Australia Day 2013 - Daytime Celebrations

Australia Day is by far the busiest day on Sydney Harbour with a number of events taking place throughout the day to entertain the thousands of spectators on the harbour and along the foreshores.  Australia Day highlight events include the following:

11:00am – Ferrython
One of the most popular events is the annual Ferrython which has been entertaining spectators for over 30 years. The famous “ferry race” sees four bright and colourfully decorated First Fleet ferries battle it out to the first ferry to make it under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The race starts from Fort Denison, around Shark Island and finishes at the Harbour Bridge.

11:00am to 2:00pm – Best Dressed Vessel Parade
The annual Australia Day Parade presents an amazing spectacle of watercraft ranging from yachts, boats, ships, barges, tall ships, cranes, ferries and tour boats. The array of vessels on display are also in competition for the title of Best Dressed Vessel. Starting under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the vessels will travel around Clarke Island and back.

12:00pm - 21 Gun Salute
To commemorate the federation of our nation, the Royal Australian Artillery will fire a 21 gun salute at midday from the fleet steps near Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

12:15pm - RAN Search & Rescue Display
See the Royal Australian Navy’s Dive Team in a Sea King Helicopter perform a series of search and rescue displays at Farm Cove. The Sea King is a large and very versatile helicopter with the ability to pick up loads heavier than a Land Rover.

1:30pm - Seahawk Aerial Handling Display
Don't miss the Seahawk Aerial Handling Display over Sydney Harbour.

2:00pm – RAAF F/A-18 Hornet Flyover
Look to the sky for the spectacular flyover of the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornets.  You’ll hear them coming but they are fast so be ready!

Australia Day Magistic Lunch Cruise Adult From $ 130.00 Child $ 80.00 Cruise Timing 9:30am – 1:45pm King Street Wharf 5 - 4 hour harbour cruise - Deluxe harbour buffet freshly prepared on board - Luxury $5m catamaran - RAAF flyover spectacular - Cheer on the boats during the annual Ferrython - Fully licenced bar on board

Australia Day Ferrython Cruise All Tickets $50.00 Cruise Timing 9:45am – 2pm King Street Wharf 2 - 4 hour harbour cruise - See the Ferrython Race - Fully licenced bar on board - Soft drinks and juices included for the duration of the cruise -BYO snacks allowed. Strictly no BYO alcohol

Australia Day Showboat Lunch Cruise Adult From $120.00 Child $ 80.00 Cruise Timing 9:45am – 2pm King Street Wharf 5 - 4 hour harbour cruise - Deluxe harbour buffet freshly prepared on board - View of the Ferrython race - Australia Day Regatta & Parade and RAAF Flyover - Fully licenced bar on board - Table magic / magician