Australia Day Frequently Asked Questions

Parramatta Park, Parramatta. 

January 25th 2024 (Balloon Glow) & 6am January 26th 2024 (Hot Air Balloon Rides)

11am 26 January 2023

No. The park will be closed to general vehicle traffic on the day. Street parking will be subject to availability in surrounding streets. It’s recommended patrons attend the event via public transport – the closest train station being Westmead Station, or via carpool or ride-share apps.

Yes, there will be a bike valet to securely park your bike. Please ride with caution as there may be event vehicles on the roads

Yes. The entrance to accessible parking is at the intersection of Railway Pd and Park Ave (near Westmead station). Disability Parking Permits must be shown at all times.

Regular public transport will be available on the day with Westmead Station being the closest train station to the event. The event site is a 15-minute walk from the station. 

Please feel free to plan your trip through the NSW Transport website here.
 

No. There is no alcohol at this event.

Wristbands and markers will be available at the information booth throughout the day. 

No. There will be no fireworks at this year’s Australia Day Event.

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

Yes, trackless trains will be following a route throughout the park from 6am – 1pm. there will be multiple trackless train stops throughout the park where patrons will be able to hop on and be taken to the event site. 

Yes – drinking water will be available from the bubbler stations throughout the event.

Rides will be open until 12pm, with last sign ins at 11am.

All activities including rock-climbing wall, stunt jump, bungee trampolines, and horizontal bungee are all FREE. Sports activities such as hopscotch, bean bag toss, mini hurdles, soccer, relay races, dodgeball and tug-a-war are also FREE.

Waivers must be signed to participate in rock-climbing, stunt jump, bungee trampoline, and horizontal bungee. Waivers must be signed by parents/guardians for all participants under the age of 18. Please see the attendants in the activities tent on site to sign your waiver and receive a wristband.

Participants without wristbands will not be allowed to participate and will be directed to activities staff to sign their waiver and receive their wristbands.

Hot Air Balloon tickets will be made available to the lucky patrons by ballot system. 

Ballot registrations open 10am, Thursday 4 January and close 5pm, Tuesday 9 January. Terms and conditions apply*.

Sign up to our newsletter and receive updates on when the ballot opens.

*Transaction fees may apply. One ballot entry per household. Once the ballot is closed, winners will be randomly selected and a direct link to purchase tickets will be sent. Successful ballot entry winners can book up to four tickets for their balloon ride. Any duplicate purchases may risk having their tickets cancelled without a refund. Due to safety reasons, children under 6 years are unable to ride in the hot air balloons.

Yes, for safety reasons children under the age of 6 will be unable to ride in the balloons. 

Yes. There will be toilets available to the event site – including an accessibility bathroom. 

Yes. There will be food vendors trading from 6am – 12pm on the day. 

There will be a variety of activities, games, and workshops running throughout the day. 

These include Australian Wildlife Displays, Science Shows, Heritage Tours, and more. 

Australia Day 2024 will proceed in wet, warm, and windy weather, but not in hazardous conditions. Some shade/sheltered areas will be provided for patrons use.

Hot Air Balloons may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, such as heat, wind, and lightning. 

Citizen of the Year Awards and Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will run from 8am – 10am.