Here’s a list of activities planned for this Australia Day across the Northern Territory, including free pool entries, fighter jet fly-overs, the annual ute run and many more festivities on tap this Sunday.
Australia Day Ute Run – Hidden Valley Raceway
From 7am on Jan 26, the annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run will kick off at the Hidden Valley Raceway.
Billed as “another epic celebration of Aussie spirit, creativity and community”, everyone is invited to join the utes and other vehicles as they parade through the streets, down Tiger Brennan Drive, to Berrimah Road, along Vanderlin Drive and Trower Road, ultimately ending up at the Noonamah Tavern for the official after party at 2:30pm.
Darwin Australia Day Ceremony 2025 –116 Esplanade
Australia Day will be marked at 10am in Darwin with a special Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony, fighter jets flypast and free pool entry at Casuarina, Nightcliff and Parap.
Citizen Awards will be presented at the Darwin Esplanade ceremony which aim to recognise community members who go above and beyond for the community.
Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the ceremony for all attendees.
The fighter jet will do the flypast at 12pm, at the Cenotaph
Oz Run – Darwin Waterfront
Australia Day kicks off at 6:30am at the Darwin Waterfront with the Oz Fun Run, the Territory’s largest free running event.
A Zumba warm-up will commence at the Darwin Convention Centre car park at 6:30, followed by a Welcome to Country and National Anthem, with the first wave of runners starting at 7am, followed by walkers and prams at 7:05am.
Registration is free for the event, but entries must be received before the event starts.
City of Palmerston Australia Day 2025 – Palmerston Recreation Centre
The City of Palmerston’s Australia Day festivities this year will run from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday, with cultural performances and a free light lunch served after the special citizenship ceremony, raising of the National Flags and presentation of the Palmerston Australia Day Awards at the recreation centre.
The council said it’s a day to embrace cultural diversity and celebrate sharing stories, history and contributions of everyday Australians.
Family Day on the Beach – Darwin Trailer Boat Club
The Darwin Trailer Boat Club will be offering a number of Australian-themed games, live music and fun, family activities from 11am.
Wagait Beach, Cloppenburg Park – Australia Day Celebrations
Celebrations will start from 7am at Wagait Beach, with activities including thong throwing competitions, spear throwing, face painting, a fun run and cake decoration competitions.
A BBQ brunch will kick off at 10am, ahead of the annual Cricket match between Red Hog Moondogs and the Squirrel Grippers.
Katherine Town Council Australia Day Seniors Morning Tea – Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery
Katherine Town Council will serve a selection of delicious teas, coffee, and homemade treats, all while celebrating the spirit of Australia Day, starting at 10am until 12pm. The event is aiming to bring Katherine’s senior community together, while enjoying light refreshments, and connect with friends old and new.
A citizenship ceremony was held on January 24.
Alice Springs Town Council Australia Day – Alice Springs Convention Centre, Barrett Drive
Alice Springs Town Council will host its annual Citizenship Ceremony and Centralian of the Year Awards at the Alice Springs Convention Centre from 8am on Australia Day.
A fun run will commence at 6:30am before moving into a welcome to country, Flag Raising Ceremony, Citizenship Ceremony, Tertiary Bursary Scholarship recipients presentation, Student Citizen and Centralian Citizen of the Year Awards presentation and free community BBQ facilitated by the APEX Club.
Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre will also hold its annual splash party from 11am to 3pm, including inflatable obstacle courses, water slides, free steak sandwiches and lamingtons and a DJ.
Barkly region Australia Day ceremony – Tennant Creek Council Chambers and in Elliott
Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards and a citizenship ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Tennant Creek Council chambers from 8am with an afternoon of family fun planned for both Tennant Creek and Elliott with free community BBQs.
Activities are planned at Lake Mary Ann, including the Mayor’s pie-eating competition, a biathlon and a leaky bucket race, along with face-painting and other activities with prizes for kids.
Vatskalis, not satisfied with wrecking our Cyclone Tracy reunion, presides over a pie-eating contest. Such inspiring patriotism and a salute to obesity. Meanwhile, a jet flyover will be a timely reminder that Australia is protected by the only reason China might attack us, the imperial US presence; now with a fifth-rate military and a naked emperor. I think I will stay home.