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 1000 participants from more than 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 celebrates our rich diversity and includes free activities, a heritage vehicle showcase, the RACV Tiny Home and displays from a broad range of community groups.

Foodies will enjoy vibrant street food and a festive atmosphere in the Food Truck Park, celebrations will continue with a 21-gun salute at midday and a flyover by the remarkable Roulettes, and families will love the main stage program of free entertainment and a range of activities and fun for the whole family.

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.

In a first for 2019, Great Australian Bites comes to Docklands, showcasing the mouth-watering treats specially curated for Australia Day. You'll find Docklands a fresh place to dine and the best vantage points to enjoy the Australia Day fireworks, with the spectacular display beginning at 9pm.

Further info here.

Australia Day Concert and Fireworks

When: Rides: 5pm - 9.40pm, concert: 6pm - 10pm

Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre, Nunawading

Hear the music of international superstar Adele reimagined as former The Voice contestant Naomi Price headlines a wonderful night of entertainment. including free rides and amusements and food stalls from 5pm onwards.

Other popular musical guests will be Like This with their collection of lively tunes, the blues fuelled Intrepid Hounds, the Australian Girls Choir performing the national anthem, and brass band All Day Fritz will delight the kids. This stunning night of entertainment will end with a bang with a 10-minute fireworks finale.

The full concert will be AUSLAN interpreted with a dedicated viewing area at stage left, with interpreters also on the big screen throughout. 

Further info here. 

Australia Day Hampton Park

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. Grab some bacon, eggs and sausages, get your face painted, and hang out in the mini jeeps for the morning. 

Celebrations include he official Flag Raising Ceremony, live entertainment, local market stalls, community group displays and the Anthony Byrne Holt Australia Day Award.

Further info here.

Dandenong Australia Day Festival

When: 3pm - 9.30pm

Where: Dandenong Park, corner of Pultney and Foster streets

The Dandenong Australia Day Festival is an inclusive celebration, sensitive to the fact there are residence from more than 150 different nations, and that Australia Day means different things to different people. They also acknowledge that this day can be a difficult day for some members of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and are respectful of that. The festival is a chance to celebrate connection of similarities and differences.

More than 11,000 local residents expected to enjoy the festival with family, neighbours and friends across Dandenong Park, where they acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and honour them in their festivities. Events include the traditional Welcome to Country and a sacred Smoking Ceremony.

This free family friendly event will feature threelive entertainment areas the Dreaming Space tent that showcases circus skills, magic, dance and interactive performances, roving performers, community and market stalls, exciting rides ($2-$6), free family activities, Kinder-Gym, marshmallow toasting with the CFA and Noble Park Scouts, and of course will conclude with a grand fireworks finale at 9:25pm.

Further info including program times here.

Government House Open Day

When: 9.30am-4.30pm

Where: Government House Drive.

Enjoy a range of free activities at the Government House annual open day, with free fun for the family, roving entertainers, self-guided tours of the State Apartments (from 10 am – 3 pm); view the historic State Coach in the stables across 11 hectares of this incredible property.

You can bring along a picnic to enjoy on the Western Lawn, or buy food from a range of vendors on site, including the famous tea and scones from the Country Women’s Association, made right on site in the 19th-Century kitchen.

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.

Children and adults of all ages will love The Kazoos performing, back again by popular demand! .

Further info here.

Main image credit: Whitehorse Festival Season Facebook