January 26
Australia Day falls on Monday, 26 January 2026. It is a national public holiday across all states and territories.
Major cities will host a variety of events focused on the theme "Reflect, Respect, Celebrate":
But the day is not without controversy. We Aussies thrive on values of democracy and free speech, so:
On 26 January, in all corners of our nation, Australians come together at hundreds of events hosted by councils and local community groups to reflect, respect and celebrate with their communities.
Today, we each can reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia, and to acknowledge our history.
Australia Day is about so much more than the events of one day – it is about where we have come from, who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be. January 26 is an important date in Australia's history that has evolved over time.
On our national day we can reflect on our complete and complex history and understand that acknowledging and reconciling our past helps lay a path to a stronger future. We respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ survival, resilience and over 65,000 years of continuous culture.
It’s also a day we can pay respect to the stories, histories and contributions of the Australians who lived, worked and fought for the values and freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
It is a day that will mean different things to each of us. We are all shaped by our own experiences, and we celebrate living in a dynamic, multicultural nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are valued.
More than half of all Australians participate in Australia Day, attending events organised by State Governments, local councils and community groups, or getting together with family and friends. In addition, over 16,000 new Australians become citizens on Australia Day.
And did I mention the FUN: Australians celebrate their National Day by meeting with family and mates, firing up a barbie and cracking open a cold beer. And as one, mate with mate, neighbour with neighbour.
Australia Day - A Day For All.
Australia Day falls on Monday, 26 January 2026. It is a national public holiday across all states and territories.
Major cities will host a variety of events focused on the theme "Reflect, Respect, Celebrate":
- Sydney: Activities centre around Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, including the Dawn Reflection at sunrise on the Sydney Opera House sails, the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo, the Ferrython race, and the Australia Day Live concert.
- Canberra: The National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony will be held at Lake Burley Griffin (8:45 AM–10:30 AM), followed by community festivities at Commonwealth Park featuring a BBQ and live music.
- Perth: Morning events include a Smoking Ceremony at Victoria Gardens (8:00 AM). Afternoon entertainment at Langley Park (from 3:00 PM) includes a multicultural zone, family attractions, and a drone and fireworks spectacular at 8:30 PM.
- Melbourne: Government House Victoria will hold an Open Day (10:30 AM–3:30 PM) for self-guided tours. Federation Square will host family-friendly activities, workshops, and Australian Open screenings.
- Adelaide: The Mourning in the Morning smoking ceremony at Elder Park (7:30 AM) will honour First Nations history, followed by the Aus Lights on the River parade and festival in the evening.
- Brisbane: The Great Australian Bites food festival will take place at Riverside Green, South Bank Parklands (2:00 PM–7:30 PM).
But the day is not without controversy. We Aussies thrive on values of democracy and free speech, so:
- Invasion Day / Survival Day: For many First Nations Australians, the date is a day of mourning representing the beginning of colonization and loss of culture.
- Protests: "Invasion Day" marches and protest ceremonies often occur alongside official celebrations to highlight Indigenous resilience and perspectives.
On 26 January, in all corners of our nation, Australians come together at hundreds of events hosted by councils and local community groups to reflect, respect and celebrate with their communities.
Today, we each can reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia, and to acknowledge our history.
Australia Day is about so much more than the events of one day – it is about where we have come from, who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be. January 26 is an important date in Australia's history that has evolved over time.
On our national day we can reflect on our complete and complex history and understand that acknowledging and reconciling our past helps lay a path to a stronger future. We respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ survival, resilience and over 65,000 years of continuous culture.
It’s also a day we can pay respect to the stories, histories and contributions of the Australians who lived, worked and fought for the values and freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
It is a day that will mean different things to each of us. We are all shaped by our own experiences, and we celebrate living in a dynamic, multicultural nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are valued.
More than half of all Australians participate in Australia Day, attending events organised by State Governments, local councils and community groups, or getting together with family and friends. In addition, over 16,000 new Australians become citizens on Australia Day.
And did I mention the FUN: Australians celebrate their National Day by meeting with family and mates, firing up a barbie and cracking open a cold beer. And as one, mate with mate, neighbour with neighbour.
Australia Day - A Day For All.
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