Anticipated Participation of Thousands in 'Invasion Day' Demonstrations

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Thousands of people are expected to take part in “Invasion Day” marches and events to protest Australia Day.

Indigenous communities and allies across the country will rally against the use of January 26 as the national holiday, with most capital cities set to play host to multiple protests and events celebrating Indigenous culture.

While Australia Day is celebrated by many, January 26 is observed as a day of mourning for many First Nations people.

"Invasion Day" protests in 2023. Similar rallies are expected this year. — “Invasion Day” protests in 2023. Similar rallies are expected this year. (Justin McManus/The Age)

Major Invasion Day rallies are planned for both Melbourne and Sydney at 10am.

Some Indigenous groups will hold “morning ceremonies” to reflect on the struggle and suffering of their ancestors.

Sydneysiders attended the WugulOra ceremony in Barangaroo Reserve from 7.30am, which is hosted by the NSW government.

Opera House lit up during moving dawn Australia Day ceremony

These events featured a smoking ceremony which offers “cleansing and healing” for First Nations people.

In Sydney, protests will also kick off at 10am in Belmore Park, Haymarket.

An Invasion Day protest is also set to start at 10am on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne.

Melbourne will also hold a Share the Spirit Invasion Day Festival from 11.30am at Treasury Gardens.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: The Aboriginal flag attached to a boat as it passes the Sydney Harbour on Australia day on January 26, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Australia Day, formerly known as Foundation Day, is the official national day of Australia and is celebrated annually on January 26 to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet to Sydney in 1788. Many indigenous Australians refer to the day as 'Invasion Day' and there is a small but growing movement to change the date amid broader deba — The Aboriginal flag attached to a boat as it passes the Sydney Harbour on Australia Day 2025. (Getty)

Rallies will also be held across Queensland in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and in Cairns, as well as regional areas across Victoria including Geelong, Mildura.

There will be a “survival day” celebration in Adelaide and in Mt Barker, while Perth Indigenous communities will gather for the “Sovereignty Day” protest at 12pm local time.

A “we won’t celebrate Invasion Day” march is also slated to begin in Hobart at 11.30am.

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra will lead the Sovereignty Day rally from 9.30am.

In the Northern Territory, the Justice Not Jails: Survival Day Picnic will start at 10.30am local time.

There will be other Indigenous events and celebrations in every capital city.