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Australia Day in Darwin: What’s happening in the city?

Find out exactly what’s on in Darwin on 26 January.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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Tamara Medojevic
Tamara Medojevic

Updated . What changed?

Fact checked
Waving the Australian Flag, evening summer light on a beach.

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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.

Australia Day events in Darwin for 2021

Australia Day Fun Run in Darwin

Dust off your joggers and show off that Aussie pride in Darwin city's annual fun run.

Run or walk, it doesn't matter; so long as your community spirit is high and you're bursting with national pride, you're good to join the masses in this Australia Day fun run.

It consists of 2.5km and 5km circuits and while dressing up isn't mandatory, it's encouraged. You'd be a fool not to, in our humble opinion.

Early birds can squeeze in a Zumba warm-up at 6:15am outside the Darwin Convention Centre before the big event which starts at 7am sharp. The fun run starts at the Darwin Convention Centre and ends at Darwin Waterside Parklands. Celebrations along the Darwin Waterfront run until 7:40pm with the Fun Run presentation. You must register online for this event.

For more information: NT Australia Day

Date: 26 January 2021

Image: NT Australia Day

Australia Day Ute Run

It doesn't get any more Aussie than this.

Utes. Blue utes. Blue utes flying Australian flags. Blue utes flying Australian flags driven by Aussies in singlets. Now if that doesn't scream "Australian" we don't know what does.

That's exactly what goes on at Darwin's Australia Day Ute Run. Held in partnership with Variety, the children's charity, it's a fundraising and community event in one that sees "Aussified" utes parade down the streets in a manic display of patriotism.

The convoy drives from Hidden Valley Raceway and finishes up at Noonamah Tavern where punters celebrate with drinks, games and family-friendly activities.

For more information: Australia Day Ute Run

Date: 26 January 2021

Sausage sizzles.

Australia Day Stern Chaser Race with live music and barbeque

Get ready for a day of fun (and sausage sizzles).

Running from 10am to 5pm, this one is sure to be a hit for everyone. Enjoy a day of yacht racing, live music and a massive Australian clubhouse barbeque (tick, tick and tick).

All this goes alongside a winning prize of a $600 ALTEX Paint Voucher thanks to Nautical supplies and there are prizes to be won for best-dressed vessel crew.

You're bound to have a barrel of laughs (and sausage sizzles) with this one.

For more information: Stern Chaser Race

Date: 26 January 2021

dance

Sunset Live Music: Mandy Boots and Phil Giffard

Dance the night away this Australia Day with live entertainment.

Bring the 2021 Australia Day celebrations to the perfect close with Mandy Boots and Phil Giffard. Hosted at the Ebb & Flow Darwin, you can take it day to night with an evening of relaxing jazz and legendary music covers.

Take your pick between water and lounge views from 6pm.

For more information: Sunset Live Music

Date: 26 January 2021

Things to do on Australia Day in Darwin

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.

Explore the best nature has to offer

Get out amongst the fresh air with tours of the marvellous Kakadu National Park. From fishing charters to a day trip, the itinerary is sorted for you.

Freshwater or Saltwater Barramundi Fishing Day Trip from Darwin
Freshwater or Saltwater Barramundi Fishing Day Trip from Darwin

Viator

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Check out Crocosaurus Cove

It's one of Darwin's most recognisable attractions and now you can see it for yourself this upcoming Australia Day.

Crocodile Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove
Crocodile Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove

RedBalloon

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Crocodile Tour and Feed at Crocosaurus Cove
Crocodile Tour and Feed at Crocosaurus Cove

RedBalloon

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Crocodile and Reptile Encounter at Crocosaurus Cove
Crocodile and Reptile Encounter at Crocosaurus Cove

RedBalloon

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Get that adrenaline rush

Looking to step outside your comfort zone? Look no further than a helicopter flight or an airboat tour.

Explore the city centre

Be a tourist in your own city with a selection of walking tours and historical sites worth a visit this Australia Day.

Private Helicopter Pub Crawl Tour in Darwin
Private Helicopter Pub Crawl Tour in Darwin

Viator

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Top free things to do on Australia Day in 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.
  • Get cultured at 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.
  • Make it a relaxing day 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 2021 and where to score your tickets.

AttractionAustralia Day trading hoursWhere to book
Crocosaurus Cove9am - 5pmAdrenaline
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory10am - 4pmFREE
Darwin Military Museum10am - 3:30pmDarwin Military Museum
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens7am - 7pmFREE
Aquascene4pm - 6:30pmAquascene
Charles Darwin National Park8am - 7pmFREE

Are stores open on Australia Day in Darwin?

The major shopping centres that typically open for Australia Day and their trading hours are as follows. These may change closer to Australia Day.

  • Casuarina Square shopping centre: Open from 9am-5:30pm
  • Smith Street Mall: Times vary
  • Mitchell Centre: Open from 10am-3pm

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