Australia Day 2026 in Melbourne: Events & Things to Do
Australia Day 2026 falls on Monday, 26 January 2026, and Melbourne is gearing up with a diverse mix of events.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or nightlife, there’s something for everyone.
This friendly guide covers celebrations in the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs, including both free and ticketed events.
Read on for key details (timings, locations, and any bookings) to help you plan an enjoyable Australia Day in Melbourne.
Official Ceremonies and City Celebrations
Flag-Raising Ceremony (Morning)
The day officially begins with a Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Governor of Victoria and attended by the Premier and dignitaries.
This solemn event includes a tri-service Royal Guard of Honour, an Australia Day Affirmation, and the National Anthem.
In 2025, it was held at 9:30 am and live-streamed, and a similar schedule is expected for 2026 (check closer to the date).
This ceremony is free and open to the public, offering a reflective start to Australia Day.
Government House Open Day
After the flag ceremony, head to nearby Government House Victoria, which throws open its gates for an annual Open Day on Australia Day.
From 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, visitors can tour the historic State Apartments on a self-guided walk through one of Victoria’s most iconic buildings.
The beautiful gardens will host live performances, roving entertainers and free activities for kids.
You can pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn with city skyline views, or grab lunch from food vendors and community barbeques on-site.
Entry is free, no tickets required, so it’s a fantastic family outing in the heart of the city.
21-Gun Salute at the Shrine
At 12:00 noon, make your way to the Shrine of Remembrance (Birdwood Ave, near St Kilda Road) for a dramatic 21-gun salute by the Royal Australian Artillery.
This traditional salute (a gesture of friendship originating in the 14th century) is free to attend and lasts about 15 minutes.
It takes place on the Shrine’s lower forecourt, and often coincides with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover for extra spectacle.
Tip: The howitzer blasts are very loud – keep a sensible distance, especially if you have young children or pets with you.
Noon–Evening at Kings Domain
In past years, the Kings Domain parklands have hosted large public gatherings on Australia Day, blending celebration with reflection.
In 2026, expect community festivities here as well. Often, there have been Indigenous-led commemorations or a dawn service at the Kings Domain Resting Place to honour First Nations perspectives.
Midday may bring special moments like an RAAF Roulettes aerial display overhead or other ceremony elements.
Keep an eye out for any revival of the Australia Day Parade; while Melbourne did not hold a parade in recent years, community cultural processions or performances might still take place in this area.
If a parade or march occurs, it typically would travel through the CBD and conclude around Kings Domain – a chance to see multicultural groups, flags and marching bands celebrating together.
Family-Friendly Festivals and Activities
Fed Square “Australia Day” Festival
Melbourne’s Federation Square will be a central hub of free family fun on Jan 26.
From morning until night (10:00 am to ~11:59 pm in 2025), Fed Square is transformed into a festival zone.
Families can enjoy live music on outdoor stages, performances, and interactive workshops throughout the day.
In 2025, the program included kids’ craft workshops (design your own pencil case, tote bags, slime-making, etc.), a viral sensation DJ on the decks, free picnic hampers, BBQ snacks and gelato giveaways at scheduled times, and even a movie on the big screen in the afternoon.
For 2026, expect a similar lineup of dance, music and hands-on activities for all ages. By evening, Fed Square becomes an open-air lounge – in previous years, crowds gathered on the lawn under umbrellas, enjoying free treats and watching the Australian Open tennis final on the big screen together at 7 pm.
All activities at Fed Square are free, no booking required – just drop in and soak up the community spirit.
Community Festivals in the Suburbs
Many suburban councils host their own Australia Day events that are perfect for families.
For example, Wyndham’s Australia Day in Point Cook (south-west of Melbourne) is returning in 2026 at a new location with all the favourite attractions.
It runs 11 am–3 pm at Dunnings Road Reserve, Point Cook (entry free, no tickets).
The program features live music and stage entertainment – kids’ performers like Groovy Face Entertainment and Woody’s World kick things off, followed by cultural music (Afro-Fusion by Music Valley) and an Aussie classics finale by tribute bands in the afternoon.
Beyond the stage, there are roving performers (stilt walkers, circus tricks, giant bubbles, etc.), kids’ play zones with eco-crafts, flag-making, giant games and face painting, plus community sports activities and plenty of food trucks and an Aussie sausage sizzle to keep everyone fed.
They’ll even announce the local Wyndham Citizen of the Year awards as part of the day.
