In every single state there is something to do on Australia Day. There are hundreds of events everywhere and it would be impossible to mention them all. In New South Wales alone there are 260 planned events, but the most iconic across the nation is the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony held in Canberra, where about 16,000 people will get their citizenship on the one day.
Here's a summary of the best and most diverse things to do on 26 January.
Australian Capital Territory
There's something for everyone to enjoy and participate in this Australia Day celebration in the capital starting from 7am, including an Aussie Day BBQ breakfast, kids entertainment, the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony at 10.25am and an evening concert with fireworks at 9pm.
Celebrations will last all day, from morning, with games dedicated to children to a fancy cocktail party at night. The National Museum offers a program for every taste and age and it will close late at night for the occasion.
Assemble at 10am on King George Terrace for a sovereignty event at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
Victoria
Starting from 6pm until 10.30pm, Melbourne's Harbour Esplanade will come alive with roaming artists and entertainment, food trucks and a Great Australian BBQ, with a grand finale of fireworks ignited from the top of Etihad Stadium.
A vibrant and colorful parade along Swanston Street, in Melbourne's CBD, that sees thousands of people from over 90 community and cultural groups, in a proud display and celebration of our culturally diverse community. It is also the only parade held on Australia Day morning across the nation’s capital cities.
The festival returns again to Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens featuring the likes of No Fixed Address, Kutcha Edwards, The Deans of Soul, Yirgjhilya and Urban Hour. This thriving hub of Aboriginal dance, culture and music will showcase the talent of the local community from 11.00am on January 26th.
The main rally will be held on the Parliament House Steps from 11am-2pm and all are welcome to join. A smoking ceremony will also be held to respect the Kulin nation and their custodianship of the land.
New South Wales
The fireworks show starts at 9pm in Harbour Bay, but the celebrations begin at 6pm with music, live shows, games and activities for families and exhibitions.
A big Australian BBQ with a selection of cuisines from around the world, from 10am to 4pm. The program includes live music, Australian wildlife displays, circus playground and face painting.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is the best location to enjoy one of the finest views of the spectacle on Sydney Harbour, admire ancient vessels and impressive tall ships, relax on the grass, have a drink, eat lunch and listen to live music, from 10am to 7pm.
With Kev Carmody heading up and extraordinary line-up of deadly talent, this year’s Yabun festival is sure to be a treat. The event will kick-off from 10am at Victoria Park on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people in Camperdown, Sydney. The festival will also feature a Corroboree Ground showcasing thirteen dance performances, a marketplace of food, craft and information stalls, an Elders tent, a Jarjums Zone with activities for the little ones, and a Speak Out tent with a range of speakers.
Join Fighting in Resistance Equality (FIRE), Grandmothers Against Removals Sydney, the Indigenous Social Justice Association and many other activist groups from 11am at the Block, Redfern.
Queensland
Where to eat on the 26th? On a cruise! This 2-hour activity in Brisbane includes Aussie buffet for lunch or dinner, views of the city and live music. The dinner cruise also offers a sensational view of the Australia Day fireworks display.
River Quay restaurants in the QLD capital will present a variety of tasting plates and beverages with pop-up food stalls along the river. Do not miss the fireworks at 7.30 pm.
Brissy's Invasion Day march will start from 10am at Parliament House before heading to Musgrave Park. The march will launch the Stolenwealth Games campaign for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and an art competition, as well as including food and entertainment.
This walk through Townsville CBD will include cultural performances and end in a Survival Day Commemoration and Celebration in the Perfume Gardens. The walk will commence at 7.30am at the Mabo Monument.
Western Australia
Thousands of people will head down to Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth from 4pm to 7pm and join the celebrations in 'The Great Aussie Blood Group' for the 'Guinness World Record' attempt to form the world's biggest human blood drop by donating blood. The official ceremony and the barbecue will be held in the same location.
Survival Perth has been incorporated into the WA capital’s Skyworks celebrations this year. It will include the Birak Concert which will begin at 3pm, to celebrate the Noongar season for December and January. The Concert features local talents the Stirling Rangers, Little Tear Drops, Hot Likwid and Doreen Pensio and Band, as well as Aboriginal dance workshops presented by the Wadumbah Dance Group. The popular Elder Zone will return as well as activities for the kids including free face painting and rides in nearby Langley Park.
Keep your eyes out for an Invasion Day event to be held from 1pm-4pm in Perth
South Australia
A major celebration in the heart of Adelaide starting from 7pm, where more than 42,000 people will gather to celebrate our national day together with the Parade, Concert & Fireworks.
Tandanya’s Survival Day event returns to Port Adelaide’s Semaphore Foreshore for a fun-filled day from 11am until 6.30pm. A live concert hosted by Natasha Wanganeen will see Electric Fields, Hannah Yates and Jessica Wishart take to the stage and be sure to check out the traditional dance, arts and crafts, food stalls, kid’s activities and the Tandanya Gallery pop-up store.
Northern Territory
A community event held at 7am (sharp) on the Darwin Waterfront to celebrate what's great about the country, its people and culture by dressing up and displaying a sense of pride, by participating in a 2.5 or 5 km run/walk.
A bungul (welcoming ceremony) will be held in the township of Nhulunbuy by the Rirratjingu clan.
Tasmania
The Sandy Bay Regatta, near Hobart, is one of the longest running regattas in the world, having commenced in 1849. The event is centered on a mix of events and activities on the water, beach and land and still honours the traditions of the community regattas of old.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre is hosting a march from 198 Elizabeth St to the Parliament Lawns which will begin at 11.30am.
For the comprehensive guide to what's what's going on in your city, village, suburbs, visit the Australia Day Council website here and type your postcode to search.
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