Sydney Sparkles As Australia Day Celebrations Embrace The Harbour

The celebration that inspires a nation becomes a 'must do' travel experience

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Jan 26, 2014, 04:24 ET

SYDNEY, Jan. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On 26 January each year, Australians come together to celebrate their national day, and with Australia Day in Sydney fast becoming a 'must do' travel experience, the emerald city turns on the charm, packed full of activities on and around Sydney Harbour.

26/1/2014. Australia Day Sydney. Sydney Celebrates Australia Day as Tall Ships and Ferries sail across Sydney Harbour. Credit: Ethan Rohloff / Destination NSW (PRNewsFoto/Destination NSW) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NSW)

26/1/2014. Australia Day Sydney. Sydney Celebrates Australia Day on Sydney Harbour - Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Credit: Ethan Rohloff / Destination NSW (PRNewsFoto/Destination NSW) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NSW)

26/1/2014. Australia Day Sydney. Floating stage with local artists entertain fans as they celebrate Australia Day on Sydney Harbour. Credit: James Horan /Destination (PRNewsFoto/Destination NSW) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NSW)

26/1/2014. Australia Day Sydney. Fans celebrate Australia Day on Sydney Harbour with local artists on floating stage. Credit: James Horan /Destination NSW.(PRNewsFoto/Destination NSW) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NSW)

26/1/2014. Australia Day Sydney. A group from the Aboriginal Tribal Warrior Association are pictured in their bark canoes after performing the traditional smoking ceremony on Sydney Harbor to mark the official start to Australia Day 2014. Credit: James Horan\Destination NSW(PRNewsFoto/Destination NSW) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NSW)

26/1/2014. Australia Day Sydney. A group from the Aboriginal Tribal Warrior Association are pictured before performing the traditional smoking ceremony on Sydney Harbor to mark the official start to Australia Day 2014. Credit- James Horan\Destination NSW. (PRNewsFoto/Destination NSW) (PRNewsFoto/DESTINATION NSW)

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Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said, "The Australia Day celebrations in Sydney are a must do experience – from the Ferrython races to the Great Australian Swim around Farm Cove, The Sydney's Tall Ships fleet to the aerial displays by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australia Day Regatta – the harbour is buzzing during this annual spectacle. It is a very special time."

Hundreds of participants took part in the Great Australian Swim Series Final. Swimming enthusiasts joined in the 2.2km swim around Farm Cove, while less experienced swimmers opted for the 750m swim, or the Junior Kids 300m event, swimming alongside some of open waters' best swimmers and sports stars.

The Sydney Harbour Concert Series, presented in association with Destination NSW, featured live music performances on-board an impressive floating stage at Blues Point, Athol Bay and Darling Harbour.

Directed by John Foreman, the concert at Blues Point featured performances by several major Australian artists including Jessica Mauboy, Dami Im, Samantha Jade and Justice Crew, who each performed a selection of their hits as well as some Australian classics.

Taylor Henderson continued the performances at Athol Bay as part of the Tinnie Muster event, before the Sydney Harbour Concert Series concluded in Darling Harbour with Prinnie Stevens and Mahalia Barnes performing their current touring Motown show.

Other harbour highlights included the ever-popular Ferrython races and a 21-gun salute followed by an aerial display by FA 18 Hornets from the Royal Australian Air Force. Sydney's Tall Ships led a fleet of historic vessels from Bradley's Head to the Harbour Bridge, while the 178th Australia Day Regatta turned the harbour into an aquatic spectacle.

The celebrations continued to Darling Harbour in the evening, with the Darling Harbour Australia Day Spectacular. The renowned show featured a stunning multimedia symphony of lights and music, culminating in a fireworks extravaganza over Cockle Bay.

For more information on what to see and do in Sydney, visit www.sydney.com

SOURCE Destination NSW