Australia Day is coming up and it’s a day to celebrate Australia, its people and history as well as acknowledge the significance of January 26 to Indigenous Australians. It’s a day not only to celebrate but also to reflect and respect.
We acknowledge that Australia Day is a complex issue. On one hand, January 26 marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and is the official national day of Australia but it is also considered a day of mourning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
You can mark the day with family-friendly events happening around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter. You can also learn more about respectful First Nations engagement with First Nations peoples.
Pool Party at Lakeside Leisure Centre & Tomaree Aquatic Centre
Cool off and celebrate Australia Day at the pool parties hosted at Lakeside Leisure Centre and Tomaree Aquatic Centre. Both venues offer free entry, inflatables, water slides, a sausage sizzle, and a range of entertainment and activities suitable for families.
Date: Saturday 24 January 2026
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Lakeside Leisure Centre, Raymond Terrace
Cost: Free
Website
Ngarrama – to sit, listen and know
The University of Newcastle is proud to welcome the wider community once again to Ngarrama, now in its fifth year. The free public event, in partnership with with Awabakal Ltd, Port Waratah Coal Services, the City of Newcastle and NGM Group (Newcastle Greater Mutual Group), will return to King Edward Park on Sunday 25 January 2026.
Ngarrama is an invitation for all to bring along your friends, family and a picnic blanket to engage in meaningful reconciliation through truth-telling, performances, song, and historical acceptance.
Ngarrama is an opportunity for the Newcastle community to come together on the eve of Australia/Survival Day to reflect on traditional life in Mooloobinba before 1788 and to celebrate the richness and resilience of First Nations culture – in particular the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.
Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen, and know’. As the name captures, it will be a time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture.
Please note this is an alcohol free event, please BYO all food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Date: Sunday 25 January 2026
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Location: King Edward Park, Newcastle
Cost: Ngarrama is a free event but please book a ticket in advance
Website
Twilight 2026 Australia Day Eve
Roll out the picnic blanket on the green from 6-9.30pm on Sunday25 January 2026 as Singleton celebrates Australia Day in true Singleton style with a night of free family fun and entertainment in the Townhead Park precinct. Kids can enjoy the outdoor cinema showing family friendly flick The Lego Movie, free popcorn,=, face painting, slip and slide (so bring swimmers and a towel!), jumping castle, kids craft while adults can relax, enjoy some food and drinks from food trucks and live music.
Date: Sunday 25 January 2026
Time: 6pm-9.30pm
Location: Townhead Park, Singleton
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day Newcastle Harbour Swim 2026
Challenge yourself and join the 29th edition of Newcastle’s most iconic swim on Australia Day. Jump in for either the Single Crossing (700m) from Stockton to Queens Wharf or the Double Crossing (1,400m) from Queens Wharf to Stockton and back. If it’s not on your bucket list, put it there now! This is the only legal swim across our amazing working harbour. This annual event is Stockton SLSC’s major fundraiser and extra donations are possible. All proceeds stay with the club to purchase rescue craft, rash shirts for the Nippers and for the general running of the Club. Be quick, the event is limited to only 500 swimmers!
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 10am (single crossing), 11am (double crossing)
Location: Ferry Wharf, Stockton
Cost: $40 – $60
Website
Beach 5s Australia Day Festival 2026 –
Beach 5s Australia and New Zealand presents the 6th annual UGL Newcastle Beach 5’s Australia Day Festival. Beach 5s Rugby is spectacular/fast-paced/exciting, based on modified rules of Rugby Union, Rugby League and Touch Football with no line-outs, scrums or conversions. This is a festival for everyone, where all are welcome to join in the fun and excitement. Register a team or cheer from the sidelines.
UPDATE: Due to dangerous weather conditions and following an on-site safety assessment, the decision was made to cancel all events in the festival program on Monday 26 January, including the All Star Legends Game and the Liam Gallagher Trophy.
Date: Saturday 24 January to Monday 26 January 2026 – CANCELLED
Time: Visit website
Location: Nobbys Beach
Cost: Free entry for spectators
Website
Australia Day at Miss Porter’s House
Celebrate Australia Day and spend the day reliving early twentieth-century Australia with a visit to Miss Porter’s House, a prominent freestanding Edwardian home built by Herbert Porter and his wife Florence (nee Jolley) that contains a century of household memorabilia including many which reflect the family’s interest in the local area and in all things Australian.
Their freestanding Edwardian home is now a National Trust museum containing a century of household memorabilia including many which reflect their interest in the local area and all things Australian.
Date: Sunday 25 January & Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 1pm-4pm
Location: King Street, Newcastle
Cost: Adults $12, Concessions $10, Family $34, children under 5 free
Website
Australia Day in Maitland
Head on down to Maitland Park this Australia Day from 7.30am to take part in a range of family friendly games, activities, performances and more. With a free BBQ (7:30am – 9:30am), craft activities, live entertainment, it’s a perfect morning out for the whole family!
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 7.30am-12:30pm (The Official Ceremony will take place at Maitland Town Hall from 10.30am – 12pm)
Location: Maitland Park
Cost: Free
Website
Free entry to Maitland and East Maitland Aquatic Centres
With free entry to both Maitland and East Maitland Aquatic Centres on Australia Day, it’s a fun (and free) day out for the whole family!
