Australia Day Live 2026
A concert to inspire our national spirit
Event details
| Date | Gates open |
|---|---|
| Monday 26 January 2026 | 6:00pm |
Australia Day Live is a free ticketed outdoor event. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per customer for the seated area at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.
*Maximum ticket limit of 4
There is a strict ticket limit of four (4) tickets per customer on this event. Persons who exceed the ticket limit may have any or all of their orders and tickets cancelled without notice. This includes orders associated with the same name, e-mail address, billing address, credit card number or other information.
The only authorised ticket agency for this event is Sydney Opera House. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
General Public tickets on-sale
10:00am, Wednesday 14 January 2026
As allocation is strictly limited, we anticipate demand for tickets to significantly exceed supply. We apologise in advance for any disappointment if you miss out. Due to expected high demand, you may be placed into a queue to purchase tickets.
Accessibility information for Australia Day Live. You will be directed to the Australia Day website. For queries or individual requests email accessibleausday@dnsw.com.au.
Gates open 6:00pm
Preshow 6:30pm
Concert 7:30-9:30pm
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
Australia Day Live inspires our national spirit. It brings us together to celebrate who we are as Australians.
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Venue information
Security
The safety and security of our visitors, patrons and staff is our highest priority. The Sydney Opera House works closely with NSW Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment. As a condition of entry into the venue, bag inspections and electronic screening will be carried out at security checkpoints on entry to the site. We strongly encourage patrons to leave bags at home and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House.
Accessibility
Our goal at the Sydney Opera House is to provide barrier-free access, making the site, building and the experiences we offer accessible to all. Australia Day Live is accessible to all ticketholders with disability or limited mobility.
There are wheelchair and companion seating locations, accessible toilets, audio description of the performances, haptic vests and a quiet space for neurodivergent guests.
Registration for accessible seating is organised through the Australia Day website.
For further information email DNSW on Paul.Nunnari@dnsw.com.au.
Conditions of entry
All patrons and visitors attending Australia Day Live must present their bags and personal belongings for visual inspection or x-ray screening as a condition of entry. Ticketholders may be electronically screened by Opera House security staff.
The following items are considered prohibited and will be confiscated if found:
- Alcohol
- Illegal substances, including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs
- Flammable devices (flares, fireworks and smoke bombs)
- Anything that could be used as a weapon, such as sharp items, including knives
- Suspicious items or items that may look like a weapon
- Professional cameras or recording devices
- Laser pointers
- Offensive signage or clothing
- Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles
- Any other item that may cause harm or public nuisance or could interfere with the event, including musical instruments
- Unauthorised advertising material, flyers or merchandise giveaways
- Large umbrellas (larger than 125cm in diameter)
- Sunshades and tent structures
Ticketholders and visitors have the option to leave with their prohibited items should they not wish to forfeit them in accordance with the above conditions of entry. All confiscated and prohibited items will be disposed of and will not be held. Possession of unlawful items will be reported immediately to NSW Police.
Security staff will monitor patrons for RSA and refuse entry to any intoxicated persons in accordance with the Liquor Act 2007.
Visitors and ticketholders are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use public transport wherever possible. Large crowds are expected on the Opera House precinct and around the CBD.
Significant road closures will be in place and planned track work will impact multiple train lines in and out of the city. Ferries to and from Circular Quay will also be impacted. Please visit the Transport NSW Australia Day website for more information.
Travelling to the Opera House
Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave their car at home and use public transport wherever possible. Please plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time.
Road closures will be in place around Circular Quay, including the closure of Macquarie Street between 6:30pm and 10:30pm. For the full list of road closures and maps, please check livetraffic.com.
The Opera House Wilson car park will be open, however it is expected to reach capacity early. Please note, entry and exit will be prohibited between 6:30-10:30pm due to the planned closure of Macquarie Street. Once Macquarie Street reopens, please expect long delays due to congestion.
Yes. Visit Transport NSW Australia Day for more details on service changes.
Frequently asked questions
The Opera House’s Western and Northern Broadwalk can be accessed by the general public to visit the precinct or enjoy the Australia Day maritime show and sails lighting.
Both Opera Bar and House Canteen will be open to the general public, with a viewing area along the seawall to be ticketed from 5:00pm.
Bennelong and Midden will be open. Bookings are strongly recommended.
Tours will be operating as usual with advance bookings recommended.
Yes, only ticketholders can access the Australia Day Live concert on the Forecourt.
Those who miss out on tickets can watch the show live on ABC TV and ABC iView.
No additional tickets will be available once allocation is exhausted.
Australia Day Live gates open at 6pm with the concert beginning at 7:30pm. For ticketholders, we recommend arriving at 6pm to take your seat and enjoy the pre-show entertainment.
There are no ATM facilities available on the Forecourt. Please bring a credit or debit card for any on-site purchases to assist with swift transactions and alleviating queue times.
Cashless payment methods are strongly recommended. Please bring a credit or debit card for any on-site purchases to assist with swift transactions and alleviating queue times.
Yes. The safety and security of our visitors, patrons and staff is our highest priority. Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags on entry. Please travel lightly and do not bring items that are not permitted as per our conditions of entry.
There will be no cloaking services available for ticketholders attending the Australia Day Live concert. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what cannot be brought into the event and leave these items at home.
For the safety of everyone at the event, certain items are not permitted. No strollers, chairs, laser pointers, sparklers, professional cameras or recording devices or selfie sticks, sharp knives or objects. No oversized items larger than an A4 piece of paper including extra-large backpacks, briefcases and suitcases. All bags will be checked on entry, your cooperation is appreciated. Please check conditions of entry for more information about what can and cannot be brought into the event.
Unless it is deemed unsafe to do so, Australia Day Live will proceed rain, hail or shine. There is no shade available in the public viewing area on the Forecourt. Visitors are encouraged to check the weather and come prepared. Wear a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing.
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House is a smoke-free site; this includes cigarettes, vapes, e-cigarettes, cigars and water pipe tobacco smoking. Read our Smoke-free Environment Policy.
House Canteen will be open from 7:30am and Opera Bar from 11am. Both venues are open to the general public all day, with a viewing area along the seawall ticketed from 5:00pm.
Bennelong will be open for lunch from 12pm. Bookings are strongly recommended.
Midden will be open from 11:30am.
Members of the general public can purchase food from our restaurants - Opera Bar, House Canteen, Midden and Bennelong.
There will be food trucks on the Forecourt serving snacks, small plates, desserts and drinks from 10:30am – 4pm and 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available.
From 5:30pm – 9:15pm, a fully licensed, cashless bar will be accessible to Australia Day Live ticketholders.
Ticketholders are welcome to bring their own water bottle as long as there is no glass, but no other food and drinks are permitted.
Location and access
Forecourt
Set below the famous white sails the Forecourt is located at the base of the Monumental Steps, between the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.