Similarly, in the eastern suburbs, Maroondah City Council hosts an Australia Day celebration at Ringwood Lake Park from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
The morning starts with council Australia Day Awards and a Citizenship Ceremony at 9 am.
From 10:30 am onward, it’s all about family fun: free face painting, kids’ crafts and carnival rides, plus roaming performers to entertain the little ones.
There’s even a free sausage sizzle for a classic Aussie lunch. Live performances are scheduled too – in 2026, Maroondah has children’s music groups
The Mik Maks and Team Dream, and the cover band Top Deck on stage. These local festivals (and many others like them in Melbourne’s suburbs) are generally free entry and open to all; some may offer on-site parking or recommend public transport due to road closures on the day.
Fireworks and Evening Entertainment
Nothing caps off Australia Day quite like fireworks. Does Melbourne have fireworks on Australia Day? In recent years, the approach has varied, but often the city lights up the night sky along the Yarra River.
One of the best vantage points is around the Docklands precinct, where the fireworks are typically launched if they’re part of the program.
The explosions reflect off the water and skyscrapers, creating a spectacular scene. If a fireworks show is scheduled for 2026, plan to arrive early (by sunset) to stake out a spot along the riverbank or on a pedestrian bridge for unobstructed views.
Popular viewing areas include Southbank promenade, Birrarung Marr, or around Victoria Harbour in Docklands.
Keep in mind, Melbourne’s stance on fireworks can depend on community sentiment and budget (in 2024, the city scaled back some fireworks).
Always check official updates – if a big fireworks display isn’t on, there may be laser or light shows as an alternative.
Either way, the city atmosphere will be festive after dark, with families and friends out and about to enjoy the warm summer night.
Tip: The Sidney Myer Music Bowl often hosts a free evening concert on Australia Day, featuring live music under the stars.
In past years, this has included performances by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra or popular Australian artists in a relaxed picnic setting.
Keep an eye on the What’s On Melbourne guides for any 2026 Australia Day Concert at the Bowl – it’s a wonderful way to transition from day to night with a rug on the lawn, surrounded by music.
Cultural Experiences and Indigenous Events
Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on Australia’s history and First Nations culture as much as it is to celebrate. Melbourne offers several meaningful cultural events on January 26 that encourage understanding and inclusivity.
“Share the Spirit” Festival (Treasury Gardens) – One of the most significant Indigenous-led events on this day is the Share the Spirit Festival, presented by Songlines Aboriginal Music.
Held on 26 January (Survival Day) at Treasury Gardens in East Melbourne, this is a free community festival celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
In 2026, it runs roughly from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm at Treasury Gardens (corner of Spring St and Wellington Pde).
Share the Spirit features an amazing lineup of First Nations talent – you can expect live music concerts, traditional and contemporary dance, storytelling, art and cultural workshops.
It’s a drug and alcohol-free, family-friendly event that welcomes all Melburnians to come together in the spirit of unity.
This festival has been a fixture in Melbourne for years and is often described as having “deadly summer vibes” as communities gather to celebrate survival, culture and connection.
No tickets are required – just wander in and enjoy the performances from some of the best Indigenous musicians and artists in Naarm (Melbourne).
Indigenous Dawn Ceremony
For those who wish to start the day with reflection, consider attending an Indigenous dawn service or ceremony if one is held.
In recent times, a dawn reflection ceremony has taken place at Kings Domain Resting Place – a memorial site in Kings Domain park – to acknowledge the pain and resilience associated with this date.
Such a ceremony usually occurs around sunrise and may involve First Nations elders, music (like didgeridoo), and moments of silence or storytelling. It’s a time to “Respect and Reflect” before the celebrations.
Check announcements from First Peoples’ organisations or the City for 2026 details. (Kings Domain has traditionally been a site of Indigenous-led commemorations on Australia Day.)
Koorie Heritage Trust & ACMI Exhibitions
If you’re in the Fed Square precinct, you can dive into Indigenous art and stories through exhibitions.
The Koorie Heritage Trust (at Fed Square) is hosting the 13th Koorie Art Show, showcasing works by emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists (the exhibition is usually open daily and free entry).
It’s a great way to engage with contemporary Indigenous art. Over at ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image), you’ll find The Story of the Moving Image – a permanent, interactive exhibition that includes Australian film history and First Nations perspectives in screen culture.
ACMI often also has special screenings or installations around this time; for example, in late January 2026, ACMI features Game Worlds and other exhibits (check dates).
