5 Things To Do On Australia Day in Parramatta
A stunning and spectacular hot air balloon display is just one of the fun and free activities you can enjoy in Parramatta this Australia Day
Balloon Glow, Parramatta Park, Thursday 25 January
As the sun sets, head to Parramatta Park and enjoy the inaugural Balloon Glow event on Thursday 25 January. From 5pm, hot air balloons of all shapes and colours will light up the evening sky creating a spectacular display.
This free community event is a wonderful way to kick off the January public holiday weekend. Enjoy live music from Junkyard Beats, Those Folk, Cass Greaves and the Ragin Cajuns and blues singer and songwriter Clayton Dooley. There will be roaming entertainers, family activities and workshops, delicious food and more. Entry is free.
Balloons and Brekkie, Parramatta Park, Friday 26 January
Bring your friends and family to Parramatta Park on 26 January to watch hot air balloons floating in the sky while tucking into a delicious barbecue breakfast spread.
Enjoy live music and entertainment from Circular Keys Chorus and the Penrith Youth Orchestra; roaming performers including kangaroo stilt walkers and activities for the whole family. There will also be First Nations talks, dance workshops and ochre face painting.
Running from 6am until 11am, this free event is the perfect opportunity to get out of the house for a fun morning outdoors.
Cool down at Parramatta Aquatic Centre, 7A Park Parade, Parramatta
After watching the hot air balloons in the morning, stop by the newly-opened health, wellness and fitness hub, Parramatta Aquatic Centre, nestled on the edge of Parramatta Park. The centre will be open on 26 January from 6am-8pm.
The multimillion-dollar centre is home to indoor and outdoor pools, splash and play zone, gym facilities as well as spa, steam sauna area. It’s the perfect spot to swim some laps, squeeze in a gym session or unwind in the wellness area over the long weekend.
Sydney Festival shows at Riverside Theatres
Celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity with two incredible Sydney Festival shows at Riverside Theatres on 26 January.
Catch the Multicultural Comedy Gala with a line-up of award-winning stand-up stars including Nazeem Hussain, George Kapiniaris, He Huang, Cameron Duggan, Gavin Sempel and Amelia Navascue.
For a change of pace, join Melbourne-based Palestinian artist, activist and passionate cook, Aseel Tayah for a sensory evening as part of her show A’amar. Immerse yourself in a four-course Arabic meal, as Tayah and fellow musicians Meena Shamaly and Camille El Feghali take you on a journey with poetry, song and storytelling from her family’s homeland.
Enjoy the great outdoors at Lake Parramatta
Make the most of summer and head to Lake Parramatta Reserve for a day immersed in nature.
There’s plenty to do at this popular spot including enjoying a picnic, cooking a barbecue lunch or cooling down in the designated swimming area which is patrolled by lifeguards. For those more adventurous, you can hire your choice of boat from Parramatta Rowboats with kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, stand up paddle boards and row boats on offer.
If you prefer to stay on land, take a stroll around one of three walking tracks in the reserve.
