When celebrating Australia Day, it’s important to acknowledge that the date holds profound and complex significance for First Nations Australians.
For the traditional custodians of the land, Australia Day marks the beginning of British colonisation, a date of trauma for Indigenous Australians, known as Invasion Day. While many Australians and tourists celebrate the 26th as a national day, it’s important to be educated, respectful and reflective, recognising that Australia Day is a time of mourning for the world’s oldest culture.
First Nations people are increasingly reclaiming and reimagining the day, using it to open up conversations around culture, identity and history. We’ve found several Indigenous-led events in Sydney that welcome all ages and backgrounds to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives.
From the huge Yabun Festival at Victoria Park, which will welcome Indigenous icons like Mark Olive, Budjerah and Baker Boy, to the stunning Dawn Reflection projections on the sails of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney is packed with plenty of incredible Indigenous-led events this January 26.
1. Blak Powerhouse
This year’s annual Blak Powerhouse will take place at Manning House, Sydney University, presented by Powerhouse and Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors. The inclusive, all-ages event will feature live music and DJs, dance, panel discussions, weaving workshops, interactive art installations, market stalls and short film showcases, celebrating Blak pride and joy in all forms.
Blak Powerhouse will open with a smoking ceremony from 6pm by Gadigal, Dharawal, Yuin, Wiradjuri woman, Aunty Nadeena Dixon. The founder of We Are Warriors, Nooky, will then continue the ceremony with a dance performance acknowledging Gadigal Country, before Rapper Ziggy Ramo, R&B Soul vocalist Mi-Kaisha and hip-hop rap duo Birdz & Fred Leone will take to the stage alongside BARKAA and 3. First Nations creatives will then lead panel discussions exploring themes of cultural practice, connection and power. Click here to read the full timestamped program.
Where: Manning House, Manning Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050.
When: January 26, 6pm-11pm.
Price: Entry is free; however, registration is required.
2. Yabun Festival
Yabun means “music to a beat” in the Gadigal language, and is the largest community-led celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia. Held annually on January 26, the festival offers a space for cultural expression and community connection, where people can gather, reflect and remember, and First Nations people can affirm their endurance and cultural pride. The free, all-ages event is inclusive to everyone who wishes to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and this year, will be held at Victoria Park in Camperdown.
In 2025, around 65,000 people attended the event from across Australia and beyond. With different stages spotlighting First Nations talent, cooking demonstrations (featuring the talented Mark Olive and Clayton Donovan), a Fashion parade, Art Gallery and more, it’s an incredible way to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, media and culture.
You can find out more about Yabun Festival here.
Where: Victoria Park, Parramatta Rd, Broadway NSW 2008.
When: January 26, 10am-7pm.
Price: Free.
3. Dawn Reflection
At first light on January 26, the world-famous Sydney Opera House sails will come to life, lit up with projections of spectacular Aboriginal artworks. This year, the sails will be illuminated for the Dawn reflection at sunrise witha striking artwork by proud Aboriginal man, Garry Purchase.
Dawn Reflection is an event where onlookers are encouraged to find courage and inspiration from each other and commit to shaping Australia into a place of unity and inclusion for every person who calls this land home. As the two flags rise in unison at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to salute the dawning of Australia Day, people also greet the day with respect.
Discover more about the history of Dawn Reflection, including information about the artists and artwork.
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal, 3 Circular Quay West, The Rocks.
When: 5:20-5:40am.
Price: Free.
4. WugulOra Morning Ceremony
WugulOra means “One Mob” in the local Gadigal language of Sydney, with the WugulOra Morning Ceremony signifying a time for inclusion, understanding and reconciliation. The ceremony takes place after Dawn Reflection and features dance, song and storytelling. There’s also a smoking ceremony offering cleansing and healing for new beginnings and generations past, present and future. The Australian National Anthem is then performed in both Eora and English, symbolising unity and a shared future.
Where: Walumi Lawns, Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo NSW 2000.
When: January 26, 7:30am-8:30am.
Price: Free.
5. Tribal Warrior Cruise
Sydney Harbour, renowned for its stunning beauty and iconic landmarks, offers many experiences for locals and tourists alike. However, few are as profound and eye-opening as a Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Cultural Cruise, which provides a unique glimpse of the rich indigenous heritage just minutes from the Opera House.
On January 26, Tribal Warrior will host a meaningful Sydney Harbour journey aboard their Aboriginal-owned vessel, Wirawi. This four-hour cruise will offer stunning harbour views, culture and a live-broadcast smoking ceremony from the vessel roof. You’ll then be able to watch the fireworks from a prime vantage point on the water. Alcohol, hot food and snacks will be available to purchase on board, and anyone who is seeking a respectful January 26, guided by Aboriginal hosts and enriched by ceremony, is encouraged to join.
Where: King Street Wharf 3, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: January 26, 5:45pm-9:45pm.
Price: Tickets from $15, children under 3 travel free.
You can find more guidance on how to engage thoughtfully with Australia Day and celebrate Indigenous culture in Sydney, click here.
