Australia Day in Melbourne in 2024: Fireworks, events and things to do
Here's your guide to what’s happening on 26 January in Melbourne.
From daytime events recognising diversity and national pride to Australia Day parties and the fireworks display, here are the top events for Australia Day this year.
Australia Day fireworks in Melbourne
In previous years, the Australia Day fireworks display has been held at Docklands Harbour and the fireworks were released from various barges along the harbour at 9pm.
The 2024 fireworks haven't been confirmed yet, but we'll update this page when they are.
Australia Day events in Melbourne for 2024
| Event | Details | Location | Time | Cost | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflect, Respect, Celebrate @ FED SQ | Celebrate in the heart of Melbourne CBD with a full day of family-friendly activities, including an appearance by Bananas in Pyjamas, live music and a screening of Olivia Newton John's Xanadu. | Federation Square | Times TBC | TBA | More info |
| Government House Open Day | The doors of Government House are flung open to the public on 26 January. More than just a tour around this historic setting, there will be live entertainment, kids' activities and food and drink available for purchase. | Government House, Victoria | 10.30am-4.30pm | Free admission | More info |
| Australia Day Salute | Just after midday, look to the skies as a 21-gun salute cracks the sky to commemorate Australia Day. The salute is fired from the Shrine of Remembrance's Lower Forecourt. | Lower Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance | 12.15pm | Free admission | More info |
| Royal Australian Air Force Flyover | Established in 1970, the Air Force Roulettes is a team of Royal Australian Air Force pilots who dip and barrel through the skies in a marvellous display of airplane aerobatics. Their display follows the Australia Day salute. | Viewing points from Fed Square and Government House | 12.15pm | Free admission | More info |
| 2023 Kieser Great Australia Day Swim | Hosted by The Rotary Club of Brighton, this open-water swim event brings fun for all ages. Now in its 12th year, there is a 650m intermediate swim, a 1,400m and a 2,500m open swim, a 5km surf ski challenge and a junior dash. For anyone not keen to get in the water, you can spectate while tucking into one of many food stalls available on the day. | Brighton Beach | 8am-3pm | Tickets from $60-$70 per person | More info |
| Australia Day - Make Your Move Fun Run, Walk, Roll | The third anniversary of this fun run brings families and friends to Dandenong Park for a day out. All ages and experience levels are welcomed and registered runners/walkers/rollers can tuck into a free BBQ after they cross the finish line. | Dandenong Park | 7.45am-9.30am | Free admission | More info |
| Farm Vigano Australia Day Terrace BBQ | Head out of the city to spend the day sipping drinks, cooling down on gelato and listening to DJ Gerry K play some of the most classic Australian songs. | Farm Vigano | 12pm-4pm | Free admission | More info |
| Mid Weekender Party @ Temperance Hotel | Starting celebrations early, Temperance Hotel has live music running from 9pm until close on 25 January. On 26 January, it'll host a wind-down session with Bill Golding bringing the tunes from 2:30pm. | Temperance Hotel, South Yarra | 2.30pm-5.30pm | TBA | More info |
| Jordan Mills - Australia Day | Sing and dance Australia Day away at Jersey's Cider House, south of Melbourne CBD. Jordan Mills will bring the tunes and Jersey's will be bringing the all-Aussie feast. | Jersey's Cider House, Cranbourne West | 1.30pm-midnight | Free admission | More info |
Things to do on Australia Day in Melbourne
Get on the water with an Australia Day cruise
Sail through Australia Day on a cruise. Make it a private one with just your mates, partner or family by hiring a boat or Aqua Donut.
Aqua Donut
finder.com.au
Luxury Private Romantic Dinner Cruise
finder.com.au
90-Minute Twilight or Sunset Cruise in Melbourne
Luxury Escapes
Taste the nation's finest produce
Enjoy the city's finest produce with a food or winery tour. Sure, it's a little touristy, but it's also stacks of fun.
Uncover Hidden Laneway Bars
Expedia.com.au
Wine Tour with Lunch
RedBalloon
Wine and Food Degustation Tour in Melbourne
Experience Oz
Go surfing
The beach is always the right place to be on Australia Day. When you're not soaking up those rays on a towel on the sand, why not get in the water for a swim or a surf? First-timers will be happy to hear that the waves don't stop for public holidays and lessons and gear hire are readily available throughout the day.
