It's safe to say that Darwin city knows how to put the excitement into Australia Day, from ute runs to classic fun runs, you're sure to find something to suit the whole family this year.
Keep reading to find out what events are happening, free things to do and the trading hours of your favourite city hot spots.
Australia Day fireworks in Darwin
There are currently no plans for a fireworks display on Australia Day in Darwin but there will be light projections throughout the CBD.
Australia Day events in Darwin for 2024
There are tons of fun events for Australia Day in Darwin. Check out our favourites:
Event
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The Australia Day Ceremony
The official celebrations are a tradition across the nation. In Darwin, they include a flag raising and citizenship ceremony, 21-gun salute and fighter jet flypast as well as free entry to Nightcliff and Parap pools. To cool down, naturally.
Citizenship ceremony in the Main Hall at Parliament House, flyover and 21-gun salute at The Esplanade
Citizenship ceremony at 10am, flyover and 21-gun salute at midday
After the sun rises, the Larrakia People will perform a smoking ceremony to acknowledge the First Nations people and commence the Australia Day celebrations. It's followed by performances by the Larrakia People and Rirratjingu Dancers from North East Arnhem Land.
This annual multicultural event is packed with activities to celebrate the region's diversity. It includes a multi-faith ceremony and Indigenous performances.
Barkly Regional Council Australia Day Family Fun Day
With the kids off for the day, there's no better place to be than at this annual community day out. It's located on the banks of Lake Mary Ann, with more than enough to entertain all from games and a sausage sizzle to a leaky bucket race.
The Territorian spirit comes to life in this inclusive, multicultural event. On the agenda are live dance performances, music by talented locals, visual arts, storytelling, local grub and kid-friendly activities.
Katherine Australia Day Citizen Awards and Citizenship Ceremony
Welcome the newest members and commemorate Katherine's greatest citizens in the region at this annual event. Stick around after for a cuppa and some good conversation and then look to the skies to catch the jet flyover.
Join in the official Australia Day celebrations as the Australia Day Award is handed out and the newest Australian citizens are welcomed. Enjoy dances by the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and music by Yolŋu.
Early risers and sporty types can sign themselves up for a morning of swimming, cycling and running in the annual Barkly Regional Council Australia Day triathlon. All are welcome. Registrations are at 5:35am.
Bigger and better than ever, Litchfield Council locals can show their Aussie pride on this multicultural family-friendly day. It starts with a fun run and features a citizenship ceremony, awards and free brekky. Entertainment for the day includes market stalls, an inflatable obstacle course and a petting zoo.
Your Australia Day itinerary options don't stop at the events. Check out the wide range of activities that are also available on the day below.
Visit a sacred site
Learn more about Aboriginal heritage and culture with a guided visit to Injalak Hill. Your Indigenous guides will take you through Arnhem Land where you can spot wallabies and dingoes before arriving to see the ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Get out among the fresh air with tours of the marvellous National Parks of the Northern Territory. From fishing charters to scenic flights, the itinerary is sorted for you.
Freshwater or Saltwater Barramundi Fishing Day Trip from Darwin
Celebrate at Cloppenburg Park. Once the formalities of the fun run, flag-raising ceremony (9am) and ute run are over, have a day out on the green at Cloppenburg Park where there will be activities and a barbeque.
Cool down in Berry Springs National Park. Complete the theme of the day by getting out and exploring your surroundings by foot. Berry Springs National Park has it all, from shaded picnic areas and barbeques to clear natural swimming pools.
Visit one of Darwin's free museums. Learn about Darwin's past in one of its free museums such as the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory or Fannie Bay Gaol.
Have a picnic in George Brown Botanic Gardens. Open 7am–7pm daily, the city's Botanic Gardens offer rainforest walks, picnic lawns and guided Segway tours.
Splash around at the Darwin Waterfront Recreation Lagoon. While you have to pay to go into the wave pool, the patrolled lagoon (which has stinger nets) is free to use. It's the perfect place for an Australia Day picnic.
What's open on Australia Day in Darwin?
Attractions
Find out which sights are open on 26 January 2024 and where to score your tickets.
Available on select dates at select KINTO locations around Australia including Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney, Hobart, Darwin and more. Distance fees apply.
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Available on activities like hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, passes to attractions including Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madam Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $300 is required. T&Cs apply.
Available on hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, jet boat rides and attraction passes on Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $350 is required. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Sign up for Expedia Rewards to become a member and get exclusive discounts on hotel stays. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Sunshine Coast and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Available on purchases such as getaways, dining experiences, attraction passes, sightseeing cruise, cinema tickets and day tours. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane.
Available on select stay dates with Express Deals. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Thredbo Village, Sunshine Coast, Jindabyne, Perth, the Gold Coast and more.
Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Cairns, Adelaide and more. Sample fare is for a stay at The Hive Hostel. T&Cs apply.
Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday.
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