Australia Day 2015 in Sydney byHertz AU

Every year on January 26, Australia celebrates its official national day – Australia Day. On 1788, the first fleet of British ships arrived in New South Wales and the flag of Great Britain was raised at Port Jackson. Over the past few decades interest and participation in Australia Day has been on the rise and all the states and territories now celebrate this public holiday at the same time. From fireworks to barbecues, concerts to festivals and sports matches, there are a multitude of events planned around the country to mark Australia Day 2015.

If you’re going to be in Sydney for Australia Day 2015, Hertz has you covered with Sydney car hire. The harbour is a big focus – the annual Australia Day Regatta is the oldest continuously-conducted annual sailing regatta in the world and has been held in Sydney Harbour since 1837.

On land, Darling Harbour will be putting on a free programme of Australia Day 2015 entertainment. For the kids there’s the circus playground, and during the afternoon Darling Quarter will be hosting a cultural stage. Roving street performers will be making their way around Darling Harbour throughout the day to keep the party mood going while buskers entertain at the harbourside amphitheatre. Look out for the huge transistor radio at Pier 26, opposite the aquarium, where dancers from all disciplines will be putting on a show. The Australia Day barge will pull into Cockle Bay at 6pm, with The Voice superstar Darren Percival on board – this Australia Day performance will be broadcast live to big screens around the precinct.

At The Rocks, catch free music performances by Australian talent from 10am, peruse market stalls for fashion, jewellery, art and food, and kick off your shoes and get active at the games lawn down at the Common on George St.

Car lovers of all ages should head to Macquarie St between 9am and 5pm. As part of the Australia Day CARnivale more than 700 vehicles will be parked along Macquarie and College Streets including cars, buses, trucks and fire engines. For motoring enthusiasts, this is one of the biggest free auto displays in the southern hemisphere.