Australia Day Live is a spectacular free concert held annually on the evening of January 26 at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt and Circular Quay. It is the signature event of Australia Day in Sydney, blending live musical performances with a massive choreographed show of fireworks, lights, and maritime displays.
- Date: Monday, 26 January 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Gates open at 6:00 PM for ticket holders)
- Location: Sydney Opera House Forecourt and Circular Quay, Sydney
- Cost: Free (but ticketed for the Forecourt; see below)
Ticket Information
While the event is free, entry to the Sydney Opera House Forecourt requires a ticket due to limited capacity.
- Release Date: Tickets will be released on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
- How to Book: Tickets are typically available through the official Australia Day website or the Sydney Opera House website.
- Availability: Tickets are highly sought after and usually exhausted within minutes. If you miss out, you can still watch from public vantage points around Circular Quay or tune in to the live broadcast.
Program Highlights
The event is designed as a "land and water" spectacular:
- Star-Studded Concert: A variety of top Australian musical acts (pop, rock, and opera) perform on the Opera House steps.
- Harbour Show: The concert is synchronized with a flotilla of yachts, jet-skis, and fly-boarders on the water in Circular Quay.
- Fireworks Display: Multiple fireworks launches occur throughout the show, culminating in a grand finale over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House sails.
- Broadcast: The entire show is broadcast live nationwide on ABC TV and ABC iView at 7:30 PM.
Planning Your Visit
- Public Transport: Highly recommended as many roads will be closed. Use the Transport NSW Trip Planner to check for extra train and bus services.
- Road Closures: * Macquarie Street: Closed between Bridge St and the Opera House from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
- Cahill Expressway: The overpass and walkways are typically closed to pedestrians and cars from late afternoon.
- Circular Quay & The Rocks: Heavy vehicle and street closures start as early as 4:00 AM.
- Accessibility: A dedicated accessible viewing area is available. Registration for this area must be done in advance via the Australia Day Council of NSW website.
What to Bring & Prohibited Items
To ensure safety and smooth entry, bag checks and electronic screening are conducted at security checkpoints.
- Recommended: Small bags, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket for the evening.
- Prohibited Items: * Alcohol & Glass: This is an alcohol-free event.
- Large Items: No umbrellas, camping chairs, or oversized bags.
- Photography: No professional cameras (detachable lenses), drones, or selfie sticks.
Other Daytime Events in Sydney
If you are coming early, the "Australia Day Live" concert is part of a full day of activities:
- Dawn Reflection: Aboriginal artwork projected onto the Opera House sails (5:20 AM).
- WugulOra Morning Ceremony: A First Nations smoking ceremony at Barangaroo (7:30 AM).
- Ferrython: The famous race of Sydney’s Emerald Class ferries (around 12:00 PM).
- Harbourfest: Tall ships and maritime displays on the harbour throughout the day.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, Sydney
