From hot air balloons flying high over Parramatta to live entertainment and, of course, a BBQ – there’s plenty of local ways to celebrate Australia Day this January 26.
City of Parramatta will host two jam-packed days of events at Parramatta Park, kicking off from 4pm on Saturday, January 25 with Balloon Glow – a night of live music, roving entertainers, amusement rides and food trucks culminating with a display of hot air balloons lighting up the night sky from 8pm.
The annual Australia Day Balloon Breakfast kicks off the next morning at 6am, where 10 hot air balloons will take flight at sunrise carrying those lucky enough to secure a ticket in the ballot for one of the tethered balloon rides.
There will be just as much happening on the ground including live music and entertainment, amusement rides and a BBQ breakfast.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the city’s Australia Day celebrations are not to be missed.
“The Australia Day long weekend is the perfect time to bring our community together to reflect on what unites us as a community,” he said.
“Our hot air balloon spectacular is a unique part of the way we mark Australia Day in Parramatta and I’m looking forward to seeing locals enjoy the sunrise – whether it’s from the park or high above the treetops of our city.”
The Australia Day weekend events will also include the City of Parramatta’s 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards and annual Citizenship Ceremony, recognising extraordinary individuals and welcoming 50 new members to the community.
Zaiter added that it was a particularly special time for community members becoming Australian citizens.
“We’re proud of our diverse culture and history here in Parramatta and to welcome new citizens to our community.”
Cumberland Council will also be hosting Australia Day celebrations over at Holroyd Gardens from 5-9pm on January 26.
The community is encouraged to come together to mark the National celebration with a mix of live entertainment, family-friendly fun and delicious food from stall vendors like Dapto Hotdog, Satay Brothers and Sweet Street.
The night will then end with a spectacular display of fireworks lighting up the night sky.
To find out more about Parramatta’s Australia Day celebrations, visit http://www.atparramatta.com/australia-day-2025.
To find out more about Cumberland’s Australia Day event, go to http://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/australia-day.
The public holiday will be on January 27.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.