All the events planned for Australia Day 2022 in Sydney

A number of events remain planned for Australia Day in Sydney this year despite the high number of COVID-19 cases.

Sydney Harbour will be the focus for spectators, with a ferrython, aerial display, and tall ships race.

But Australia Day, and the date of January 26, remains divisive for many.

January 26 marks the day when Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove and proclaimed British sovereignty, in 1788.

The move led to the dispossession of Indigenous peoples from the land they had inhabited for thousands of years up to the arrival of the First Fleet.

Australia Day is regarded by some Indigenous Australians as "Invasion Day" and can be a difficult day for many people.

Every year, calls grow to change the date of Australia Day to be more inclusive of all Australians.

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When is Australia Day?

Australia Day falls on January 26, which is this Wednesday.

It is also a public holiday across the country.

Is there a long weekend for Australia Day 2022?

No. Because Australia Day falls on a Wednesday this year, that will be a public holiday.

Indigenous ceremonies

The WugulOra Morning Ceremony will take place at the Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney from 7.30am on January 26.

First Nations artwork will be projected on the Sydney Opera House from first light as part of the Dawn Reflection.

"As the sun rises, connect with the world's oldest living culture as First Nations artwork is projected on the Sydney Opera House and flags raised on the Sydney Harbour Bridge," the NSW Government said on their website.

Sydney Australia Day events

There will be harbour events during the day, including the Ferrython where Emerald class ferries race across the harbour at 10.45am.

The Navy Helicopter Flag Display will follow at 11.30am, where a helicopter flies with a flag held below it across the harbour.

An aerial display by the Australian Defence Force will kick off at 12pm with jets racing across the skies.

A tall ships race will happen at 1pm, where visitors can see "majestic 19th-century three-masted, iron-hulled square riggers".

There will be the 186th Australia Day Regatta where vessels big, small, new and old all compete at 1.30pm.

And then the finale will be an Australia Day Live concert with live music and a water fireworks bonanza from 7.30pm.

There will also be a rally to mark Invasion Day in Sydney.

Campaigners will set out from Town Hall at 10am and will walk to Victoria Park to mark the "day of mourning".

It is also expected other rallies will pop up in the city throughout the day.

COVID-19 restrictions for Australia Day

In NSW, COVID-19 restrictions mean you can't go out singing or dancing for Australia Day in hospitality venues.

Most major events across the state will proceed with COVID-safe plans.

A mask mandate is in place for indoor settings, on public transport or while waiting for public transport and if you're working at a hospitality venue.

This means you need to wear a mask when in any of these settings.

Most hospitality venue events for Australia Day will also be ticketed due to current density limits.

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What will be open?

Shops, supermarkets, and bottle shops will open as normal.

Many will operate on shorter hours due to the public holiday.

Bars, restaurants and pubs will also open.

Will double demerits be in place?

NSW Police have confirmed there won't be any double demerits in place for Australia Day this year.