Hop aboard public transport for Australia Day
Sydneysiders and visitors are urged to catch public transport to get to Australia Day events in and around the Sydney CBD on Thursday 26 January.
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said public transport services would run to a weekend or public holiday timetable with additional services to help move everyone around on the day.
“Public transport is the best way to get to Australia Day events with roads around Circular Quay and The Rocks closing from as early as 4am,” Mr Collins said.
“Trains and light rail services will run regularly to Circular Quay from early morning until late.
“If you plan to take a ferry, make sure you leave plenty of time as Australia Day is one of the busiest days of the year for ferries. Some ferry services will be affected while events on the harbour are underway in the morning and evening.
“Make sure you plan your trip before you leave home and allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination.
“Boaters, please follow NSW boating rules and local waterway restrictions, such as speed limits and exclusion zones in effect on the harbour in the morning and evening.”
Further road closures will be in place from 7.30pm until 10.30pm, including the Cahill Expressway and roads in Circular Quay north of Bridge Street. In Milsons Point, Olympic Drive along the harbour foreshore will close from 10.30am to 1pm.
These closures will affect some bus routes in the area, including in Milsons Point, throughout the day.
Special event clearway parking restrictions will also be in effect in the city and Milsons Point between 3am and midnight – so, drivers are encouraged to check signs carefully to avoid being towed.
Ferries will not run to and from Circular Quay between 11.45am and 12.30pm and between 7.30pm and 9.45pm while events take place on the harbour and exclusion zones are in effect. Some ferries, including F1 Manly ferries, will use Barangaroo Wharf instead.
Events start with a dawn projection on the Sydney Opera House at 5.20am, the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo at 7.30am, and the Oz Day 10k wheelchair race through The Rocks at 8.30am and continue with the Ferrython at 10.45am and many other harbour activities.
In the evening, the Australia Day Live outdoor concert at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt and harbour show at Circular Quay will kick off from 7.30pm, with the final fireworks display at 9.15pm.
Spectators can watch the harbour activities including the maritime show, projections on the Sydney Opera House and fireworks at vantage points around the Circular Quay foreshore. No tickets are required for the foreshore vantage points, however, people are encouraged to arrive early.
The best vantage points to see and hear the Australia Day Live free outdoor event and concert is along the western side of Circular Quay. Spectators can also access the eastern side of Circular Quay to view the fireworks and maritime show. Tickets are required for access to the Australia Day Live outdoor seated concert at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Tickets were free and have sold out.
Motorists are also reminded the Double Demerits – Enforcement road safety campaign will be in force from Wednesday 25 January to Sunday 29 January.
For more information on Australia Day public transport services, including trip planning, visit transportnsw.info/australia-day.
For more information about road closures and real-time traffic conditions, visit livetraffic.com.
For details on Australia Day events visit australiaday.com.au.