Event Information & FAQs

Australia Day in Parramatta is a free community celebration featuring live music, family-friendly entertainment and the much-loved Balloon Glow — a spectacular hot air balloon illumination display lighting up the night sky. 

The event takes place in Parramatta Park, with activities and entertainment running from 4pm–9:30pm on Monday 26 January. 

Yes, entry is completely free. No tickets are required. 

The event will go ahead in wet weather, but may be cancelled in hazardous conditions. Balloon Glow may be impacted by extreme heat or strong winds. Any changes will be communicated via our website and social media channels. 

Absolutely! There will be roving entertainers, amusement rides which you can purchase tickets for at the event, food stalls and plenty of space to relax with a picnic. Shade and accessible viewing areas will be available. 

No fireworks are planned for this event. The Balloon Glow is the main visual spectacle.

The Balloon Glow is the true showstopper: a breathtaking display of illuminated hot air balloons lighting up the night sky in a choreographed spectacle of colour, warmth and wonder. Set to music and designed to be shared, it’s a magical moment that brings the whole community together. 

The Balloon Glow is the true showstopper: a breathtaking display of illuminated hot air balloons lighting up the night sky in a choreographed spectacle of colour, warmth and wonder. Set to music and designed to be shared, it’s a magical moment that brings the whole community together. 

The Balloon Glow display is scheduled to begin around 9pm, weather permitting. 

Yes. There will be a dedicated vantage point for people with accessibility needs to enjoy the Balloon Glow, along with accessible amenities.

Accessibility parking is available for vehicles displaying a valid mobility parking permit. This parking is accessed from the Westmead side of Parramatta Park, with entry at the corner of Railway Parade and Park Avenue.

An accessibility golf buggy will be operating on a set route between the accessible parking and the event site.

Accessibility parking is available for vehicles displaying a valid mobility parking permit. This parking is accessed from the Westmead side of Parramatta Park, with entry at the corner of Railway Parade and Park Avenue. 

An accessibility golf buggy will be operating on a set route between the accessible parking and the event site. 

Yes. There will be a dedicated vantage point for people with accessibility needs to enjoy the Balloon Glow, along with accessible amenities.

An accessibility golf buggy will be operating on a set route between the accessible parking and the event site.

Yes, accessible toilets will be within the event site.  

Yes, there is food available across the event.  

Enjoy plenty of food stalls and trucks serving everything from global street eats to family favourites. Bring a picnic rug and settle in for a night of good food and great music.

Licensed areas will offer beverages. You must carry a valid ID to enter. 

Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food from home. We recommend bringing a picnic basket and/or Esky, with low foldable festival chairs or a picnic rug to make a comfortable space for yourself on the grass. Cooking equipment, such as camping gas burners, are not permitted on site. 

Alcohol is permitted in small amounts for people over 18. Security may ask to inspect your bags and check ID if you are bringing alcohol into the event. 

Liquor brought into the park will be strictly restricted to 1 litre with a 14% maximum alcohol or 6x Beers/Ciders (5%) per person. No glass will be permitted into the park. 

Free refill stations are available throughout the park, including near each of the stages. Bring your own bottles and refill through the evening! 

Westmead Station is a quick 5-minute walk via Railway Avenue and Parramatta Station is a short 12-minute walk to Parramatta Park.

Parramatta Station has rail links to most major suburban centres in Sydney and the Blue Mountains with a travel distance of just 30-minutes from Sydney CBD.

See www.transportnsw.info to plan your trip by public transport.

Parramatta is well served by buses to the interchange on Argyle Street, near Parramatta Station. Bus routes connect Parramatta with other Sydney destinations such as Castle Hill, Hornsby, Ryde, Strathfield and Sydney CBD. See www.transportnsw.info to plan your trip by public transport.

NB: routes may be changed due to road closures. 

There are no road closures on the streets surrounding Parramatta Park. The only closure will be inside the park itself, where access is restricted to authorised event vehicles on Monday 26 January. 

We recommend using public transport to get to the event. Limited parking may be available nearby, but public transport is the easiest and most sustainable option. 

No, shade tents/domes and other similar structures are not permitted at the event. 

No, you cannot bring a drone.  

Parramatta Park is a public space, but due to large crowds and loud music, we recommend leaving pets at home for their comfort and safety. 

There are no ATMs within the park, however, food stalls will have card payment options available. 

Toilets will be available throughout the event site. Check back in January for a full map and locations. 

First Aid tents will be on site to assist with any medical needs. We’ll share exact locations in January - stay tuned for details.