Getting the Most Out of This Australia Day!

Danielle Lawson In The Community, NDIS

There are lots of public events planned this year around Sydney to celebrate Australia Day on Friday 26th January.

Engaging in an active social life is important for everyone! The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provides fully-funded support to assist people to access the community, which includes visiting friends and family and going to events and concerts.

What’s On

The following are all accessible events taking place around Sydney this Australia Day.

Kick Off Australia Day Watching the Gio Oz 10k Wheelchair Race!

Internationally acclaimed wheelchair athletes will be showing their prowess at The Rocks in Sydney, displaying exhilarating speeds this Australia Day. Gio are also putting on a free breakfast from 8am, with a BBQ on George St under the Cahill Expressway.

The Governor of NSW, David Hurley, will start the race and the finish line is at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The best vantage points are along Hickson Road and George St in The Rocks. If you can’t make it, the race will be broadcast live on Sky News!

Stay On for the Sydney Street Party in The Rocks

After the race, the City of Sydney is hosting a festive Sydney Street Party in The Rocks! There will be games and roving performers along George St from midday until 3pm, with giant Snakes and Ladders, Jenga or Chess. Meet new people and watch jugglers on unicycles. There’ll also be live music from 12 – 6pm at First Fleet Park. Food stalls and markets will be scattered throughout the area.

Join the Fun in Western Sydney!

If you don’t feel like heading into the city, there are lots of activities happening in Western Sydney.

The City of Canterbury-Bankstown is planning an Australia Day pool party worthy of Miami or Ibiza! There’ll be a fun summer vibe around the pool in Little Tasker Park, with deck chairs, beach umbrellas, bean bags and cafe seating. There will be rides for kids, a free sausage sizzle and a range of exotic food stalls. There will also be DJs from Bondi Beach Radio spinning some great tracks.

If you’re in Parramatta, join the party in Parramatta Park. There’ll be rides, market stalls, music – even hot air balloons! Accessible parking is available nearby.

Getting Around

Transport for NSW is dedicated to making transport in Sydney as accessible as possible. Most trains and buses have accessible options – you can plan your trip here.

Car service Uber now has a fleet of accessible vehicles for affordable travel. UberWAV vehicles fit wheelchairs; plus the drivers are certified in safe driving and assisting people with disabilities.

The NSW Taxi Subsidy Transport Scheme also covers 50% of the total taxi fare for residents who are unable to use public transport due to a disability.

However you intend to get there, enjoy your long weekend!