One of the largest celebrations held throughout the country year after year is Australia Day.
Australia Day celebrated on January 26th, is a public holiday honouring the arrival of the first British Fleet on Australian soil.
Australia Day Gold Coast, 2026 Events, Date, Celebrations & Fireworks
Australia Day recognises that on 26 January 1788, the first British fleet arrived at Port Jackson in Australia. The event is celebrated to reflect Australia’s rich history, diverse society and unique heritage.
Australia Day is a time for all Australians to reflect, respect and celebrate. The best way to do this is to do something Australian – get together with family and friends or go to a local Australia Day event.
The 2025 Gold Coast Australia Day Celebrations were held on Sunday, 26 January, at the HOTA Outdoor Stage. Following the invite-only citizenship ceremony, this family friendly, free event kicked 4pm and concluded at 8pm.
Enjoy live and local music on the HOTA Outdoor Stage from 4pm; limited space is available. There’ll be free kids’ activities, an assortment of delicious food trucks and a fireworks finale at approximately 7:50pm.
Make your journey active and walk, ride, scoot or skate to the event. If driving your car is a must, please consider carpooling.
With so many things to see and do, the Australia Day Celebrations are a fun day out for the whole family. So come on down to the Gold Coast to celebrate all things Aussie!
are you allowed to bring camp chairs, a fold up table ?
Hi Karen,
It appears that no large event is being held at the Broadwater Parklands this year, but rather a number of smaller events are held around the city.
I have updated the information at https://www.goldcoastpoint.com.au/events/australia-day/ to reflect some of the events that are occurring on the day.
Thanks
Michael
We are new to the area, will there be fireworks at paradise point for australia day.
Hi Glenys,
I have searched many of the official websites and forums and I can’t seem to find any information about fireworks being at paradise point this year (they have had it in the past though and there is fireworks during NYE).
Just in case it is on, perhaps try giving the council a call at 1300 GOLDCOAST (1300 465 326).
Thanks
Michael
What’s happening in Surfers Paradise on Australia Day ?
Hi Chris,
Refer to our post, but in previous years the main event has been held on The Great Lawn at Broadwater Parklands, Southport between 4pm-8pm. There has been over 20 food trucks and BBQ’s as well as plenty of activities for the kids and local musicians playing at the main stage. To finish off the day, there is typically a fireworks display at around 8pm.
Other highlights have included an Aussie Sporting Zone with activities from the Gold Coast Suns, the Gold Coast Titans and Queensland Cricket. There will also be heaps of other activities spread all over the Gold Coast, including RSL lunches, beach cricket and live music.
Best regards,
Jess