The 2026 Australia Day long weekend marks the end of summer holidays and the last chance to enjoy some quality time with the family.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate, reflect and relish everything that makes Australia special.

And, there’s plenty to do, too, from fireworks and markets to Aussie BBQs and thong-throwing competitions.

If you are after live entertainment and activities or just an easy relaxed long weekend, then this is the the guide for you.

It covers the best Australia Day events across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter for all ages and interests.

Newcastle

Ngarrama – ‘to sit, listen and know’
When | Sunday 25 January
Where | King Edward Park, Newcastle
Time | 7pm – 9pm
Hosted by the University of Newcastle, Ngarrama is an evening of reflection, reconciliation, performance and culture. Held at King Edward Park, in collaboration with Awabakal, Port Waratah Coal Services, the City of Newcastle and NGM Group, the family-friendly event invites the community connect through cultural expression.

Beach 5s Australia Day Festival 2026
When | Saturday 24, Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January
Where | Nobbys Beach, 35 Nobbys Road, Newcastle East
Time | All day
The Beach 5s Australia Day Festival returns to Nobbys Beach with fast-paced beach rugby across multiple categories. This includes the All Star Legends Charity Game featuring an NRL Newcastle Knights Legends Team captained by Kurt Gidley. Now in its sixth year, the festival celebrates togetherness, harmony and inclusivity.

Australia Day at Miss Porter’s House
When | Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January
Where | King Street, Newcastle
Time | 1pm – 4pm
Visit Miss Porter’s House, a beautifully preserved freestanding Edwardian home and National Trust museum. Explore a century of household memorabilia as a nostalgic way to mark Australia Day. Adults $12, concession $10, family $34, children under 5 free.

Australia Day Newcastle Harbour Swim 2026
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Ferry Wharf, Stockton
Time | 10am or 11am
Challenge yourself in the 29th edition of the iconic Newcastle Harbour Swim. This is the only legal swim across the working harbour. Swimmers can choose a single or double crossing, with all proceeds supporting Stockton Surf Life Saving Club and its vital rescue and junior programs.

Ngarrama – ‘to sit, listen and know.’ Image: supplied

Cessnock

Free Pool Day at Cessnock and Branxton
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Cessnock and Branxton pools
Time | 10am to 4pm
Cessnock and Branxton Pools are hosting a Free Pool Day to celebrate Australia Day, with free entry and activities for the whole family. The day includes DJs from noon to 4pm, roving entertainers and games from 1pm to 3pm. There will also be a free sausage sizzle, lamingtons and icy poles available on the day.

Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Performance Arts Culture Cessnock 
Time | From 10am
This significant event acknowledges the generous efforts of local individuals and community groups to celebrate their achievements. It also will welcome over 45 new citizens and will be followed by a light morning tea.

Free Pool Day at Cessnock. Image: Cessnock City Council

Lake Macquarie

Australia Day in Valentine
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Bennett Park, Valentine
Time | 9am – noon
Bennett Park is hosting family-friendly activities with a sausage sizzle, Australian music, and complimentary tea and coffee. It’s a local celebration perfect for all ages

Australia Day at Harrigan’s Cameron Park
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Harrigan’s Cameron Park
Time | From 10am
Harrigan’s Cameron Park is serving up classic Australia Day fun with food and drink specials. There is yabby racing at 2pm and a best dressed Aussie competition. Visitors are encouraged to don their most Aussie outfit for the chance to win prizes while soaking up the long weekend atmosphere.

Aussie Night Markets
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Morisset Showground
Time | noon – 10pm
The Aussie Night Markets offer delicious food, boutique shopping and plenty of family-friendly fun. The evening concludes with fireworks lighting up the sky at 9pm, making it a lively way to celebrate Australia Day.

Classic Boat Display
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Rathmines Memorial Park
Time | TBD
Celebrate Australia Day by the water with a classic boat display at Rathmines Memorial Park. Admire restored vessels, classic boats for sale, and enjoy sausage sandwich and drink throughout the day.

Aussie Night Markets firework display. Image: Lake Macquarie Council

Maitland

Community Breakfast
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Maitland Park
Time | 7.30am – 12.30pm
Enjoy a free community breakfast at Maitland Park with live entertainment, kids’ craft activities, classic car displays, a petting zoo and games for all ages. It’s a family-friendly way for locals to come together and celebrate.

Free Pool Entry
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Maitland Aquatic Centre and East Maitland Aquatic Centre
Time | 10am – 4pm
Spend Australia Day with free entry to Maitland and East Maitland Aquatic Centres. It’s a refreshing option for families and friends looking cool off and enjoy the summer weather.

Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Maitland Town Hall
Time | 10.30am – noon
The Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will officially welcome Maitland’s newest citizens and it recognises the contributions these citizens bring to the growing community.

Dive in Cinema
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Maitland Aquatic Centre
Time | From 5pm
Dive in Cinema offers a fun way to end the day. Families can float in the pool or unwind poolside while enjoying a double feature of Moana 2 (PG) and Lilo & Stitch (PG). It is $5 for poolside and $10 in-pool with free popcorn adding to the experience.

Community Breakfast Maitland. Image: supplied

Port Stephens

Australia Day at Tilligerry
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage
Time | 8am – noon
The Tilligerry Lions Club at Henderson Park is a community-focused event which includes a purchased Great Aussie Breakfast, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Australia Day at Raymond Terrace
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace
Time | 8am – 2pm
Australia Day at Raymond Terrace includes the Citizenship Ceremony, the Port Stephens Citizen of the Year presentation and a RAAF flypast. There will be a free Great Aussie Breakfast and food and coffee vendors. Children’s rides including ice skating and water slides. All-day markets and live music will also be apart of the day.

Australia Day at Nelson Bay
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay
Time | 9.30am – 3.45pm
Australia Day at Nelson Bay is packed with family-friendly activities. Enjoy vintage and classic cars on display, kids’ activities and alpaca and sheep shearing demonstrations. There will be live music, dancing, and an Army band to add to the festive atmosphere.

Australia Day at Karuah
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Karuah RSL Club
Time | 10am until late
Karuah RSL will hold a full day of celebrations, supported by Port Stephens Council. The program features the popular thong-throwing competition, social bowls and live entertainment. Fireworks lighting up the sky at 9pm.

Australia Day Shoal Bay Country Club
When | Monday 26 January
Where | Shoal Bay Country Club
Time | From 2.30pm until late
Spend Australia Day enjoying stunning views at this all-Aussie celebration. The festivities include live music from 2.30pm, the classic thong-throwing competition, and DJs spinning tracks from 8.30pm until late.

Citizenship Ceremony Port Stephens. Image: supplied

Singleton

Twilight 2026 Australia Day Eve
When | Sunday 25 January
Where | Townhead Park, Singleton
Time |  6pm – 9.30pm
This annual free community celebration will feature family fun, live entertainment and an outdoor cinema at Townhead Park. The day will feature food trucks, a pop-up bar, live music, face painting, and a water slip and slide. Event goers are encouraged to bring swimmers and a towel.

Australia Day at Singleton
When | Monday 26 January 
Where | Civic Centre, Singleton
Time |  8am – noon
Prepare for a yummy traditional BBQ breakfast from 8am at Singleton Civic Centre cooked up by volunteers from Singleton Rotary. The day will be followed by the official Australia Day ceremony from 9.30am.

Twilight 2026 Australia Day Eve. Image supplied

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