Just when you thought the Sydney NYE fireworks were a spectacle for the senses, its time to start preparing for the next cracking event to light up Sydney’s skyline, Australia Day on Monday January 26th. Admittedly, there aren’t quite as many options as the New Years’ fireworks, but there won’t be a shortage of Aussie spirit to bring plenty of energy and character to the event. Here’s the best list of where to watch the fireworks on Australia Day in Sydney for 2026.
Australia Day Live
This is the most iconic spot in the country to celebrate Australia Day. The Sydney Harbour hosts a huge spread of synchronised events over the water, including the Ferrython and Harbourfest. Prime locations to take in the spectacular are the Opera House forecourt, Circular Quay, Barangaroo Reserve or even from various cruises on the harbour. Enjoy the daytime festivities and line up your prime pozzie for the fireworks display in the evening.
Here’s the list of key events in and around the fireworks that will help shape your Australia Day plans.
- Australia Day Live Concert: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, featuring Aussie artists and fireworks.
- Main Fireworks: Around 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with water displays (jet skis, flyboarders) beforehand
Circular Quay / Opera House
The Harbour Bridge does the majority of the lifting when it comes to celebrations on Australia Day. Hence the closer to the Bridge, the busier the crowds and the better the views. That said, you may wish for a more distant perspective and a larger picnic spot. If you’re determined to hit the hot spots of the Opera House forecourt or Circular Quay, be sure to get there early and consider booking in for specific events.
The Australia Day Live concert is a free event. It kicks off at 6pm at the forecourt. There’s much than just music being planned as well, and our finest local musicians come together to lead the crowd through a laundry list of classic Australian songs.
Head on over to sydneyoperahouse.com to secure your free Australia Day Live tickets.
Where: Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: The concert starts at 6pm
A harbour cruise
One of the best ways to watch the Australia Day fireworks is to ditch the land and head out on the water. Climb onboard some of the best Australia Day cruises to get up close to the action. Depending on which one you book, you can enjoy everything from a relaxing small crowd on a catamaran, with swims and water sports and a low key bbq. Or, you can go deluxe and board a floating restaurant/style vessel with a sit down dinner, live music and entertainment and drinks packages. Just remember, the downside with a harbour cruise can be that you are beholden to the schedule on the night and there’s no return to shore until the captain says so. Aye Aye!
Where: Sydney Harbour
When: Cruise boarding times vary depending on the individual itineraries.
Click here for more information about harbour cruises for Australia Day.
Bridge Climb
The Coathanger (aka Sydney Harbour Bridge) will celebrate Australia Day in true form in 2026. Believe it or not, you can actually be ON the bridge when the fireworks are ignited, but if you’re not so keen on being covered in gunpowder, you can watch the festivities of the day unfold from the top of the steel structure throughout the day and into the lead up of the evening events.
Between 9 and 9.30 pm, the synchronised fly board and jet sky performance will take place over the water, culminating in a massive fireworks display. You can book a BridgeClimb between 6:55pm and 7:25 pm or a BridgeClimb Express between 7:40 and 8:20 pm. These spots are strictly limited for the lucky few who get in early. And, for one day only, all climbers on Australia Day will enjoy a soundtrack of the best Aussie Rock music through their headsets.
Click here to book your bridgeclimb tickets.
Where: Sydney BridgeClimb Eora Country, 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks
When: Various climbs operate throughout the day, pre bookings are essential.
Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve is a fantastic alternative to the crowds of The Opera House, however it fills up very quickly, so you’ll want to arrive early. There’s no ticket needed, it’s just first in best dressed. This year, the WugulOra (One Mob) for reconciliation ceremony will feature live at the reserve, so prepare for a real treat.
“WugulOra” means “One Mob” in the local Gadigal language, signifying togetherness and unity for all Australians. Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney, is a historically significant site for the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The ceremony provides a reflective start to Australia Day.
Ceremonial Elements include a Smoking Ceremony which is a traditional cleansing ritual using native plants, with a flame brought from Me-Mel (Goat Island) to Barangaroo. This is followed by performances, featuring Aboriginal dancers (like Koomurri) and singers, sharing ancestral stories and culture and then finally, the National Anthem, performed in both English and Eora.
Where: Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: The concert starts at 6pm
Blacktown
Western Sydney is puttin’ on a show. Grab the family and enjoy a kid-friendly day out while Rooty Hill plays host to live stage performances, amusement rides, food stalls and concludes with Western Sydney’s best fireworks display all of its own. AND, there’s a really impressive headliner in 2026, DIESEL.
With over thirty five singles, sixteen albums, 6 ARIA awards and record sales edging 1 million, DIESEL is a journeyman of music. With blues music in his DNA, an influence largely from his Father’s record collection, DIESEL has blended styles to come up with a truly unique sound, punctuated with his distinct guitar playing and vocals.
The Australia Day Concert is a licenced event and strictly no BYO alcohol, however drinks can be purchased at the event.
Where: Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill
When: A concert from 04:00 PM – 09:30 PM
Click here for more info on the Blacktown Australia Day event.
Georges River
Still keen for an option that doesn’t include the bustle of the city? Then Kogarah Bay / George River is another fabulous low key alternative. Carss Bush Park will become a chilled atmosphere of families and picnics in the evening with a fireworks display from 9pm.
Bring your picnic blanket and soak up the laid-back atmosphere, or check out the food stalls offering a variety of delicious options. There are loads of activities for children to keep the little ones entertained, including sporting activities and there’s a big screen & chill-out zone to relax and enjoy the vibes, so you don’t have to worry about getting a front row position. And it’s a free event, with free parking. How Aussie is that!!
Where: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Kogarah Bay
When: A concert with fireworks starting at 9:00 PM.
Click here for more information on the Georges River Australia Day event.
Fairfield
Adams Park in Canley Vale will be a lovely low key community style event this Australia Day with a DJ playing live tunes from 6pm and face painting for the kids (and big kids) from 5:30pm.
Fireworks will take over the park at 9pm. In the lead up, you can head to the nearby restaurants for a delicious dinner and support the local economy, or bring your own picnic hamper and pull up a rug with your favourite people.
Where: Adams Park, Adams Park, 69 Canley Vale Rd, Canley Vale / Fairfield
When: A concert with fireworks starting at 9:00 PM.
Click here for more info.
Tips for visitors
- Check Official Sites: Visit australiaday.org.au for the full 2026 program and details.
- Public Transport: Essential for navigating the crowds around the harbour. Click here for schedules and info.
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