🇦🇺 Australia Day 2026 in Melbourne
Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. A day of culture, community and city-wide events
Price: Free (most events)
Category: Public Holiday, Culture, Community, Family
📅 Date: Monday 26 January 2026 (Public Holiday)
⏰ Times: Various throughout the day
📍 Venues: Fed Square, Government House, Kings Domain, Shrine of Remembrance and surrounds
Themes: Reflect. Respect. Celebrate., First Nations Culture, Community Gathering
Booking at Timeout recommended! Book online to reserve your table.
Australia Day in Melbourne brings together reflection, culture and community across the city.
Introduction
Australia Day 2026 falls on Monday 26 January, bringing a public holiday filled with free events, cultural experiences and community gatherings across Melbourne. Guided by the theme Reflect. Respect. Celebrate., the day balances recognition of First Nations history with inclusive celebrations that bring people together.
City-Wide Celebrations
Across the CBD and inner city, Australia Day is marked by a diverse program of activities. From family-friendly events at Fed Square to formal ceremonies and open days at Government House, and large-scale public gatherings in Kings Domain, the day offers something for all ages and interests.
Government House Open Day
10:30 am – 3:30 pm | Government House Victoria
Government House opens its gates for the annual Australia Day Open Day, inviting visitors to explore the historic State Apartments through a self-guided tour. The surrounding gardens host live performances, roving entertainment and free activities for children. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic or enjoy food from on-site vendors and community barbeques.
Kings Domain & Shrine of Remembrance
Kings Domain traditionally hosts some of Melbourne’s largest Australia Day gatherings, blending celebration with reflection. Events often include Indigenous-led commemorations, dawn services at the Kings Domain Resting Place, and major public festivals.
- RACV Australia Day Festival: A large free event with community stalls, food trucks, heritage vehicles and live entertainment.
- RAAF Roulettes Flyover: A midday aerial display frequently seen over Kings Domain and the Shrine.
- Parade Route: Cultural groups and community organisations often conclude the Australia Day Parade in this precinct.
What’s On at and Around Fed Square
Fed Square and nearby cultural institutions offer a full day of activities and exhibitions that align with Australia Day’s themes of culture, creativity and storytelling. Many of these experiences are free and run throughout the day.
- Sangeeta Sandrasegar Atrium Commission – Until 31 January | The Atrium
- Test Garden – Daily | Skyline Car Park
- The Story of the Moving Image – Daily | ACMI
- The 13th Koorie Art Show – Until 22 February | Koorie Heritage Trust
- Compressions by Francis Carmody – Until 31 March | Test Garden
- Rigg Design Prize 2025 – Until 1 February | NGV Australia
- Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday – Until 1 February | NGV Australia
- CHARGE! Agincourt – Until 1 February | ACMI
- Game Worlds – Until 29 March | ACMI
- Martin Grant – Until 26 January | NGV Australia
- Yalinguth First Nations Walking Tour – Daily | Fed Square
- Wurrdha Marra – Daily | NGV Australia
- Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk – Weekdays | Koorie Heritage Trust
Why Spend Australia Day at Fed Square
- Central hub: Easy access to Melbourne’s major Australia Day events.
- Family-friendly: Activities, exhibitions and open spaces for all ages.
- Cultural depth: Strong focus on First Nations voices, art and storytelling.
- Flexible day out: Drop in for an hour or make a full day of it.
Fed Square Experience + Café Tie-In
Make Timeout Fed Square your base for the day. Whether you’re moving between exhibitions, heading to Government House or winding down after festivities, we’re perfectly placed.
- Breakfast or brunch: Start your public holiday with a relaxed meal.
- Midday break: Refuel between activities with lunch, coffee or cold drinks.
- Afternoon wind-down: Sit back with food and drinks as the day unfolds.
Quick Details
- What: Australia Day 2026 in Melbourne
- When: Monday 26 January 2026
- Where: Fed Square and multiple CBD locations
- Price: Free (most events)
Getting Around the City
Australia Day is a busy public holiday. Public transport is recommended:
- Train: Flinders Street Station is directly opposite Fed Square.
- Tram: CBD services operate within the Free Tram Zone.
- Walking: Many key venues are within walking distance of Fed Square.
- Road closures: Expect closures around Kings Domain and the CBD.
Call to Action
Spending Australia Day in the city? Call 03 9671 3855 or book online to secure your table at Timeout Fed Square.
From
The team at Timeout Federation Square
EAT + DRINK | STAY HAPPY + SPIRITED
