New Years Eve Fireworks
It is estimated that millions of people flock to the harbour on New Year’s Eve to witness one of the most spectacular fireworks displays on earth. The whole harbour is illuminated in explosive colour, with fireworks shooting from several barges on the harbour, climaxing in a breathtaking display from the beautiful Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
In February or early March, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian community come together in a huge festival around the Oxford Street region in Paddington. An enormous crown of tens of thousands, from the more diverse to families, line up for hours along Oxford street to enjoy the colourful parade. The night finishes with a huge after party at Fox Studios where people party until the daylight hours.
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Sydney Harbour is the spectacular setting for many of this beautiful city’s major events. Boxing Day plays host to the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The harbour is filled with a monstrous flotilla from yachts, ferries and small pleasure craft to see the magnificent sight of these sleek racing machines in full sail as they race out of the heads.
NRL Grand Final
Sydney is Rugby mad, and there is no better day than the NRL Grand Final where Rugby League’s finest battle it out for the Grand Final trophy. Nearly 80,000 people watch this explosive game at the
Stadium Australia which was the main stadium used for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
The Royal Easter Show
The Royal Easter Show is housed in a new complex at Homebush Bay and was one of the many venues used for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The Royal Easter Show has a rich tradition, brining a bit of the country to the city. The show features a huge array of animals, carnivals and the show bags for the kids.
Manly Jazz Festival
Each October, some of the greatest Jazz musicians come to Manly as part of the Manly Jazz Festival. The festival attracts thousands to the Corso and boardwalks to listen to some great music. The festival features both free entertainment and ticketed events.
