Things To Do On Australia Day in Sydney with Kids 2024

Australia Day is the perfect excuse to gather some friends and family to celebrate our country – and luckily for Sydney, NSW families, there’s plenty of exciting events and activities to do just that. Parents and children can enjoy the various natural playgrounds that surround the city, or head into the heart of it for some dazzling fireworks and delicious food. With the variety on offer, there’s an experience to suit every family member.

If you’re looking for some entertaining things to do with kids on Australia Day in Sydney, here’s a list of attractions in Sydney worth checking out. And if you are thinking of visiting Sydney for Australia Day, check out our review of the Holiday Inn at Potts Point that is perfect for families!

Enjoy the fireworks

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Australia Day is the fireworks, and luckily for Sydney families, there’s plenty to choose from. In previous years, firework shows have been hosted at the Sydney Opera House’s Western Boardwalk, accompanied by a live concert with food and drink. Otherwise, some other popular spots to see the fireworks have included Hickson Road Reserve, Circular Quay East, and First Fleet Park.

Dawn Reflection at Circular Quay

If you’re an early bird, you won’t want miss this! To honour the traditional custodians of the land, as the sun rises, a First Nations artwork is projected onto the Opera House, and flags are raised on the Harbour Bridge. This is held from 5:20am to 5:50am.

Address: Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay

Sydney Festival

The Sydney Festival is a popular event running throughout January, set to finish on Australia Day in 2024. Every year, the festival takes over the city to deliver unique art displays and performances by the city’s creative community. For possible announcement and updates of the various performances taking place through January and on Australia Day, see the Sydney Festival website.

Website: Sydney Festival

The Sydney Opera House

Running from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Australia Day Live At The Sydney Opera House is a must-experience celebration, featuring live music from Australian stars accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display. For those who have missed tickets, the Australia Day Live at Circular Quay features big screens to watch the concert and fireworks. For more information head over to the Australia Day Live website.

Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000

Website: The Sydney Opera House

Art Gallery Of New South Wales

With the wide variety of exciting exhibits on offer for kids, the Art Gallery Of New South Wales is the perfect Australia Day venture for the whole family. This includes free workshops throughout the school holidays, family programs, and heaps more on offer. Plus, most exhibits are also free of charge, making the venture all the more affordable. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the Art Gallery Of New South Wales website.

Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Website: Art Gallery Of New South Wales

Bondi Beach

What better place to celebrate Australia Day than with a trip to the iconic Bondi Beach? Gather the family, bring along a picnic, play a match of beach cricket on the white sand and enjoy the pristine water of this beachside paradise. Otherwise, there are heaps of cafes and eateries scattered throughout the suburb for families looking for something different.

Sydney Harbour National Park

Stretching over 390 hectares, the Sydney Harbour National Park is a worthy visit for families looking to celebrate Australia Day with a natural escape. There’s plenty of elements for both parents and children to enjoy – including the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk, offering unique views over Sydney’s harbour to accompany the journey.

Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

Website: Sydney Harbour National Park

Australia Day Coogee Beach Festival

The Coogee Beach Australia Day festivities have been a popular option for families in the past, with a collection of unique activities and attractions for both parents and children to look forward to. This has included rides, a BBQ, eating competitions, a sandcastle workshop, live entertainment, and heaps more. Parking is also available nearby, making the venture all the more convenient.

Address: Coogee Beach Reserve, 4-6 Powell Road, Coogee, Western Australia

Website: Australia Day Coogee Beach Festival

Australia Day Parramatta

With an overwhelming range of enticing activities and attractions to enjoy, Parramatta has been another popular spot for families to gather and celebrate Australia Day. In the past, the offering has included live entertainment, mouthwatering treats, activities for the little ones, exciting rides, and even an air balloon display, all within Parramatta Park. In 2019, the event lasted 15 hours, with an endless stream of entertainment to enjoy. For possible updates or announcements for the 2024 Australia Day in Parramatta, head over to the website.

Address: Pitt St &, Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150

Website: Australia Day Parramatta

The Sydney Harbour

There’s a vast collection of unique displays that typically take over the Sydney Harbour on Australia Day. This usually includes the Tall Ships Race – where patrons can hop on board and enjoy the cruise while the crew takes part in the race. Otherwise, cruises are also available during the other events, ranging from the Fighter Jet Fly-Over to the fireworks display at the end of the night.

Australia Day The Rocks

Performers, games, delicious foods, markets and more stretched over a bustling street beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge; the Australia Day celebrations at the Rocks Sydney Street Party is a one of a kind experience. Keep an eye out for possible updates or announcements of a 2024 Sydney Street Party for Australia Day.

Address: The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales

Website: The Rocks

Berowra Valley National Park

Sydney has no shortage of lush, nearby landscapes for families to choose from on Australia Day, including the Berowra Valley National Park. The region is surrounded by a countless assortment of attractions to choose between, such as the Koala Park Sanctuary, Fagan Park, and Cowan Creek. Otherwise, those eager to extend their stay can head to Crosslands Reserve for its camping facilities. For more information or to plan your visit, head to the National Parks website.

Website: Berowra Valley National Park

Royal National Park

Located only 40 minutes from Sydney is the Royal National Park – a lush natural playground on the cusp of the city. Families can look forward to exploring a collection of ecosystems, including lagoons, beaches, bushland, and more. Not to mention, it’s also the site of the iconic Figure 8 Rock Pools, though caution should be taken if you’re visiting this site. Otherwise, some other popular destinations include Garie Beach, the Sea Cliff Bridge, and Wattamolla. With the wide variety of natural escape all conveniently located across the Royal National Park, an Australia Day trip can be an entertaining visit for those seeking adventure.