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: Maitland Aquatic Centre and East Maitland Aquatic Centre
Cost: Free
Website
Dive In Cinema on Australia Day at Maitland Pool
As the sun sets and the evening unfolds, the fun after the daytime festivities continues as Maitland Aquatic Centre transforms into a floating cinema for Dive In Cinema.
Grab your floaties and swimwear, or simply relax by the poolside, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable movie experience under the stars.
The film night will be complete with entertainment, food, laser tag, lawn games, and free swim time. Kick back and relax in or beside the pool from 5pm, before settling in for Moana 2′ followed by ‘Lilo & Stitch’.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Maitland Aquatic Centre
Cost: Tickets are $5 per person for an out-of-pool ticket and $10 per person for an in-pool ticket.
Website
Free entry to City of Newcastle Pools
Novocastrians can make a splash on 26 January without dipping into their pockets with City of Newcastle offering free entry to its inland pools from 1pm. Standard fees will apply before 1pm at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield Pools, with kiosks to be open at all five facilities, while the operating hours of the waterslide at Lambton will be extended until 5pm.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: From 1pm
Location: Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield Pools
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day at Fort Scratchley
Come and spend Australia Day at Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley. They will have their big guns firing for Australia Day. The 7 Guns comprising of 2 x Armstrong MKVII 6-inch guns; 80pdr gun, QF Nordenfeldt gun; a 25pdr gun and a 40mm Bofor 2pdr Time Cannon. All guns will be fired at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM.
Tunnel Tours reduced to 30 minutes. Children aged 14 and under are free! The Australian Armed Forces Re-enactment Heritage Unit will be conducting displays. and all exhibition rooms will be open. There will also be performances by the Newcastle RSL Pipe Band as well as Morse Code demonstrations. There will be Military Vehicles on display as well as a Coffee Cart and hot food will be available.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: Fort Scratchley, Newcastle East
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day Awards (Cessnock)
Cessnock City Council will host the annual Australia Day Awards and citizenship ceremony. The Australia Day Awards ceremony is an opportunity to recognise members of the community who have made a significant contribution within the community, demonstrated excellence in their field, or are considered role models for the generations to come. The winners will be announced on Australia Day 2026 at Performance Arts Culture Centre Cessnock.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: Visit website
Location: Performing Arts Culture Centre, Cessnock
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day at Bennett Park (Valentine)
Valentine Lions Club will be holding their annual Australia Day Community Day at Bennett Park, Valentine. They will provide a small cricket game for children and parents to enjoy, Australian music, a sausage sizzle, tea, coffee, cordial drinks, and water. All free of charge to the public.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Allambee Park, Valentine
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day Markets by Aussie Night Markets
Experience the Aussie Night Markets at Morisset Showground with global flavours, boutique shopping, family fun, and a spectacular fireworks display at 8:30pm.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 4pm – 9:30pm
Location: Morisset Showground
Cost: $2 coin entry at the gate
Website
Wangi Regatta
Australia Day Regatta for Yachts & Trailer Sailors.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 12pm
Location: Wangi RSL Amateur Sailing Club
Cost: The Regatta entry fee is $40. Free to watch
Website
Boat Fest
An open day at the Classic Boatshed to celebrate Australia Day. Many classic boats on display and for sale, sausage sandwiches and drinks.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: From 8am
Location: Classic Boatshed, Rathmines
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day at Nelson Bay
Australia Day festivities at Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay include Citizenship Ceremony, RAAF fly past, live music and dancing, Army band, food trucks and BBQ, hot and cold drinks, soft serve ice cream, alpaca and sheep shearing demonstrations, kids activities and jumping castle, as well as vintage and classic cars on display. Parking is available at top of Neil Carroll Rotary Park.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 9:30am-3:45pm
Location: Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day at Raymond Terrace
Australia Day festivities include a Citizenship Ceremony, Port Stephens Citizen of the Year presentation, RAAF Fly Past, Raymond Terrace Bowling Clubs FREE Great Aussie breakfast (between 8am to 9am), food and coffee vendors, children’s rides including ice skating and water slides, all day markets, and live music.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 8am-2pm
Location: Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day at Karuah
Karuah RSL hosts a full day of Australia Day festivities, supported by Port Stephens Council. Activities include the annual thong-throwing competition, bowls, live entertainment, and a fireworks display at 9pm. This event provides family-friendly fun and a celebration of community spirit for the Karuah area.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 10am until late
Location: Karuah RSL
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day at Tilligerry
Celebrate with the Tilligerry Lions Club at Henderson Park for a community-focused Australia Day event, supported by Port Stephens Council. The celebration includes a Great Aussie Breakfast (available for purchase), live music, and family-friendly activities. The morning continues with Lemon Jam hosted by the Tilligerry Community Association.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 8am-12pm
Location: Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage
Cost: Free
Website
Australia Day at Singleton
The official Singleton Australia Day ceremony will be held at the Civic Centre on Sunday 26 January 2026. The ceremony will also be livestreamed via Singleton Council’s Facebook page and website. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a traditional BBQ breakfast that will be served up from 8am by Rotary Singleton and take part in the smoking ceremony at 8.45am by Wonnarua elder and former Citizen of the Year Warren Taggart.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Time: 8am-12pm
Location: Civic Centre, Singleton
Cost: Free
Website
You might also like:
Celebrate Australia Day in Maitland Park
Ngarrama – Sit, Listen and Know: Reconciliation in King Edward Park