Australia Day is a fantastic day across the country and particularly a great day for boaters to get out on the water. Harbours, bays and waterways are often a focal point of celebrations with organisations hosted a great line-up of events. Boaters who intend to head out to celebrate Australia Day on the water need to be across the special regulations in place for the events. Celebrations will be planned in and around both coastal and inland waters and boaters need to be fully aware of what amended regulations need to be adhered to.
Those wanting to get great on-water vantage positions to view fireworks displays, exhibitions and other attractions need to be aware of exclusion zones and in most cases, get in early. You won’t be the only person with that idea!
Before heading out, have a good think to ensure your boat is of an appropriate size and type to be at that location for that event. Australia Day events can mean crowded waterways that create a lot of wake and challenging conditions to operate a boat. Small craft can easily get swamped under such conditions. So think twice and while out on crowded waterways always wear life jackets for safety.
Sydney Harbour is a major focal point for Sydney’s Australia Day celebrations and the events attract great crowds both on water and at vantage points. We cover off on some of the details of what to expect and if you are keen to be out on the water for 26 January on a new boat, how we may be able to assist you in making that a reality.
Australia Day Regatta – Sydney
The Australia Day Regatta is a major event of Australia Day celebrations in Sydney and in recent years, the event has been expanded to include regattas on other waterways. The regatta includes a number of sailing races. The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron organising the Harbour regatta for keel yachts which includes both modern and traditional skiffs and one-design classes.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is conducting the ocean race which covers a course from Sydney to Harbour to Botany Bay and back. Events on the Parramatta River and Lane Cove River and at Botany Bay, Port Hacking, Pittwater, Manly, Brisbane Waters, Lake Macquarie and Lake Illawarra will be conducted by local sailing clubs.
For those interested in competing the Notices of Race and event details are posted here.
For those planning to head out at spectator craft, review the notice of race so you are aware of the course and any exclusion zones to keep clear of.
Sydney Harbour Events Information
On Australia Day Sydney Harbour is the location of many events such as the Ferry Race and other activities throughout the day and into the evening. While COVID restrictions may cause changes to plans, the day usually concludes with a concert at the Sydney Opera House and light displays and possibly fireworks.
With plenty of great vantage points for boats, boat owners need to be aware of special event restrictions in place. For details for Australia Day and other events over the summer, refer to the NSW Maritime website. There are exclusion zones, minimum wash requirements and anchoring restrictions in place.
Australia Day Events
Australia Day events are scheduled across the country with many on and around the water. Planning your day on the water well ahead can avoid disappointment. Check your state or territory website for what’s happening on the water for Australia Day.
Celebrating with a New Boat
Is it too late to get a boat loan and purchase that new boat before Australia Day? January 26 is only a few weeks away but it may not be too late to be out on the water on your new boat. Jade Boat Loans offers quick quotes, fast approvals and prompt settlement of boat loans for our customers.
By having Jade source and arrange your loan, we save you a lot of time and a lot of hassle. If you embark on getting a number of boat loans yourself to compare, it can involve extensive time on the phone and online. With our consultants doing that for you, it is faster, more comprehensive and we can use our industry-only channels to source the cheapest boating finance rates for you.
While we’re getting your loan sorted, you can be spending that time finding the boat you want and finalising the deal.
If that deadline is a bit tight, look ahead to Easter to enjoy your new boat. Easter is a great time for boating in many states and the changing season can offer great fishing prospects in coastal regions and riverine areas.
Australia Day on the water is a great experience and being well-prepared with the information on regulations, restrictions and event timings can ensure it is an enjoyable day for everyone on your boat.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for boat loan quotes
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MIS-PRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.