Celebrating Australia Day The Aussie Way
On the 26th of January, Sydney comes alive with residents celebrating the Australian way of life in the midst of summer. People across the nation celebrate Australia Day, commemorating the anniversary of Governor Arthur Phillip hoisting the British flag at Sydney Cove, New South Wales, and the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships there in 1788. As a day of national celebration, there is something for everyone to enjoy- with events on the harbour, family celebrations, boat races, and parties, etc. So if you’re wondering how to spend a day in Sydney during Australia Day, here are some of the major events that happen on that day. Pay respect to the past Join the Dawn Reflection, when flags are raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and First Nations artwork is projected on the Sydney Opera House, to experience the world's oldest living culture. After that, homage is paid to the Indigenous heritage with the stirring WugulOra Indigenous Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo, which honours the oldest still-existing culture on Earth. If you want to stay for more action, there are a ton of free fun activities spread across Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour, The Rocks, and Darling Harbour. Celebrations on the harbour One of Australia's most famous events, the Ferrython race, features Sydney ferries racing from Circular Quay to Shark Island and back to a spectacular finish at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Participate in a unique Ferrython BridgeClimb to get a bird's-eye view of the race. Or get a ticket for one of the Australia Day Cruises if you want to watch the harbour events from the waters. You could celebrate this Australia Day in style on board a classic paddlewheeler as you watch the festivities from the calm waters of Sydney Harbour.