Be part of Australia Day in Sydney - show off your boat in the Harbour Parade!
Turn heads and wave flags – this is your moment to shine. Join us in the annual Australia Day Harbour Parade where you can dress up your boat and compete to win prizes.
The annual Australia Day Harbour Parade sees boaties deck out their vessels and parade across the waves of Sydney Harbour in a dazzling display of national spirit on 26 January.
The Harbour Parade is part of the exciting Harbourfest program which takes to the sea, shore and sky with an abundance of free and fun activities - click here to view the whole program.
Vessels of all shapes and sizes are invited to join the flotilla for free – and to top it off, all participants will be granted access to a prime viewing position to view the iconic Ferrython race from on the water.
Prizes will be awarded to the winning vessel in each of the following categories:
- Budgie Smuggler Award — Best Small Entrant
- Best in the Biz Award — Best Commercial Vessel
- Hello Sailor! Award — Best Newcomer
- The Captain’s Choice Award — Best Dressed
- Going Overboard Award — Most Imaginative
You can dress your vessel any way you like – there is no set theme! Previous participants have indulged their artistic flair with flags, Australian flora and fauna and Aussie icons.
The judges will make their decisions based on the following criteria:
- Creativity
- Effort
- Overall appearance
- Performance element
Bonus points will be awarded for considering sustainability/recycled materials, indigenous acknowledgement and community awareness. Harbour Parade category winners will be awarded a voucher and framed certificate.
Key times:
- 11:30am - Marshalling and radio check commences (note that to partcipate, vessels must have an operating VHF radio)
- 12.10pm – Enjoy a front row seat to the exciting Ferrython
- 1:00pm - The parade departs East Kirribilli Point to make a loop of the harbour
- 2:15pm - The parade finishes in Athol Bay with the announcement of winners
Participation Pack:
All participants will receive a participation pack that includes a Harbour Parade flag. This will be sent via post prior to 26 January 2026 to the postal address nominated in your registration form.
READY TO MAKE A SPLASH? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
