activities, food trucks and so much more.

Time: 4pm -9pm

Venue: Bella Vista Farm

Cost: Free

More info here.

 

Northern Beaches

The Northern Beaches Council is holding an array of events across a number of locations for Australia Day including BBQ breakfasts, inflatables and slides, face painting, thong throwing, live entertainment and more.

More info here.

 

 

Citizenship Ceremonies

Most councils host their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day and offer a light lunch after the official proceedings. Check your local council website to see where their event is being hosted.