Invasion Day 2026: Nationwide Events and Rallies Across Australia
On 26 January 2026, events and rallies will be held throughout Australia to commemorate Invasion Day, also widely recognised as Survival Day or the Day of Mourning. This day serves as a poignant reminder for First Nations communities, families, and allies to reflect on the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation. In a significant development, anti-protest restrictions in Sydney have been scaled back, allowing a planned Invasion Day protest to proceed. This adjustment highlights the ongoing dialogue around protest rights and Indigenous recognition in the country.
Events in Sydney and New South Wales
In Sydney, the day begins with the Dawn Reflection at 5:20 AM at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Gadigal land, featuring artwork by Aboriginal artist Garry Purchase illuminating the Sydney Opera House sails. Following this, the WugulOra ceremony at 7:30 AM emphasises reflection, understanding, and reconciliation, with addresses from key figures such as the NSW governor and premier. The annual Yabun festival at Victoria Park, Camperdown, from 10 AM to 7 PM, stands as one of Australia's largest community celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, offering music, dance, art, and markets.
The Invasion Day rally and march, organised by the Blak Caucus with guidance from Gadigal elders, will commence at 10 AM in Hyde Park. This event is expected to focus on critical issues including black deaths in custody, the high rates of First Nations children in out-of-home care, and expressions of solidarity against global injustices. Regional New South Wales also hosts events, such as a Survival Day community gathering in Katoomba from 11 AM to 4 PM and events in Byron Bay and Newcastle, showcasing widespread participation across the state.
Capital City Events Across Australia
In Canberra, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy has organised a Sovereignty Day event, starting at 9:30 AM at Garema Place with a march to Old Parliament House lawns, highlighting generations of resistance. Melbourne's Day of Mourning Invasion Day dawn service at Camp Sovereignty from 5 AM to 7 AM acknowledges ongoing dispossession, followed by a rally from 11 AM at state parliament and the Share the Spirit festival at Treasury Gardens from noon to 6:30 PM, featuring First Nations artists.
Adelaide hosts a Mourning in the Morning smoking ceremony at Elder Park from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM and a Survival Day event at Victoria Square from noon to 5 PM. Perth's Reflect Respect Celebrate Australia Day event runs from 8 AM to 10 AM at Victoria Gardens, with an Invasion Day protest starting at noon at Forrest Place. Brisbane sees an Invasion Day rally from 10 AM at Queens Gardens, marching to Musgrave Park from noon, while Hobart's march begins at 11 AM from the Tasmania Aboriginal Corporation to Parliament House lawns.
Regional and Community-Led Gatherings
Regional areas across Australia are actively participating, with events in Ballarat featuring a dawn ceremony and yarning space, Torquay hosting the Pilk Purriyn truth-telling event, and Mildura organising a Survival Day event from 11 AM to 4 PM at Jaycee Park. In Western Australia, Broome's Rubibi Survival Day event from 4:30 PM to 11 PM offers local entertainment, and Darwin's Justice Not Jails picnic at Nightcliff Foreshore from 4 PM to 6 PM includes speeches and music.
Queensland's regional events include a peaceful rally in Cairns from 9 AM, a Survival Day walk in Mackay from 8 AM to 1 PM, and gatherings on the Sunshine Coast and in Maleny. Tasmania's regional activities feature the Limilinaturi Invasion Day gathering in Devonport at 11:30 AM and a rally in the north-west coastal town at noon. These diverse events underscore the national commitment to truth-telling, cultural celebration, and advocacy for Indigenous rights, making Invasion Day 2026 a significant moment for reflection and action across Australia.
