Arnhem Land Injalak Hill Full-Day Tour from Darwin
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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 but there will be light projections throughout the CBD.
Australia Day events in Darwin for 2022
There are a tonne of fun events for Australia Day in Darwin check out our favourites:
| Events | Details | Where | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking Ceremony & Storytelling | Start Australia Day with a traditional smoking ceremony and storytelling with Shellie Morris. | Darwin Waterfront Precinct Lagoon Area | 8:30 AM | Free |
| OzRun 2022 | Run or walk, it doesn't matter. As long as your community spirit is high and you're bursting with national pride. OzRun consists of 2.5km and 5km circuits and while dressing up isn't mandatory, it's encouraged. | Darwin Convention Centre | 6:30am – Zumba warm up. 7am – race starts | Free |
| Australia Day 2022 | The main event starts with a Welcome to Country followed by exhibitions and a concert, street art, food stalls throughout the afternoon. Rirrajtingu dancers will perform in the OzFusion Multicultural Performance Program. From 3:30 enjoy concert performances featuring a range of acts including Dave Garnham and the Reasons to Live, Medley The Youth Mill Edwin Fejo, Jordan Ravi, King Stingray, and Electric Fields. | Darwin Convention Centre | 12:30pm–7pm | Free |
| Australia Day on the Beach with MIX 104.9FM | Take the whole family out for a day of fun on the beach. With Sarah and Andrew from the MIX 104.9 team hosting the list of things to do is endless with a thong toss, schooner race, face painting, kids treasure hunt, beach cricket, food eating competitions, raffles and more. There is truly something for everyone. | Darwin Trailer Boat Club | From 11am | Free |
| 21st annual HOT 100 Australia Day Ute Run | The Ute Run is a fundraising and community event sees "Aussified" utes parade down the streets in a manic display of patriotism. It's held in partnership with Variety – the Children's Charity. The convoy drives from Hidden Valley Raceway and finishes up at Noonamah Tavern where punters celebrate with drinks, games and family-friendly activities. | Hidden Valley Raceway | 7am–2:30pm | Tickets from $20 per vehicle or person |
| Australia Day Stern Chaser Race | Enjoy a day of yacht racing, live music and a massive Australian clubhouse barbeque (tick, tick and tick). There are prizes to be won for best-dressed crew and vessel! | Stokes Hill Wharf | 11:30am–6pm | Entry from $20 per person |
| Australia Day Over-The-Top Brunch | This Over-The-Top event is full of fun and food. Enjoy a fresh seafood buffet, live sushi station and barbequed meat. It's the ultimate Australia Day brunch. | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels | 11am–3pm | Tickets from $89 per adult and $49 per child aged 13–17 and $39 per child aged 6–12 |
| Australia Day and Indian Republic Day Celebration | This joint celebration put together by the Malayalee community of the NT features a special BBQ to celebrate the national holidays of 2 countries. | George Brown Botanic Gardens | 10:30am–2:30pm | Free |
| Survival Day Afterparty | Join the celebration of Indigenous culture with music by DJ Melly Mel, DJ Don Juan, DJ Black Mac, and Current Vibes. | Opium Nightclub | 10pm–4am | Tickets $20 at the door or $21.50 via Stickey Tickets |
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.
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.
Explore the best nature has to offer
Get out amongst 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.
Kakadu National Park Scenic Flight
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Freshwater or Saltwater Barramundi Fishing Day Trip from Darwin
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60 Minute Scenic Flight - Litchfield National Park
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Explore the city centre
Australia Day is a good day to reflect on Australia's history and learn more about the local historical sites.
Darwin Heritage Walk
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Private Helicopter Pub Crawl Tour in Darwin
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Private WW2 Bombing of Darwin Tour
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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
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Crocodile Tour and Feed at Crocosaurus Cove
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Crocodile and Reptile Encounter at Crocosaurus Cove
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Get that adrenaline rush
If you want to get away from the festivities and seek thrills you can't look past these activities that will get your blood pumping.
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Adrenaline
Scenic Flight in Litchfield National Park
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Darwin Airboat Tours
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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.
- 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 2021 and where to score your tickets. Updated as of 12 January 2022.
| Attraction | Australia Day trading hours | Where to book |
| Crocosaurus Cove | 9am–6pm | Adrenaline |
| Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory | 10am–4pm | FREE |
| Darwin Military Museum | 9:30am–4pm | Darwin Military Museum |
| George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens | 7am-7pm | FREE |
| Aquascene | 4pm-6:30pm | Aquascene |
| Charles Darwin National Park | 8am–7pm | FREE |
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 9am–6pm
See the latest Darwin activities deals
Deal
Up to 10% off Darwin bus tours
Available on tours on select dates until 2022 when you book online. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 20% off Big Bus tours
Available on select dates and tours in Abu Dhabi, Darwin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, New York, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
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