Australia Day in Perth 2021 | Events and things to do

Due to the pandemic, the fireworks extravaganza has been axed for 2021.

"The advice from the Chief Health Officer is that proceeding with Skyworks in 2021 presents too great a risk to community safety," said Lord Mayor Zempilas.

In light of this, Zampilas has promised that other events will go ahead, saying, "A new program of family activities, music and entertainment and neighbourhood events across the City of Perth is already being planned. We will celebrate Australia Day 2021 and we will do it safely".

See below for what you can get up to this year instead.

Shining the Light: The Story of Us

Where one light show (the fireworks) is cancelled another light show emerges. Located on The Esplanade in Elizabeth Quay, Shining the Light: The Story of Us is a space for theelders of the Wadjuk Nyoongar people to share their stories through light, live performance and art.

It's on display from 22-26 January 2021 and features a poem, a digital centrepiece, an interactive social media mosaic, an animated mural by Perth artist Sioux Tempestt and portraits of Aussies and their stories.

• Where: Elizabeth Quay
• When: 22-26 January 2021
• Cost: Free but tickets are required, book your spot here

Lotterywest Carnival, Water Playground and Skydivers Drop

Every year, Langley Park is transformed into the official site of the City of Perth’s Australia Day celebrations. Being right on the waterfront, it's also a prime spot for catching the city’s big fireworks display.

In 2021, three events are being hosted at the park. They're all on 26 January, so you can tuck into all three at once.

The first is the Lotterywest Carnival. It's a fun day out filled with rides such as dodgem cars, a castle of fun and the cups and saucers ride. The second is the Lotterywest Water Playground. The perfect excuse for a cooldown, it has waterslides and a slip n' slide.

Lastly, there's the Skydivers Drop. In other words: stop whatever you're doing at 2pm and look to the skies. You'll see skydivers manoeuvre craftily from above, headed directly for the park.

• Where: Langley Park
• When: 26 January 2021
• Cost: Free, tickets grant you one hour of unlimited rides/waterpark access

Birak Concert

Held in the Supreme Court Gardens, the traditional Birak Concert is a celebration of Australian and Torres Strait Islanders through dance, music, art and food.

• Where: Supreme Court Gardens
• When: 26 January 2021, 2pm-6:30pm
• Cost: Free

PS – The Birak Concert isn't the only indigenous gig happening this Australia Day long weekend. If you'd prefer to head out on Sunday night, Sunset Sounds at JH Abrahams Reserve has an evening of Aboriginal dance and performances alongside Aussie rock music and kids activities from 5pm-8pm.

Perth Cultural Centre also has a Ngangk Wirdiny – Birak Bonar gig on from 4pm-7:30pm on Sunday. Starting with a smoking ceremony, there will be music, poetry and dance.

Family Concert

Throw your support behind local artists at this all-day concert where everyone from musicians and magicians to puppetmasters and dancers take the stage.

The line-up includes Wild Wings and the Bush Fairy Show, The Lulus, Enchanted and Miss Red Lasso Show.

• Where: Forrest Place
• When: 24 January 2021, 10am-5pm
• Cost: Free but tickets are required, book your spot here

Morning Ceremony and Great Aussie Breakfast

Spend the morning at the City of South Perth's flag raising and citizenship ceremony. This will be followed by an Australian-style BBQ provided by the Rotary Club of Como ($5 for the sausage sizzle). With free entertainment for the kids, you can bring the whole family.

The morning ceremony runs from 8am-9:30am and the BBQ will be on from 9:30am-10:30am.

• Where: Sir James Mitchell Park, opposite Forrest Street
• When: 26 January 2021, 8am-10:30am
• Cost: Free

One Day

The City of Fremantle doesn't go big on 26 January. Instead, it hosts One Day on the 24th, a celebration of culture and inclusivity.

The program starts at 8am, with a smoking ceremony and a Nyoongar celebration of dance, before feeding the masses with a community barbeque.

Due to the pandemic, the event is going to be a smaller, more local affair, but a no less important one for the city and its Indigenous people.

On 26 January 2021 there will be a citizenship ceremony and the announcement of the Citizen of the Year Awards.

• Where: Bathers Beach and Kidogo Arthouse precinct
• When: 24 January 2021, from 8am
• Cost: Free

Australia Day Triathlon/Duathlon

Whether you’re in it to win it or are a proud spectator, the Australia Day Triathlon is not one to miss on 26 January. It's a family-friendly event with categories for all grades of athletes starting from 12 years old up to 70+.

For those looking to swim, cycle and run, the triathlon events include junior, novice, fun and sprint categories. For those wishing to skip the swim, the duathlon is available in standard and sprint forms.