One of the largest celebrations held throughout the country year after year is Australia Day. Celebrated on January 26th, Australia Day is a public holiday honouring the arrival of the first British Fleet on Australian soil.
Visitors to Melbourne often join in the festivities to commemorate the day. Many community events are held nationwide yearly, including barbecues, ceremonies, parades, live entertainment, and fireworks.
Australia Day Melbourne, 2026 Dates, Parade, Ceremony & Public Holiday
In Melbourne, Australia Day is celebrated by all residents and visitors. The Australian of the Year awards are also held on this day, recognising people who have made outstanding contributions to Australia.
As part of Australia Day 2026, Victorians will enjoy various events that encourage respectful reflection, togetherness, and inclusion.
A program of events at Fed Square and Government House will allow Victorians to participate in free activities to mark the day and reflect on its significance.
The Victorian Government recognises Australia Day as a day of mourning and reflection for some Victorians and a challenging time for First Peoples. The Victorian Government is committed to addressing past and ongoing injustices through the Treaty and the truth-telling work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony
The Official Flag Raising Ceremony marks the beginning of Australia Day
The Official Flag Raising Ceremony is hosted by the Governor of Victoria and attended by the Premier and other dignitaries.
The ceremony features:
- Tri-Service Royal Guard of Honour
- Australia Day Affirmation
- Australia’s National Anthem
21-Gun Salute at the Shrine of Remembrance
Witness a 21-gun salute by the Royal Australian Artillery at the Lower Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance.
The salute is a ceremony that originated in the 14th century. It is considered a gesture of friendship and trust.
Please be aware that the guns will be very loud. We recommend keeping a safe distance from the salute if you visit with children or pets.
You can also view the Royal Australian Air Force fly over the Shrine.
Government House Open Day
Explore the State Apartments, historic grounds, and a diverse program of free performances and activities at the Government House open day.
Around the gardens, you can enjoy live performances, free activities, and roving entertainment throughout the day.
You can bring a picnic along to enjoy the historic gardens or sample the wide range of food available for purchase on-site.
At 12:15pm, the Western Lawn will be the best vantage point to view the Royal Australian Air Force flyover.
Entry is free, with gates opening at 10:30am and closing at 3:30pm. The last entry for the self-guided House tour is at 4pm.
Australian of the Year Awards
The 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year recipients will be announced in November 2025 at a ceremony in Melbourne.
These Victorian recipients will join those from other states and territories for the national awards to be announced in January 2026.
Public transport is the city’s most convenient means of transportation, as some road closures include parts of St. Kilda Road, Flinders Street, and Swanston Street. Outside these events, the typical way to enjoy Australia Day is simply with a BBQ at home or a local park.
what is the actual route for parade in melb. from to..
Hi there,
The parade will be cordoned off with barriers, so you will have no trouble locating it. Start at the Town Hall on Swanston Street and make your way up St. Kilda Road. The parade runs pretty much from the Victoria Barracks town to the Town Hall.
Enjoy Australia Day!
Jess
When are we able to make bookings to enable our Club Vehicles to enter the Domain Gardens for Australia Day 2017.
Hi Col,
I am afraid I am unable to find out this information for you. I suggest you contact the City of Melbourne on: Ph – (03) 9658 9658 or submit a query through their contact form here.
Best regards,
Jess