Invasion Day 2026: Nationwide Events and Rallies Planned Across Australia
Events and rallies will be held across Australia on 26 January 2026 to mark Invasion Day, also known as Survival Day or the Day of Mourning. This day is commemorated by First Nations communities, families, and allies to reflect on the impact of colonisation and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Here is a detailed look at the events planned in every state and territory.
Sydney, New South Wales
In Sydney, anti-protest restrictions have been scaled back to allow the planned Invasion Day protest to proceed. The city will host several events starting on 24 January with the Sunset Cultural Ceremony at Burnum Burnum sanctuary in Woronora, featuring reflection, yarning, and entertainment.
On 26 January, the Dawn Reflection begins at 5:20am at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks, followed by the WugulOra ceremony at 7:30am, which includes speeches from officials and focuses on reconciliation. The annual Yabun festival at Victoria Park in Camperdown runs from 10am to 7pm, showcasing music, dance, and art.
The Invasion Day rally and march will start at 10am in Hyde Park, organised by the Blak Caucus with guidance from Gadigal elders. It will address issues such as black deaths in custody and children in out-of-home care.
Regional New South Wales
In the Blue Mountains, a Survival Day community event will be held in Katoomba from 11am to 4pm. Byron Bay will host a Bundjalung nation event at Apex Park from 10am to 2pm, and Newcastle's Invasion Day event begins at 9am in Civic Park with a city march.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy has organised a Sovereignty Day event, gathering at Garema Place at 9:30am for a march and rally at Old Parliament House lawns, highlighting generations of resistance.
Melbourne, Victoria
Melbourne's Day of Mourning Invasion Day dawn service will be held at Camp Sovereignty from 5am to 7am, followed by a rally at state parliament from 11am. The Share the Spirit festival at Treasury Gardens runs from noon to 6:30pm, featuring First Nations artists.
Regional Victoria
Ballarat will host a Survival Day Dawn Ceremony at Lake Wendouree from 5:30am, while Torquay's Pilk Purriyn event includes a welcome to country and ceremonies at Cosy Corner beach. Other events are planned in Geelong, Mildura, and Hamilton.
Adelaide, South Australia
A Mourning in the Morning smoking ceremony will be held at Elder Park from 7:30am, and a Survival Day event at Victoria Square runs from noon to 5pm.
Perth, Western Australia
Perth's Reflect Respect Celebrate Australia Day event includes a smoking ceremony and breakfast at Victoria Gardens from 8am, with an Invasion Day protest starting at noon at Forrest Place.
Regional Western Australia
In Broome, the Rubibi Survival Day event features local bands and entertainment from 4:30pm to 11pm.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Justice Not Jails will hold a Survival Day picnic at Nightcliff Foreshore from 4pm to 6pm, with speeches, music, and food.
Brisbane, Queensland
An Invasion Day rally in Brisbane starts at 10am at Queens Gardens, with a march from noon to Musgrave Park.
Regional Queensland
Cairns will host a peaceful rally for the Day of Survival and Strength at Fogarty Park from 9am, while Mackay has a Survival Day walk from 8am. Other events are scheduled on the Sunshine Coast and in Maleny.
Hobart, Tasmania
The Invasion Day march in Hobart begins at 11am at the Tasmania Aboriginal Corporation, walking to Parliament House lawns for a rally at noon.
Regional Tasmania
In Devonport, the Limilinaturi Invasion Day gathering will be held at the Tulaminakali Health Service at 11:30am, with a rally at Market Square at noon.
These events across Australia provide opportunities for reflection, protest, and celebration, emphasising the diverse ways communities engage with Invasion Day and its significance for First Nations peoples.