Beginner Surf Lesson
Adrenaline
Weekday Surfing Lessons
Experience Oz
Catch an Australian Open match
There are 4 tennis grand slams and Melbourne is lucky enough to host the first one of the year. Head out for a day of tennis to support local and international players.
Hang out with native Australian wildlife
The Australia Day public holiday is the perfect time to head to your local zoo or aquarium to see all of the animals and sea creatures native to Australia.
Maru Koala Park and Pirate Pete's Mini Golf Entry
RedBalloon
1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne
Tripadvisor
Small-Group Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne
Tripadvisor
Melbourne Zoo Admission Tickets
Experience Oz
Free things to do on Australia Day in Melbourne
- Hang out at St Kilda Beach: When the sun is out, there's nothing better than zipping off to the local beach.
- Spend the day at a museum or art gallery: For curious minds and those who love learning, the National Gallery of Victoria, Australian Sports Museum and Melbourne Museum will give you a glimpse into Australia's past.
- Set up a picnic: Conveniently located in the middle of the city, make your way to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a picturesque picnic surrounded by nature.
What's open on Australia Day in and around Melbourne?
Are stores open on Australia Day in Melbourne?
Here are the major shopping centres that are open for Australia Day and their trading hours:
- Swanston Street: Times vary
- Melbourne Central: Open 10am-7pm
- Southgate Melbourne: Open 10am-7pm
- Highpoint: Open 9am-9pm
- Westfield Doncaster: Open 9am-9pm
- Northland Shopping Centre: Open 9am-9pm
- Chapel Street: Times vary
- Chadstone Shopping Centre: Open 9am-9pm
- Clarendon Street, South Melbourne: Times vary
See the latest Australia Day deals in Melbourne
RedBalloon
5% off quad biking experiences with code
Available on select travel dates across Australia including Kangaroo Island, Melbourne, NSW and more. Minimum spend of $250 required.
RedBalloon
Exclusive
10% off activities with code FD300
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Get deal
Exclusive
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Get 5% off activities with code
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Exclusive
KKday
Up to 34% off things to do in Australia
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
RedBalloon
Buy 2 or more and get 10% off with code
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Classbento
Melbourne cooking classes from $69
Available on select dates on classes for Italian cuisine, Japanese cuisine, baking, cocktail mixing and more.
Expedia.com.au
Member Price: 10% off or more on over 100,000 hotels
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Adrenaline
Australia sightseeing cruises from $140
Available on select travel dates until 2024, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Viator
Melbourne Zoo General Entry Ticket from $53
Get close views of animals like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and penguins at Viator. Available for booking on select dates. T&Cs apply.
Adrenaline
Werribee Open Range Zoo in Melbourne from $113
Available for booking on select dates at Adrenaline. Experience a 75-minute 4WD safari, get up close to the animals, and enjoy commentary. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Up to 10% off Melbourne activities + an extra 10% off with code
Available on select dates until 2024 on activities including driving experiences, kayak tours, attraction passes and more. Minimum spend of $300 is required. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Sleepover at Melbourne Zoo for 2 from $584
Available for booking on select dates at RedBalloon. It includes overnight camping at Melbourne Zoo in tents (suitable for two adults) and dinner, supper, and breakfast. T&Cs apply.
Tripadvisor
Things to do in Melbourne from $33
Available for travel on select dates and locations at TripAdvisor. Experience activities like land adventures, wine tours, water sports, and more T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
20% off Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium Entry Tickets
Available for booking on select dates at Experience Oz. It includes a free digital photo pass valued at $39.60, an Ocean Invaders interactive jellyfish exhibit, and Daily shows and presentations. T&Cs apply.
Classbento
Cocktail-making classes from $49
Available on select dates in 2024 in locations across Australia such as Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 15% off Australia activities
Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Up to 5% off Melbourne high tea experiences with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250.
Groupon
Up to 72% off things to do in Melbourne
Available on select dates and activities including bike tours, river cruises, diving, skydiving, classes and more.
Wotif
Things to do in Melbourne from $8
Available on select travel dates until 2022 on activities such as wine tours, dinner cruises, hot air balloon flights, attraction entry passes and more. Sample fare is an audio walking tour.
Classbento
Melbourne workshops from $33
Available on select dates on workshops such as virtual arts and crafts classes, silver jewellery making, kids' mosaic classes and more.
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