Gearing up for Sydney Harbour’s busiest day of the year!

Port Authority of NSW are in the midst of final preparations for Australia Day which is the busiest day of the year on Sydney Harbour for on-water events and recreational craft users.

Harbour Master Sydney Operations Myron Fernandes said thousands of people are expected out on the water in boats of all types and sizes.

“Port Authority together with the other maritime agencies, including Transport for NSW (Maritime), and the NSW Water Police, work together to keep the harbour a safe place for everyone to enjoy the activities,” Mr Fernandes said.

“Exclusion zones allow spectators to maintain a safe distance from the on-water events whilst still allowing them to enjoy the spectacle.

“Port Authority also suspends all large commercial ship movements for the day and ensures exclusion zones are in place to facilitate the spectacular on-water entertainment.

“In the wings, our Port Authority Marine Operations team and Sydney Vessel Traffic Service, which is like the air traffic control centre of the sea, will be monitoring the movements of participating vessels and ready to respond to any incident.”

“Port Authority staff also get involved in the celebration by escorting the Tall Ships and participating in the Maritime Mayhem activity using Port Authority vessels”.

“On the day you can expect to see one of Port Authority’s tug boats decorated in flags amongst all the action as she leads the tall ships and ferryathon across the harbour,” Mr Fernandes said.

The tug will be pumping out up to 16,000 litres of sea water every minute - the equivalent capacity of over 4 large fire engines – so keep an eye out for it on the water!

Port Authority of NSW CEO, Captain Philip Holliday said an event on this scale takes months of meticulous planning and the Port Authority team has worked closely with the event organisers at Australia Day Council, Transport for NSW (Maritime), and Department of Premier and Cabinet to ensure the day is a success.

“The Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal will come to life with an array of family friendly activities with something for everyone and will also be a great vantage point to see all the on-water action.” 

Captain Philip Holliday added we work on the water every day, but Australia Day is really special.  It’s just great to be out there and a part of the action on the busiest day on the most beautiful harbour in the world.

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