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, 2025 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 2025, 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
You can watch a live stream of the 2025 ceremony from 9:30am on Sunday 26 January.
Australia Day at Fed Square
Victorians are invited to Fed Square to enjoy free food, activities and live music this Australia Day.
You can:
- Dance along to viral sensation DJ Lenny Pearce
- Unleash your creativity at a range of interactive workshops and hands-on activity stations
- Grab a picnic spot on the grass under an umbrella and enjoy free treats
- Watch the Australian Open men’s final on the big screen.
Entertainment and activities
The Edge
Free craft activities from 10 am to 4 pm.
- 10am: Back to School – design your own pencil case and backpack keychain.
- 11:30am: Roaring Rainbows – design and decorate your own tote bag.
- 1:30pm: Excellent Engineers – create your own fidget spinners and marble mazes.
- 3pm: Chemical Reactions – create your own galaxy slime to enjoy and take home.
Main stage
- 10:30am: Junkyard Beats music performance and workshop.
- 12pm – 2 pm (or until exhausted): free picnic hampers, burgers, sausages and slurpees.
- 2pm: DJ Lenny Pearce
- 2pm – 4pm (or until exhausted): free gelato.
On the big screen
- 3:30pm: film screening
- 6pm: Australian Open men’s final.
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. If you’ll visit with children or pets, we recommend keeping a safe distance from the salute.
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 2025 Victorian Australian of the Year recipients were announced on 8 November 2024 at a ceremony in Melbourne.
These Victorian recipients will join those from other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2025.
Victorian Australian of the Year: Neale Daniher AO
Neale is a former Australian rules footballer and co-founder of FightMND.
Victorian Senior Australian of the Year: Dr Peter Brukner OAM
Peter is a sports medicine leader and health campaigner.
Victorian Young Australian of the Year: Aishwarya Kansakar
Aishwarya is an AI and automation entrepreneur.
Victorian Local Hero of the Year: Jasmine Hirst
Jasmine is a football advocate for women.
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