Australia Day, on January 26th, is the official national day of Australia, and you’ll find it marked with citizenship ceremonies and community festivals. Many of the festivals range from the wacky to, well, even wackier!
Here are some of the various events happening across the country on the day.
Darwin Australia Day Ute Run, NT
The annual ute run includes a vibrant display of utes, flags, and fun characters. The journey goes from Darwin to Humpty Doo. The day features a spectacular parade of decorated utes. Participants will wave flags and toot their horns, set up BBQs and enjoy the day with family and friends. Led by the Larrakia Nation Ute as part of the ‘first nation, first ute’ package, the parade will start at Hidden Valley Raceway and end at the Noonamah Tavern. Up to 500 vehicles will participate with owners proudly decorating their cars to reflect Australia Day.
January 26th from 9.30am at Hidden Valley Raceway, NT. www.variety.org.au/nt/event/australia-day-ute-run
Brisbane Australia Day Cockroach Race, QLD
The hugely popular, annual cockroach race at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane began in 1981 as a bet between friends. Participants can bring their own cockroach or buy one at the venue. The race raises funds for charity.
2024 event TBC. Story Bridge Hotel, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, QLD. www.storybridgehotel.com.au
Australia Day Cruises, Sydney Harbour, NSW
Experience the Sydney Harbour fireworks on a three-hour cruise with seafood and carvery buffet dinner, dessert, and a fully licensed bar. You can also enjoy the Australia Day Live Concert at the Sydney Opera House with spectacular views of the fireworks display.
January 26th at Vagabond Spirit, Sydney Harbour, NSW. www.vagabond.com.au
Australia Day Hamilton Celebration, VIC
Join the Southern Grampians Shire Council’s official Australia Day Celebration at Hamilton Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a celebration with food, entertainment, and awards. Similar events take place in Coleraine, Dunkeld, Penshurst, Balmoral, Branxholme, Glenthompson, Byaduk, and Cavendish.
January 26th, 10.30am at Hamilton Botanic Gardens, VIC. More info: AusDay@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
Australia Day Ararat Celebration, VIC
Join Ararat Rural City Council’s Australia Day celebration. Activities include a free BBQ breakfast, Australia Day Awards Ceremony, Citizenship Ceremony, and a family-friendly Picnic in the Park with music and entertainment.
January 26th at Alexandra Oval, Ararat, VIC. More info: (03) 5355 0200
Australia Day Aquathlon, Bundaberg QLD
Participate in the Australia Day Aquathlon at Norville Pool. Enjoy a day of swimming and running.
January 26th at Norville Pool, 148 Enterprise Street, Bundaberg, QLD.
The Australia Day Games, The Buff Club, NT
The Buff Club brings you a day of fun events including the Foot Long Sausage Roll Competition, and thong throwing. There’s also music from Crocodile Country.
26th January at The Buff Club, Stuart Park, Darwin NT.
Australia Day BVRT Bike Ride 2024, Fernvale QLD
Join the free family-friendly Australia Day Bike Ride on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Fernvale to Esk (44 km). Enjoy a scenic ride and a traditional Australia Day BBQ brekkie roll at Esk Station.
January 26th, 6am to 1pm, Fernvale Futures Centre, 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale, QLD. Website
Newcastle Harbour Ocean Swim, NSW
A tradition for nearly 30 years, the Newcastle Harbour Ocean Swim attracts hundreds of swimmers to the New South Wales Hunter region. It’s a community event with a longstanding history.
January 26th at Newcastle, NSW. Website
Derwent Valley Australia Day, TAS
Head down to The Esplanade to enjoy a free family day co-hosted by New Norfolk Lions Club – enjoy a sausage sizzle, dessert vans, and family-orientated games and music.
25th January, from 11am, at New Norfolk, TAS.
Wanda SLSC Australia Day 1K & 2K, NSW
Participate in the Australia Day 1K & 2K ocean swim events at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club.
January 26th, 8am to 5pm at Wanda SLSC, Cronulla, NSW. Website
Australia Day Weekend Show, Shine & Swap Meet, VIC
This fundraising event has been running for 10 years and features over 200 display vehicles and stalls.
Sunday, January 28th, 6am to 12pm at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi, VIC. Website
Barham Koondrook Australia Day Lilo Race, VIC
Barham’s annual lilo race features a barbecue breakfast at Riverside Park. Participants register at Koondrook Boat Ramp and the race begins at 10.30am, floating down the Murray River to the Barham Boat Ramp. It’s a leisurely and enjoyable way to spend Australia Day.
January 26th, from 9am, Koondrook, Gannawarra, VIC. Website
Australia Day Ceremony and Markets in Yass, NSW
Celebrate Australia Day in Yass with a ceremony, family fun day, markets, inflatables, face painting, and free entry to Yass and Binalong Pools.
Riverbank Park, Yass, NSW. Website
Triple MMM Australia Day Ultra 25/50/75/100km, WA
Participate in the Australia Day Ultra Marathon with various distances including 50k, 100k, and more.
January 20th, Australind Foreshore, WA. Website
2024 BVRC Australia Day Rally, QLD
The Bayside Vehicle Restorers Club Australia Day rally is quickly becoming one of the largest historic and classic vehicles events in Queensland.
The event usually attracts over 500 cars, motorbikes, trucks and buses. Entry is free. To enter just turn up on Australia Day. Free breakfast, tea and coffee from 7am. Raffle proceeds donated to local charities.Rally runs set off across the Redlands and Wynnum from about 10.30am.
26th January, 7am, Ormiston, QLD. Website
Australia Day in Bourke NSW
Join Bourke’s Australia Day celebrations with free pool entry, a breakfast, an official ceremony, awards presentation, and various activities.
January 26th at Bourke War Memorial Swimming Pool, Bourke, NSW. Website
Australia Day Party in the Park, Forbes, NSW
Party in the Park is a free event at Lions Park with amusement rides, food vans, entertainment, and fireworks.
26th January, from 6pm at Junction St, Forbes, NSW.
Warrah Creek Australia Day Celebrations, NSW
Kick off your Australia Day celebrations at Warrah Creek with the annual Australia Day community cricket match, followed by a dog-jumping competition and a BBQ lunch.
26th January, from 8am, at Warrah Creek Hall & Tennis Courts, NSW.
Australia Day Murder Mystery, Darwin NT
Join in an Aussie Murder Mystery event featuring the intriguing storyline of the mysterious disappearance of Patty M. Follow the clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together the puzzle to discover the truth behind Patty M’s disappearance. Dress in Aussie style, whether it’s a cork hat, plaid shirts, or classic Aussie attire. A prize will be awarded for the best-dressed detective.
January 27th, 6pm, at The Last Supper, Cavenagh St, Darwin, NT. Website
The Hancock Prospecting City of Light Show, Perth WA
A special City of Light Show will be held at Langley Park thanks to Hancock Prospecting with plenty of family entertainment and food trucks from 3pm and a combined drone and fireworks display after 8pm over the Swan River.
26th January, 3pm to 9pm at Langley Park, Perth, WA. Website
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