Sydney

Welcome in the new year with one of the world's most impressive fireworks displays and join the 1.6 million along the Sydney Harbour foreshore and filling the city's streets, bars and gardens. A children's fireworks display is at 9pm before the dazzling midnight display on one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours.

Badu Gili — meaning ‘water light’ in the language of the traditional owners of Bennelong Point, the Gadigal people — is a new daily experience that will explore ancient First Nations stories in a spectacular seven-minute projection, illuminating the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sail year-round at sunset and 7 pm. A celebration of the rich history and contemporary vibrancy of Australia’s First Nations culture, Badu Gili continues the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule, which has been a meeting place for the local Gadigal people for thousands of years. Curated by the Opera House’s Head of First Nations programming, Rhoda Roberts AO with the support of Yakazoo, the projections weave together the work of the diverse voices of established artist and community leader Djambawa Marawili AM, vibrant watercolour painter Mervyn Rubuntja, internationally renowned artist and prestigious Telstra NATSIAA awards finalist Mabel Juli, painter, lecturer and traditional healer Patricia Ansell Dodds, ceramicist Penny Evans and emerging printmaker Aiona Tala Gaidan, with an original soundscape by Damian Robinson. Badu Gili has been enabled by the Opera House, its Idealist donors and the Australia Council for the Arts.

This annual event of light, music and ideas is Sydney’s premier winter festival, held over several weeks in May and June. Watch the city transform into a spectacular canvas of light displays, with signature events such as the Lighting the Sails of the Sydney Opera House and the impressive Light Walk that meanders around Sydney Harbour and the city centre. Catch live performances in Sydney's iconic music venues with the Vivid Music and Vivid LIVE programs. Connect with the world’s creative leaders at inspiring talks and workshops as part of Vivid Ideas.

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a world-famous drawcard with its universal message of gay pride, diversity, equality, love and acceptance. The three-week calendar of shows, parties and exhibitions, kicks off in February each year and culminates in the glittering Mardi Gras parade in March featuring a splendid assortment of lavish floats, eye-popping costumes and vibrant colours.

State of Origin is one the highlights of Australia's sporting events. It brings together the best players of the Australian Rugby League competition. Long running rival teams, the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons, play for the best of three games before tens of thousands of fans.

Bringing the country to the city since 1823, the Sydney Royal Easter Show celebrates all things agricultural and attracts about 900,000 visitors each year. It's held during the Easter school holidays in March and April. Taste some of Australia's best fresh produce, discover great shopping, see more than 14,000 animals and enjoy hours of family fun with carnival rides, entertainment and more.