Born in South Korea and raised in Denmark, Marie Omark finally felt at home when she became a citizen at a Sydney harbour ceremony on Australia Day.
The 32-year-old, who grew up in Copenhagen after being adopted at just four months from Seoul, arrived in here in 2011.
She feels lucky to officially become Australian.
"This is home for me now, so it just feels like I'm at home, I'm very proud to be able to call myself an Australian," Ms Omark told AAP on Thursday.
"I don't think I've realised it yet but it's quite special to be part of this Australia Day event.
"I'm very happy I got that opportunity."
Australians from different cultures and continents gathered at Circular Quay to mark the 229th anniversary of the First Fleet's landing in a festive atmosphere.
But just a few kilometres away indigenous Australians and their supporters were mourning the bloodshed that followed European arrival.
Thousands marched from Redfern to Victoria Park demanding Australia's national day be moved from January 26, which they referred to as "Invasion Day".
Earlier, NSW Governor David Hurley acknowledged the pain and mixed emotions the day brings for Australia's Aboriginal people.
At an indigenous ceremony at Barangaroo Point he said: "We understand on this day 229 years ago the coming of the First Fleet wreaked a terrible impact on your people, your families (and) your culture."
General Hurley said the 1967 referendum to include Aboriginal people in the census was the beginning of an unfinished journey to equality.
"Like everyone here and everyone around Australia I am keen for the work that started in 1967 to be completed sooner rather than later, in whatever form it takes," he told the crowd.
"This is hard but let's do it and let's be an example of having done it ... let's make good dreaming."
Meanwhile four Sydney ferries went head-to-head across the harbour for the annual Australia Day Ferrython, the 38th running of the race.
It drew hundreds to Circular Quay with all eyes on the colourfully-decorated vessels, each inspired by the natural habitat of the harbour.
In the city's west, festivities began at dawn with a hot-air balloon display over Parramatta Park. Fireworks were scheduled for 9pm.
An evening concert at the Sydney Opera House will be headlined by Tina Arena, Guy Sebastian and The Wiggles.
