Dreamtime Performance
RedBalloon
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Australia Day is one of the biggest days on the calendar. It's the day that the First Fleet landed in Port Jackson and it's a day to appreciate how multicultural our country has become.
From fireworks displays to all-nighters at the pub, whatever you have in mind for the day, there's an event out there to cater for it. Check them out here.
Australia Day fireworks in Brisbane
The 2022 Australia Day fireworks at Brisbane's South Bank are yet to be confirmed. We'll provide more information when it becomes available.
Australia Day events in Brisbane in 2022
| Events | Details | Where | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary Scenic Rim Australia Day Bike Ride | Get up at the crack of dawn to complete a bike ride around the Scenic Rim where you'll pass significant First Nation sites along the track. When the ride is finished, breakfast will be waiting for you at Jimboomba Hall. | Jimboomba Hall, 1-3 Honora Street, Jimboomba | From 5am | Free |
| Australia Day 2022 Pool Party | It's all happening at this family friendly event on Australia Day with a citizenship ceremony, Local Heroes awards and fireworks at 8pm. The little ones can also join in by dipping their toes in the splash pool, playing backyard cricket and taking a turn on the rides. | Oxley Bowls Club, 24A Englefield Road, Oxley | 2pm-8pm | Free |
| Australia Day on Bribie Island | Brennan Park on Bribie Island is set to be a hub of activity and entertainment. The first performance is at 4:10pm, with the evening fireworks at 8pm. Enjoy performances from Kiana Jazz, Bassline Studios Band and more, test your surfing skills on the mechanical surfboard and hang out on the foreshore before the sky lights up with fireworks at 8pm. | Brennan Park, Bribie Island | 4pm-8pm | Free |
| Great Australian Bites | If you're hoping to spend Australia Day away from the big city, follow your nose to the Great Australian Bites festival. For another year running, this foodie fest will head to regional Queensland on and around Australia Day. | Palmerin Street, Warwick | Warwick's event is on 22 January | Free |
| Australia Day at Sandstone Point Hotel | A mega slip 'n' slide, sausage sizzle and lamington eating competition is what you can expect at Sandstone Point Hotel on Australia Day. | 1800 Bribie Island Road, Sandstone Point | 12pm until late | Free |
| Australia Day at The Gap Tavern | Head to The Gap for a day spent by the pool. There's also a pie eating contest and beer pong championship game to be won. | The Gap Tavern, 21 Glenquarie Place, The Gap | 12pm-10pm | Free entry |
Things to do on Australia Day in Brisbane
Have an Indigenous cultural experience
From dreamtime stories to Indigenous art, make this Australia Day a special one by going on an Aboriginal tour of Brisbane. Some tours are available on 26 January and others are available throughout the week of Australia Day.
Brisbane Like a Local Customised Private Tour
Viator
Aboriginal Cultural Tour
finder.com.au
Enjoy the day with a wine in hand
Throw caution to the wind and pick a bottle of local wine off the shelf from your local bottle-o. If you want to take this to the next level, head out for a winery tour where you can sample a variety of wines and meet a Queensland winemaker.
Scenic Helicopter Flight with Winery Tour
Adrenaline
Full-Day Winery Tour in Brisbane
finder.com.au
Full-Day Winery Tour from Brisbane by The Vino Bus
Klook Australia
Sail away on an Australia Day cruise
Turn the public holiday into a marked special occasion by boarding a boat and sailing down the Brisbane River on a backdrop of colourful fireworks.
Buffets, live music and picturesque views are some things you can expect to be included for your sailing.
Brisbane River Cruise with Lunch
RedBalloon
Moreton Bay Sailing Adventure
RedBalloon
Brisbane River Morning Cruise
RedBalloon
Get out on the water
Surf, swim, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, sail – the options are endless with these water activities Australians love. Pick your favourite or why not book in a beginners lesson for a new sport?
Private Kitesurfing Lesson
RedBalloon
Kayak Tour
RedBalloon
Private Stand Up Paddle Lesson
RedBalloon
Meet the local wildlife
Australia is home to an abundance of native wildlife which you can find in Brisbane and surrounding areas.
Australia Zoo Entry with Transfers
Adrenaline
Animal Tour at Trevena Glen Farm
Adrenaline
Top free things to do on Australia Day in Brisbane
- Barbeque at South Bank: Pack a picnic basket or nab a barbeque early at South Bank and spend a day in the city surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the Australia Day festivities.
- Head to the beach: Weather permitting, grab your towel and togs and make a day of it at a beach on the Gold Coast or Bribie Island.
- Visit an art gallery or museum: Discover more about Brisbane and its history at the Museum of Brisbane and explore the Australian Art Collection featuring Indigenous and Australian collections together at the Gallery of Modern Art.
What's open on Australia Day in Brisbane?
| Attraction | Australia Day trading hours | Where to book |
| Australia Zoo | 9am-5pm | Adrenaline |
| Story Bridge Adventure Climb | Dawn to night | Adrenaline |
| TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain | 10am-5pm | Adrenaline |
| Kingston Park Raceway | TBC | Adrenaline |
| Wheel of Brisbane | 10am-10pm | Groupon |
| Museum of Brisbane | 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm tours | Museum of Brisbane |
| Lone Pine Sanctuary | 9am-5pm | Lone Pine Sanctuary |
| Escape Hunt | 10am-10pm | Escape Hunt |
| Pixar Putt | 10am-8pm | Pixar Putt |
| State Library of Queensland | 10am-5pm | Membership required |
| GOMA | 10am-5pm | Free entry |
| Museum of Brisbane | 10am-5pm | Free entry, bookings required |
Are shops open on Australia Day in Brisbane?
Here are the major shopping centres that are usually open on the Australia Day public holiday and their trading hours. Opening times are subject to change.
- Queen Street Mall: Times vary
- Westfield Chermside: Open 10am-5pm
- Westfield Carindale: Open 9am-5:30pm
- Westfield Northlakes: Open 10am-5pm
- Westfield Garden City: Open 10am-5pm
- Westfield Helensvale: Open 10am-4pm
- Strathpine Centre: Open 10am-4pm
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