In this video, I take you to Sydney on Australia Day 2020, one of the most significant annual celebrations in Australia. Every year on January 26th, Australians come together to mark this national holiday with a wide range of events, performances, and displays that reflect both the country’s history and its modern identity. Sydney, as the nation’s largest and most iconic city, becomes the heart of the festivities, with celebrations taking place around the harbour, in the parks, and across the city.
Australia Day is a day of mixed feelings for many. For some, it is a time of national pride, a chance to celebrate Australian culture, achievements, and diversity. For others, especially First Nations Australians, it is a reminder of colonisation and is often referred to as “Invasion Day.” This dual perspective is an important part of the conversation around January 26, and in Sydney the day includes both celebratory and reflective events.
The highlights of Australia Day in Sydney 2020 included a variety of events around Sydney Harbour. The day began with a ceremonial smoking ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land. Later, the harbour came alive with the ferrython, where Sydney’s iconic ferries race across the water in a lively and colourful competition.
Throughout the day, the city buzzed with activity. Circular Quay and The Rocks were filled with performances, food stalls, and live music, while Darling Harbour hosted family-friendly events and interactive activities. In Hyde Park and other central spaces, cultural showcases highlighted the diversity of Australia, with communities coming together to share their traditions, dances, and stories.
One of the most spectacular moments of the day was the RAAF aerial display, with fighter jets and helicopters soaring over Sydney Harbour in precision formations, their engines roaring across the city skyline. Later in the afternoon, tall ships and naval vessels took to the water, continuing Sydney’s tradition of grand maritime pageantry.
As evening fell, the atmosphere shifted towards celebration and entertainment. The Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House featured performances from some of the country’s most well-known musicians, broadcast live across the nation. The harbour became the stage for a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the waters below in a burst of colour.
This video captures the impression of Australia Day 2020 in Sydney: the harbour races, the aerial displays, the music, the fireworks, and the atmosphere of a city alive with celebration. It is not a step-by-step guide but an overview of the energy, diversity, and meaning of the day as experienced in Australia’s most famous city.
For visitors, being in Sydney on Australia Day is an unforgettable experience. It combines iconic locations with a mix of cultural events, entertainment, and national reflection. Whether you join the crowds by the harbour, watch the aerial shows, or enjoy the evening concert and fireworks, Australia Day in Sydney is a vivid showcase of the country’s identity, with all its celebrations and complexities.