Australia Day 2025 events for the Northern Territory: Find out what’s on for the national day

With Australia Day fast approaching, Territorians have been invited to a number of events for to celebrate our national day. SEE THE LIST.

John Standing at the 20th annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture Glenn Campbell

With Australia Day fast approaching, Territorians have been invited to a number of events for to celebrate our national day.

Keep reading to find a list of where, and how, you can get involved in the festivities.

TOP END EVENTS

Oz Run – Darwin Waterfront

At the Darwin Waterfront, Australia Day officially kicks off at 6.30am with the Oz Fun Run.

Participants are being asked to gather at the Darwin Convention Centre for a Zumba warm-up, followed by an optional two and a half or five kilometre course.

Registration is free for the event.

Liam Gotts was the first runner to cross the finish line at the annual Australia Day Oz Run at the Darwin Waterfront in 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run – Hidden Valley Raceway

From 7am, Australia Day’s most iconic celebration, the Ute Run, revs up at the Hidden Valley Raceway.

People are invited to dress up their ute and other vehicles in Australian themes and parade them through the streets.

This year’s theme is reflect, respect, and celebrate, with utes competing to see who can best show this theme.

The parade is led by the First Nation ute, recognising Australia’s oldest living culture.

Alanna Oppermann and friends at the 20th annual Hot 100 Australia Day Ute Run in Darwin. Picture Glenn Campbell/NCA Newswire

City of Palmerston Australia Day 2025 – Palmerston Recreation Centre

Celebrating culture, honouring the past and looking forward to a shared future are just some of the things Palmerston residents can expect at the City of Palmerston’s Australia Day Festivities this year.

Getting underway at 1pm, the festivities will involve an official citizenship ceremony as well as recognise Palmerston residents for their outstanding contributions to the community by presenting the Palmerston Citizen of the Year awards.

Corey Marsh, Nicole Hamilton and Chris Gill. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Australia Day Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony 2025 – Darwin City, 116 Esplanade

In Darwin, Australia Day will be marked at 10am with a special Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony, followed by the announcement of the Citizen of the Year Awards recognising community members who go above and beyond in their civic efforts.

Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the ceremony for all attendees.

Territorians will also witness a fighter jet fly-past at 12pm, and free entry at Nightcliff, Casuarina and Parap Pools.

Corey Marsh, Nicole Hamilton and Chris Gill ready to go for the iconic charity event. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Family Day on the Beach – Darwin Trailer Boat Club

From 11am, Darwin Trailer Boat Club will be offering a number of Australian-themed games, live music from a local band and fun activities.

Australia Day celebrations at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club Mitch Danks [yellow shirt] and Andrew Thain get some practice in for the Barra Toss competition on a previous Australia Day. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

Australia Day Celebrations – Wagait Beach, Cloppenburg Park

Celebrations will start from 7am at Wagait Beach, with a number of activities including thong throwing competitions, spear throwing, face painting, a fun run and cake decoration competitions.

There will also be a 10am BBQ brunch and the annual Cricket match between Red Hog Moondogs and the Squirrel Grippers

Katherine Town Council Australia Day Morning Tea – Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery

This event offers Katherine’s senior community to come together, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with friends old and new.

KTC said it would serve a selection of delicious teas, coffee, and homemade treats, all while celebrating the spirit of Australia Day.

A citizenship ceremony was held on January 24.

Proceedings start at 10am and conclude at 12pm.

Central Australia Events

Alice Springs Town Council Australia Day – Alice Springs Con­ven­tion Cen­tre

The Alice Springs Town Council is set to host its annual Citizenship Ceremony and Centralian of the Year Awards at the Alice Springs Convention Centre from 8am.

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.

Seventy new Aussies from 20 countries will be recognised.

A group of inspiring Centralians will also be recognised for their contributions to the Alice Springs community.

Later, from 11am to 3pm, Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre will hold its annual splash party, which includes inflatable obstacle courses, water slides, free steak sandwiches and lamingtons and a DJ.

His Worship the Mayor of Alice Springs Matt Paterson inspects the Honour Guard during the Australia Day Flag Raising and citizenship ceremony at Alice Springs Town Council lawns Todd Street Alice Springs. Picture Mark Brake

Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre Australia Day

Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre are inviting residents to join them on Australia Day to celebrate Aboriginal and cultural activities.

Experience a smoking ceremony, hear from an Aboriginal guest speaker, an elder, and participate in a cultural program activity.

Trent lee with the fire for the smoking ceremony at the annual Australia Day Oz Run at the Darwin Waterfront. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Originally published as Australia Day 2025 events for the Northern Territory: Find out what’s on for the national day