Australia Day 2024: A Spectacular Showcase of Diversity and Unity

Australia’s most beautiful harbor city is set to host the leading National Service Week (NSW) program for 2024, bringing everyone together for vibrant, thought-provoking, and family-centered events. From the iconic reflections of Don River on the Sydney Opera House sails to cultural celebrations, fireworks, the fastest ferrython yet, RAAF flyovers, and a sumptuous feast featuring the Great Australian BBQ, January 26 in Sydney promises an array of free activities for all.

The NSW Government and the Australia Day Council are thrilled to unveil an inspirational program for Australia Day 2024, aiming to connect communities, families, and friends across Sydney and the entire state through inclusive and uplifting activities.

Premier Chris Minns emphasized NSW’s leadership in facilitating respectful conversations around Australia Day as the First State. “Australia Day evokes different sentiments for various communities, particularly for the First Nation people. It’s a day for reflection and a commitment to a united and respectful Australia.”

The Australia Day program in NSW highlights the rich history, vibrant Indigenous cultures, and diverse multicultural communities. Events kick off at Gadigal Land with the sunrise at Sydney Cove, known as Warrane, and continue with the powerful WugulOra Morning Ceremony—a celebration of Eora Nation’s people through music, dance, language, storytelling, and festivities.

Harbourfest showcases the best Australia Day events on land, sea, and sky, including the highly anticipated ferrython with a new and faster race route. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Roulette aerobatic routine graces Sydney’s skies during the National Day for the first time in over a decade, offering a mesmerizing display.

Circular Quay hosts family fun and free entertainment, with the revamped Overseas Passenger Terminal transformed into a mega Kids Zone. The Great Australian BBQ in Hickson Road Reserve offers delectable treats while supporting rural assistance through donations to Rural Aid.

As the sun sets, the Sydney Opera House Forecourt and Circular Quay host the grand Australia Day Live Concert, featuring spectacular music performances, choreography for the bedecked boats, Opera House sails and Harbour Bridge illuminations, and a dazzling fireworks display throughout the show.

This music extravaganza, both on land and water, culminates the ideal conclusion to our National Day. Free tickets for this unmissable concert will be available mid-January via australiaday.com.au. The direct broadcast of Australia Day Live will air on ABC TV and ABC iview.

The NSW Government and the Australia Day Council are dedicated to developing and enriching the program in collaboration with Indigenous representatives. Andrew Parker, Deputy Chair of the Australia Day Council NSW, expressed pride in showcasing the cultural richness of our diverse state.

The Australia Day program in NSW is crafted to honor, represent, and celebrate Australia Day, fostering a sense of optimism and compassion towards fellow Australians. It is a day to appreciate the cultural diversity and prosperity of NSW and Sydney, acknowledging our shared history and inspiring unity in our varied and multicultural communities.

Local Councils across NSW will rally behind Australia Day program events, with over 100 inspirational Australia Day ambassadors traveling from Bark to Blacktown on January 26. These events consistently raise awareness and appreciation within our diverse and multicultural communities,” said Mr. Parker.