Greg and Tess Preston with their sons Blake, 12 and Ryan, 8, at the Big Backyard party, Parramatta Park. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day Celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day Celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day Celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day Celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day Celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Parramatta Park Australia Day celebrations. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Holroyd Council Australia Day celebrations at the Merrylands Swim Centre pool party. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Holroyd Council Australia Day celebrations at the Merrylands Swim Centre pool party. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Holroyd Council Australia Day celebrations at the Merrylands Swim Centre pool party. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Holroyd Council Australia Day celebrations at the Merrylands Swim Centre pool party. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Holroyd Council Australia Day celebrations at the Merrylands Swim Centre pool party. Pictures: Gene Ramirez
Thousands of residents have flocked to Australia Day celebrations at Parramatta Park and the pool party at Merrylands Swim Centre.
Despite the heat, it is currently 29.7 degrees in Parramatta, locals have come out in force to attend the Aerial Carnivale and Big Backyard events at Parramatta Park.
The mass air balloon ascent at Parramatta Park started early at 5.30am today due to the expected heat and the tethered balloon rides finished by 8am.
There was also a giant wind-up doll on display as well as performances from acrobats, musicians and comedy acts.
The Big Backyard, festivities, which started at 12pm and goes to 7pm include historic re-enactments, a worm farm, a visit from the King and Queen of Green who encourage awareness of environmental issues and a large slippery slide.
There are also amusement rides, arts and crafts activities, stalls and boat rides on offer.
The free Dig 1100 Concert will be held at the park from 6pm and will include performances from the Hungry Kids of Hungary, DJ Jay Katz and You Am I.
It will end with a fireworks display.
The pool party at Merrylands Swim Centre will go until 3pm and an Australia Day concert will be held at Merrylands Park from 5pm.
The main act will be FMX Kaos International Freestyle Team a freestyle motocross team.
The event will also feature a hip hop dance crew performance, music from DJ Mix and an RNB performance by Three Wishez as well as a fireworks display.
Details on today's events: parracity.nsw.gov.au, holroyd.nsw.gov.au.