You might also join a Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) walk – an Indigenous-guided walking tour along the Yarra (Birrarung) offered by the Koorie Heritage Trust on weekdays, or try the Yalinguth augmented-reality audio tour around Fitzroy and Carlton, which shares Aboriginal histories (available via app, self-guided any day).
These cultural experiences add depth to your Australia Day, helping you appreciate the First Peoples’ stories of Melbourne.
Arts and Museum Highlights
Several major Melbourne institutions schedule exhibitions that resonate with Australian themes.
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV Australia) in Federation Square often has summer exhibits of Australian art or design.
For example, into late January 2026, NGV Australia is displaying the Rigg Design Prize 2025 finalists and a showcase called Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday (until early Feb).
At Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens, you can visit Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which houses rich permanent exhibits on Victoria’s Aboriginal cultures (including the First Peoples exhibition).
While not a one-day event, it’s a meaningful stop if you’re reflecting on history – and the museum will be open on the public holiday (public holiday entry fees apply for adults, kids are free).
Finally, Melbourne’s multicultural identity shines on Australia Day as well. Keep an eye out for any cultural festivals or special events by various communities.
Past years have seen everything from a Vietnamese Tet festival (if Lunar New Year overlaps) to multicultural food fairs on the long weekend.
In 2026, Lunar New Year actually falls in February, but you may still find pop-up food stalls or performances representing Melbourne’s diversity at Fed Square or Queensbridge Square that weekend.
Aussie Food, BBQs and Dining Events
Backyard and Park BBQs
Firing up the BBQ is an Australia Day tradition! All around Melbourne, you’ll catch the aroma of sausages sizzling.
If you prefer an informal day, consider heading to one of Melbourne’s lovely parks or beaches for a picnic or barbecue.
Many parks provide free electric BBQ facilities (first-come, first-served). Popular spots include the Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, Flagstaff Gardens or along the Yarra River in Alexandra Gardens.
Alternatively, hit the bay beaches – areas like St Kilda Beach, Elwood, Brighton or down the coast to Sandringham and Mornington Peninsula.
Bring your esky (cooler), sunscreen, a cricket set or frisbee and make a day of it.
The beauty of Australia Day is often in its casual, outdoorsy vibe: gathering your mates or family at a park or beach and just enjoying a relaxed summer afternoon together.
After the morning events, you have the whole afternoon free to lounge on the grass, dip in the ocean, listen to music, and soak up the sunshine – exactly what a long weekend is for.
Insider tip: The city is providing free public transport until Feb 1, 2026 (to celebrate the Metro Tunnel opening), so you can easily hop on a train or tram to beachside suburbs without worrying about parking.
Community BBQs and Sausage Sizzles
If you don’t want to DIY, many events are offering free BBQ snacks. At Fed Square’s event, for example, sponsors handed out free picnic hampers, sausages, burgers and even gelato until supplies ran out.
The Wyndham Point Cook festival has an “Aussie sausage sizzle” by volunteers, and Maroondah’s Ringwood Lake celebration likewise advertises a free sausage sizzle for attendees.
Keep your eye out for Rotary Club stalls or local community groups cooking up snags – it’s an Aussie Day staple. Nothing tastes more like Australia Day than a grilled sausage on bread with onions and sauce, enjoyed under the gum trees!
Food and Drink Events in the City
Melbourne’s hospitality scene embraces the holiday with special events and menus.
Many restaurants, bars, and beer gardens will be open (despite it being a public holiday) – some with Aussie-themed offerings. Here are a few ideas:
- Brewmanity Brewery (South Melbourne) – This craft brewery bar celebrates with an Australia Day weekend party featuring the Triple J Hottest 100 tunes and beers.
They’ll play the year’s top tracks (Triple J’s countdown of 100 popular songs) throughout the venue, especially on the rooftop terrace.
It’s a fun place to chill with a cold one if you love indie music – no doubt they’ll have the big speakers pumping the hottest songs of 2025 as background to your Australia Day hangout. - Yarra Botanica (Southbank) – A floating bar on the Yarra River, Yarra Botanica invites you to spend some time over the long weekend, enjoying their great drinks menu and delicious food with a spectacular view of the city skyline.
Grab a table on the barge (it’s moored on the Southbank side) and enjoy summer cocktails – it’s a prime spot, especially towards sunset on the 26th. - Riverside Bars – Southbank and Docklands will be lively. Places like BearBrass (Southbank) are perfect for an outdoor lunch or dinner by the water.
