Event · Sydney Harbour · January
Australia Day on Sydney Harbour
The ferry race, the tall ships and the evening fireworks, with a deck to yourself.
This year · 2026/27
Updated each seasonDate
Tuesday
26 January 2027
Day charter, evening charter or both.
Times
The harbour programme is published by the Australia Day Council of NSW. We confirm times and positions once it is released.
From the water
Why it's best from the water
The harbour is the stage for the whole day. From a yacht you move between the events instead of choosing one.
The ferry race and the tall ships run past the Opera House in the late morning, the harbour parade follows in the afternoon and the fireworks close the night. A yacht lets you see each of them from the water and have lunch in between.
Day charters, evening charters or a full day with dinner on board. The crew run it, you host it.
The yachts
Which of our yachts suit it
The day
How the day works
- 10:30amBoard at your wharfWelcome drinks as the yacht heads for the harbour.
- 11:00amThe ferry raceWatched from the water off Bradleys Head.
- 12:30pmLunch at anchorThe chef's lunch in a quiet bay.
- 3:00pmThe harbour paradeBack among the fleet for the afternoon.
- 9:00pmFireworksThe evening display from a held position.
On board
What's included
- Captain and full crew
- Positioning for the morning and evening events
- Chef's menu, from canapés to dinner
- Beverages selected to your brief
- Sound system and shade on deck
- Wharf transfers arranged on request
From our own library
In frame
Questions
Before you book
How far ahead should we book?
Australia Day falls inside the summer season when the Sydney yachts are busiest. Three to six months ahead is usual for a specific yacht.
How many guests can come?
Lumir takes up to 55 guests for the day, Belle and Sea Raes up to 36 each.
Can we do the day and the fireworks?
Yes. A full day charter runs from the morning events through dinner to the evening display, or book either half on its own.
Where can the yacht go on the day?
The harbour stays open for most of the day, with temporary exclusion zones around the ferry race, the tall ships and the fireworks. Our captains work around them.
Enquire
Hold a yacht for Australia Day
A member of the team replies within one business day with availability and a proposal.