8 Great Things to do this Australia Day Long Weekend in Melbourne

Melbourne turns it on every year for its patriotic celebrations commemorating Australia Day - check out what's on offer, pack an esky, and head on down to join the festivities.

Celebrate our amazing diversity, at our nation’s largest annual public celebration, full of free, family-friendly events across the city.

What's near you? Dive in below!

Australia Day Parade

When: 11.00am – 11:45am

Where: Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD

Immediately following the Official Flag Raising Ceremony, spectators will be treated to a vibrant public display of our diverse community with more than 1,000 participants from over 80 community and cultural groups taking part in Melbourne’s annual Australia Day Parade.

Nurture a sense of belonging by cheering on participants from a range of multicultural dancing and music groups, sporting and cultural associations, cosplayers and more!

Further info here

RACV Australia Day Festival 

When: 11am - 4pm

Where: Kings Domain Gardens

The RACV Australia Day Festival in Kings Domain Gardens is a long-standing Australia Day event in one of Melbourne’s beautiful city gardens. This much-loved event is held after the Australia Day Parade, continuing the theme of togetherness and belonging with free family focussed activities, displays from a broad range of community groups and the 2018 RACV Australia Day Heritage Vehicle Showcase.

Foodies will enjoy vibrant street food and a festive atmosphere in the Food Truck Park, and families will love the main stage program complete with kids yoga, bands and headline act, Peppa Pig.

Further info here.

Australia Day Fireworks at Docklands

When: 6pm - 9.30pm, fireworks at 9pm

Where: Harbour Esplanade, Docklands 

Located along Harbour Esplanade, the Australia Day at Docklands celebration will keep the family entertained with roaming artists, entertainment and Melbourne’s most loved food trucks, with the event culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 9.00pm.

Further info here.

Australia Day Concert and Fireworks

When: Rides: 5pm - 9.30pm, concert: 6pm - 10pm

Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre, Nunawading

Free rides and amusements will keep the kids entertained this Australia Day, alongside food stalls 5pm onwards. 

Former The Voice contestant Luke Kennedy will headline a fun filled night of entertainment, performing a special show featuring the greatest hits of Australian icon John Farnham, as well as ‘80s Australian group The Chantoozies, rockin’ UK classics outfit Raw Brit, and Play School favourite Alex Papps will delight the kids, all capped off with a 10-minute firework display.

Further info here. 

Hampton Park Free Aussie Breakfast

When: 9am - noon

Where: Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park

The Hampton Park Progress Association will present a FREE event that will feature an Aussie breakfast, face painting, jumping castles, animal farm and more.

Further info here.

Dandenong Australia Day Festival

When: 3pm - 9.30pm

Where: Dandenong Park, corner of Pultney and Foster streets

The award winning Australia Day Festival is an all-ages event that will commence with a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony by a Wurundjeri Elder, followed by a Flag Raising Ceremony and Australia Day Awards on the main stage. 

This free family friendly event will feature two stages with live entertainment, roving performers, a dedicated food court, community and market stalls, exciting rides ($2-$6), free family activities, and will conclude with a grand fireworks finale at 9:25pm.

Further info here.

Government House Open Day

When: 9.30am-4.30pm

Where: Government House Drive.

Enjoy a self-guided tours of the State Apartments (from 10 am – 3 pm); view the historic State Coach in the stables; take part in children’s activities throughout the 11 hectares of gardens. Free entry.

You can bring along a picnic to enjoy on the Western Lawn, or buy food from a range of vendors on site, including tea and scones from the Country Women’s Association.

Further info here.

Rotary Club Celebration

When: 10am - 3pm

Where: Pioneers Park, Corner of Peel Street and Lyall Road, Berwick

The Rotary Club of Berwick presents a celebration featuring musical performances, children’s activities, flag raising ceremony, food stalls, whip-cracking and much more. Visit emergency service vehicles, vintage machinery displays, the wood-chop event and Cobb and Co horse and carriage rides.

Further info here.

Main image credit: Whitehorse Festival Season Facebook