BearBrass encourages folks to “take advantage of the extra day off” and relax with “good tucker and cold drinks” by the Yarra.
Expect Aussie pub classics on the menu (perhaps a chicken parma, fish & chips, or a kangaroo steak special) and maybe some Australian craft beers on tap. Similarly, Pilgrim Bar or Riverland Bar (by Federation Wharf) may have Australia Day beer garden vibes going. - Australian Open on the Big Screen – Since the Australian Open tennis tournament is running during late January, several venues are tying this in.
For instance, Plus 5 Bar in South Wharf is setting up a “Hits & Sips” event with the tennis live on a big riverside screen, plus great snacks and cocktails for a pre- or post-match hangout.
Iconic pub Young & Jackson (across from Flinders St Station) is another favourite – on Australia Day, they open from brunch onward and will have the Australian Open finals on their TVs (the men’s final is likely on Sunday 25th, but replays or highlights on Monday).
Y&J offers Aussie fare and is known for its rooftop cider bar – a classic meet-up spot in the CBD. - Live Music at Pubs – Several pubs and bars are hosting live music gigs or DJs since it’s a long weekend.
For example, Temperance Hotel on Chapel Street, South Yarra, throws a Long Weekend party with live bands, DJs, and food/drink specials all weekend (including Monday).
The Balaclava Hotel in St Kilda East advertised live music on Sunday and tennis on the big screen on Monday, making it a go-to for those in the St Kilda area. Check your local – places like The Espy (Esplanade Hotel) in St Kilda often have Australia Day gigs (the Espy might feature Aussie rock tribute bands or local indie acts on the 26th night).
Many venues don’t charge entry, but it’s wise to book a table if they allow reservations due to capacity limits on a public holiday. - Rooftop Bars – Soak up summer at a rooftop. Melbourne has plenty: Fargo & Co in Richmond, for instance, is promoting a laid-back “January long weekend” with DJs, cocktails and a dance-y atmosphere on their rooftop bar. Nothing like a rooftop mojito on a warm night off work!
- Family Dining – If you’re out with family and want a sit-down meal, lots of eateries in the city will be open (though some may add a 10-15% public holiday surcharge).
Consider an Aussie pub lunch or a cafe brunch. Many cafes around the CBD laneways will trade on the holiday for the tourist crowds.
For dinner, you could book somewhere with a view – Amora Hotel Riverwalk’s restaurant in Richmond suggests making a night of it by dining and even staying over on the Yarra bank. Or enjoy a seafood dinner at Southbank, then catch the fireworks outside if they’re on.
One quirky idea: Australia Day is often about sport as well – if you love cricket, note that the Big Bash League cricket final is around this time (date TBC in late Jan). If it coincides, you could catch a T20 cricket match at Marvel Stadium or simply watch it on a big pub screen with a pint.
Outdoor & Nature Activities
Beyond the scheduled events, Melbourne’s natural attractions beckon on this summer public holiday:
Beach Day
Melbourne’s bayside beaches will be bustling if the weather’s hot. Head to St Kilda Beach for a swim, or farther out to Half Moon Bay (Black Rock) or Williamstown Beach for a change of scenery.
Some surf lifesaving clubs (like at Surf Coast beaches a bit further out) hold Australia Day carnivals or friendly competitions – worth checking if you venture down the Great Ocean Road or Mornington Peninsula. Pack beach cricket or a volleyball for instant fun.
And don’t forget to slip, slop, slap (wear sunscreen, a hat, etc.), as late January UV is intense.
Parks and Gardens
Take advantage of free entry to beautiful spaces like the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (maybe bring a picnic breakfast there before the city heats up), or Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens for a leisurely stroll.
There may be informal community gatherings; for instance, Flagstaff Gardens sometimes has multicultural groups doing picnic meet-ups.
Kings Domain and the Shrine area will have the official stuff as mentioned, but by afternoon, it becomes a lovely place to relax under a shady tree. The sound of celebratory music might carry from one of the events, adding to the atmosphere.
Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Open Range Zoo
The zoos are open on Australia Day. Melbourne Zoo in Parkville could be a hit with kids if you want to see the native fauna – perhaps say hello to kangaroos and koalas on this national day.
(Note: Zoo will be busy; buy tickets online in advance. Kids under 16 get free entry on weekends and public holidays year-round.) The Werribee Open Range Zoo, out near Werribee, might also have special talks or Aussie animal showcases on the day.
