Top Ways To Celebrate Australia Day 2023 in Sydney

The 26th of January is an important date in the history books of Australia. It marks the beginning of modern Australia and this year, Sydneysiders are encouraged to join hands and commemorate the history and culture of our thriving nation.

The much-loved traditions and events are back to full scale for yet another year – here’s how you can celebrate Australia Day 2023 in Sydney with friends and family.

Rev it up with Australia Day cruises

If we look back in time, one of the most popular ways for families to celebrate the national holiday is to head to the harbour where a plethora of activities unfold from as early as dawn. Special cruises run on Sydney Harbour on this day, offering a unique POV of the symbolic events and activities including Ferrython, aerial flag displays, Maritime Mayhem, Harbour Parade, Tall Ships race and plenty more!

Even if you decide to head to the harbour after sundown, these cruises offer the perfect vantage to enjoy the Australia Day Live concert which takes place both on land and water, along with a stunning fireworks show. Book your Australia Day cruises 2023 now, before it's too late!

Surf’s up

The ultimate Aussie way to make the most of your mid-week public holiday is to team up with your favourite bunch and head out to the sandy beaches. Pack your picnic essentials including camping recliner chairs, and find the perfect spot to sit down, enjoy the sun and the views. If you’re the teeny-weeny of the populace who aren't fond of the sands and surfs, then catch a ferry to Cockatoo or Shark Island, and enjoy a traditional barbie with splendid views of the harbour events.

Hit up a museum

For history buffs, and newbies in the city who haven't fully explored Aussie history, a must-visit is the Australian National Maritime Museum. There’s not a more perfect time to get a grip on the country’s past, culture, and its multicultural community than on this special day. The kids are gonna love this one! Visit early and navigate your way through an array of exhibitions, kids activities, over 14 vessels, and 3-D cinema! The playscape experience, Shipwreck Odyssey, where you are guided onto the coral beyonds of Queensland’s Wreck Reefs on a ghost ship, is sure to be a hit among the little ones!

Connect with the Indigenous

If you feel like Retail Therapy is real, then this is for you. As you click, swipe, and ‘add to cart’, make your retail therapy into a statement by purchasing from top indigenous businesses in Sydney and around New South Wales. For vivid splashes of colour and fearless designs on streetwear, head to Gammin Threads. If bold, statement-making jewelleries is what you’re on the lookout for, then Kristy Dickinson’s Hauss of Dizzy is your go-to. At Yabun Marketplace, you can find the culture’s official merch including hoodies, T-shirts, and their signature funk-like posters.

Laid-back celebrations

For something more low-key, you can simply spend the day relaxing in one of Sydney's serene parks, such as the Royal Botanic Garden or the Domain. These beautiful green spaces are perfect for picnics, barbecues, and enjoying the company of friends and family – just the way you should be celebrating Australia Day.

Free live concert

The Australia Day Live at the Opera House forecourt is also an unmissable nighttime activity that features an action-packed land and water concert. These star-studded live acts will be in perfect sync to a flotilla of yachts, jet skiers, flyboarders, and an astonishing fireworks show over Darling Harbour. You simply do not want to miss this one!