Are you ready to kick off Australia Day 2026 with an unforgettable celebration on Sydney Harbour? Sydney Jazz Club invites you aboard the delightful MV Bella Vista for an exclusive three-hour cruise that blends live jazz, spectacular harbour action and community spirit into one magical midday celebration – and it all happens on Monday, 26 January 2026!
This isn’t just another harbour cruise – it’s a place to be in the thick of the excitement, make new friends, soak up the electrifying atmosphere of Australia’s national day, and sway to some of the best live jazz this side of the Harbour Bridge.
Set Sail from King Street Wharf
Your adventure begins promptly at 12:00 noon from King Street Wharf No. 9 aboard the All Occasions Cruises’ MV Bella Vista, a beautiful vessel with comfortable air-conditioned indoor seating – perfect for the summer heat – and plenty of space outside on the observation deck to enjoy the views as you cruise Sydney Harbour.
Whether you want to find a spot inside with your table of friends (tables seat up to ten) or stretch your legs on the deck with the harbour breeze in your hair, MV Bella Vista offers the laid-back comfort and flexibility that make this experience truly special.
Live Music by the Robbie Mann Jazz Band
What’s an Aussie celebration without music? Throughout the cruise, the Robbie Mann Jazz Band will be keeping the good vibes flowing with live jazz that will have you tapping your feet and getting up to dance. From upbeat swing numbers to smooth, soulful grooves, their performance adds rhythm and soul to an already spectacular day.
And yes – there’s a dance floor! So loosen up, enjoy the swing, and perhaps make some new friends on the dance floor as you glide across one of the most iconic waterways in the world.
Be Front-Row for the Harbourfest Action
One of the biggest reasons to be on the water on Australia Day is that you get unrivalled views of the Harbourfest festivities happening all around you.
Here’s just some of the action you’ll be right in the middle of:
- Ferrython – the famous ferry race: This pulse-racing spectacle sees four Sydney Harbour ferries – decked out and battling neck-and-neck across the water toward the Sydney Harbour Bridge – and is a beloved tradition that draws crowds every year.
- The Midday Salute: Experience a stirring 21-gun salute and aerial displays as the Royal Australian Air Force performs skyline routines over the harbour.
- Tall Ships Race & Harbour Parade: Later in the afternoon, historic tall ships and beautifully adorned vessels sail in parade formation, showcasing their sails and national spirit across Sydney Harbour.
Being on MV Bella Vista, you’ll feel like you’re part of the show, watching it all unfold from the best seat in the house – right under the Bridge, surrounded by the chaos and colour of Australia Day celebrations.
Food, Drinks & Great Company
Bring your own lunch to enjoy aboard (food only – no BYO alcohol), and then relax with friends, old and new. The cruise has bars onboard where drinks can be purchased, so you can sip and toast your way through the afternoon with a cold beer, crisp wine, or a refreshing mocktail.
Tables are pre-allocated for all ticket holders, and if you’re booking with a group, you can reserve your own table of up to ten people. Book early to make sure you’re sitting with your crew – otherwise you’ll be seated with other fellow jazz lovers ready to mingle!
And speaking of mingling – this is a social event. Whether you’re a club member or meeting other jazz and harbour enthusiasts for the first time, this cruise is the perfect place to make new friends, share laughs and create memories.
Tickets & Prices
Whether you’re already a Sydney Jazz Club member or looking to join the fun, there’s a ticket option for you:
- $70 for SJC members
- $95 for non-members
With such spectacular value – access to live music, a scenic cruise, breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour’s epic Australia Day action and a day full of fun – these tickets won’t last long.
Book your tickets today at:
https://sydneyjazzclub.org.au/australia-day-2026-3/
Why This Cruise Is a Must-Do on Australia Day
Let’s be honest: Australia Day on Sydney Harbour is one of the most electrifying days of the year. The water fills with boats, the ferries thunder past in the Ferrython, fighter jets scream overhead, and the skyline buzzes with celebration.
And while you could watch from the shore or a crowded park, being on the water itself – right amid the action – makes the experience unforgettable. Add in world-class live jazz, dancing, drinks and friendly faces, and you’ve got a celebration that only Sydney Jazz Club knows how to deliver!
So gather your friends, book your tickets, and set aside Australia Day 2026 as a day to celebrate great music, great company and the incredible beauty of Sydney Harbour.