Day Trips
Since 26 Jan 2026 makes a long weekend (Monday off), some people might use this chance for a day trip on the Saturday or Sunday prior, then be back in town for Monday’s events.
If you’re inclined, ideas include: a Mornington Peninsula trip (for beaches, wineries, hot springs), a drive into the Yarra Valley or Dandenong Ranges (for nature walks and cool mountain air), or even a journey down the Great Ocean Road.
The Australia Day weekend is a great time to explore regional Victoria if crowds in the city aren’t your thing. Just be aware of holiday traffic on popular routes and book ahead for any attractions.
Live Music, Nightlife & Adults-Only Fun
When the sun goes down on Australia Day, adults can keep the party going in Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Being a Monday night, it won’t be as wild as a typical weekend, but because many will have had the day off, you’ll still find plenty happening:
Live Music and Concerts
Check gig guides for any special one-off shows on 26 January. Sometimes Aussie bands schedule hometown shows around this date.
For example, in past years, venues like The Corner Hotel (Richmond), Northcote Social Club, or Forum Melbourne have hosted rock or indie concerts on Australia Day evening.
In 2026, keep an eye out for tribute nights – an “Aussie rock anthems” show could pop up, featuring covers of classics (think AC/DC, INXS, Men at Work sing-alongs).
Also, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl free concert (if happening) is a top choice for music lovers of all ages – and it’s alcohol-friendly (you can BYO drinks there responsibly).
For a more classical vibe, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra might have an open-air concert around Australia Day as part of their free summer series – worth checking the MSO schedule.
Pubs and Bars
After attending fireworks or evening events, you might want a cold drink. Beer gardens will be full – try Fed Square’s Beer Deluxe or Riverland, which will be buzzing from the Fed Square festivities.
In the CBD, Young & Jackson is a reliable choice (they have multiple levels, including Chloe’s Bar upstairs). Around Swanston and Bourke Streets, pubs like the Imperial Hotel or Garden State Hotel could have extended holiday hours.
Many bars have Aussie-themed drink specials – you might find cocktails named after Aussie icons or a special on Australian wine and craft beer.
It’s a fun night to toast with a glass of local sparkling wine or a pint of something like Furphy or Coopers (Aussie brews).
Nightclubs and Parties
Since the next day (Tuesday) is a workday, nightclubs won’t have the same draw as a Friday or Saturday, but some clubs might host an “Australia Day Eve” party on Sunday 25th (when people can stay out late).
However, on Monday, the 26th itself, you could still find entertainment at casino venues or late-night lounges.
Crown Casino on Southbank will be open 24/7 as always – you might not get an Aussie Day theme there, but the complex has bars and clubs (like Club 23 or Crown Sports Bar) if you want to extend your night.
Crown’s riverside Gas Brigades fire display will shoot flames on the hour in the evening – an every-night spectacle that just happens to go well with Australia Day as crowds stroll the promenade.
Comedy and Theatre
For something different, see if any comedy shows are on. Sometimes, around Australia Day, comedians do gigs poking fun at Aussie culture.
Also, being summer, there might be a rooftop cinema or outdoor movie night on (Moonlight Cinema at the Royal Botanic Gardens is running through Jan–Feb).
On 26 Jan, you could catch a classic Aussie film under the stars after your BBQ – a laid-back option for adults and older kids.
Late-Night Logistics
Note that public transport in Melbourne typically runs on a public holiday schedule on January 26 (which is a Sunday-level service).
Some extra late-night trains/trams might not run since it’s Monday. So plan your trip home accordingly – the free public transport offer in Jan 2026 is great, but do check the PTV website for holiday timetables.
Taxis and rideshare (Uber/Ola, etc.) will be on peak pricing late at night due to demand, so budget for that if you stay out late.
Ready to celebrate Australia Day in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s Australia Day offers something for everyone: patriotic ceremonies, community festivals, Indigenous cultural gatherings, beach outings, sports, food, music and fireworks.
You can start the day by honouring tradition at official events, spend the afternoon with a picnic or at a festival, and finish with fireworks and live music.
Importantly, the tone in Melbourne is increasingly about “Reflect, Respect, Celebrate” – reflecting on history, respecting all perspectives, and celebrating together.
However you choose to spend it, make sure to stay safe in the sun, stay hydrated, and look out for one another in the crowds. Happy Australia Day 2026!