Address: Sir Bertram Stevens Dr, Royal National Park NSW 2233

Website: Royal National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Located only 40 minutes from the city is Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, home to plenty of natural settings for adventurous families to enjoy on Australia Day. Many visitors are drawn to the West Head Lookout, offering beautiful views over the city, with Aboriginal rock art and carvings to accompany. Otherwise, there’s Broken Bay for those eager to relax on the golden sand, play some cricket, and enjoy a family picnic. For more information or to plan your visit, head to the National Parks website.

Address: Bobbin Head Rd, New South Wales

Website: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach is a quiet paradise worth experiencing on Australia Day, located only 1.5 hours north of Sydney. Families have plenty of activities to choose from, whether it’s heading to the beach, throwing out a picnic rug and embracing the pristine water, or exploring the surrounding ecosystems with a natural adventure. The area has no shortage of impressive lookouts, including the Warrah Trig and Warrah Lookout, as well as the Mt Ettalong Lookout. For more information or to plan your visit to Pearl Beach, head to the website.

Address: Pearl Beach, New South Wales, 2256

Website: Pearl Beach

Balls Head Reserve

Another popular natural escape on the brink of Sydney City; the Balls Head Reserve is a great option for adventure seekers on Australia Day. Stretching across 9 hectares, families can choose between several bush walks. The Harbour View Walk is a popular choice, particularly because it’s accompanied by spectacular views overlooking the towering city and Harbour Bridge. Plus, it’s also a great spot to relax and enjoy the Australia Day fireworks.

Address: Balls Head Dr, Waverton NSW 2060

Website: Balls Head Reserve

Sydney Olympic Park

In 2024, the Sydney Olympic Park will be booming with Australia Day festivities for families to come together and enjoy. The event will run over 2 days, with the 26th including live music, rides, craft for the kids, a BBQ, international cuisines, movies, and fireworks to round out the evening. For potential announcements or updates regarding any changes this 2024 Australia Day at the Sydney Olympic Park, head to the website.

Website: Sydney Olympic Park

Bradley’s Head Amphitheatre

Bradley’s Head is a great spot to sit back and relax on Australia Day, offering a blend of activities for families to enjoy. Parents and children can fish while embracing the views of the cityscape, opera house, and harbour bridge. Pack a picnic, gather the family and friends, and embrace the tranquility of this secluded area.

Website: Bradley’s Head Amphitheatre

Australia Day At Barangaroo Reserve

If you’re interested in the variety of Sydney Harbour events taking over of Australia Day, including the Ferrython and Tall Ships Race, then the Barangaroo Reserve is the perfect vantage point to admire these festivities – just be sure to get there early to snag a good spot. Gather some friends and family members, roll out the picnic rug, and relax all day long.

Address: Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000

Website: Australia Day At Barangaroo Reserve

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stretching over 30 hectares, the heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney is a great spot to celebrate Australia Day. Aside from the amazing views of the opera house and fireworks display, families can relax among the vibrant plant life and enjoy a picnic in the parkland. For more information on the regular events held at the Royal Botanic Gardens throughout the year, head over to the website.

Address: Mrs. Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Website: Royal Botanic Gardens

Hyams Beach

Pristine white sands of Greenfield Beach, Vincentia in the state's South Coast

Though Hyams Beach is located nearly 3 hours south of Sydney, the pristine white sand and crystal water are worth the trip. Upon arrival, families can gather on the beach, play some cricket, lounge on the sand, and relax, or explore some of the natural attractions of the area. This includes Jervis Bay – a great spot for dolphin spotting and whale watching. Otherwise, Boodeeree National Park is only a stone’s throw away, with plenty of campsites and BBQ areas for families eager to spend some time in the region.

Website: Hyams Beach

Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains National Park is a treasure of New South Wales, located only 1.5 hours from Sydney. Within the parkland, families have plenty of activities to choose between, though many are drawn to the Three Sisters – a unique lookout over 3 distinct rock formations. Otherwise, parents and children can enjoy Scenic World, the Leura Cascades Picnic Area, Blue Mountains Botanical Garden, and Wentworth Walls, and that’s only scratching the surface. For more information or to plan your Australia Day visit to the Blue Mountains National Park, head to the website.

Check out this day trip here

Website: Blue Mountains National Park

Host A BBQ

Can’t decide on what to do with the family on Australia Day? You can’t go wrong with a good old fashion BBQ. Invite over a few friends and family members, lounge by the pool, fire up the BBQ, and play some backyard cricket. It’s a simple event that’s easy to appreciate.

Things To Do On Australia Day With Kids In Sydney

Sydney families are gifted with an extensive range of ways to celebrate Australia Day, whether it’s by admiring the festivities in Sydney Harbour or retreating from the city altogether to one of the many nearby natural escapes. Otherwise, there are plenty of museums to choose from, with exhibits usually on offer for the kids to enjoy. Whether you’re chasing relaxation or adventure, the city has it all. If you’re on the hunt for some entertaining Australia Day festivities in Sydney, consider checking out a few of these attractions.

The Best Things to do on Australia Day in Sydney with Kids 2024