Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used a national ceremony speech in the capital to call for unity while celebrating the “richness” of the nation’s history.

People attended the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Australia Day 2025 celebrations in Sydney. Source: AAP / Steven Markham

“We all belong to the same proud story,” he said.

Many marked the day with a trip to the beach while families celebrated with a picnic and fired up barbecues.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a Citizenship Ceremony as part of Australia Day 2025 celebrations, in Canberra, Sunday, January 26, 2025. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

‘I see it as Invasion Day’

Thousands gathered at Belmore Park in central Sydney with Aboriginal and Palestinian flags attending the Invasion Day Rally. Source: AAP / Steven Markham

Australia Day became a public holiday in 1994 and marks the day the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove in 1788. But, many Australians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, consider it a day of mourning and

In Brisbane, Uncle Barry Tenor from the Bidjara and Kamilaroi described, January 26 as “the last day of our happiness and the first day of our sorrows”.

In Canberra, hundreds of protesters marched past Parliament House in support of Invasion Day rallies. Source: AAP / aap

“I’ve been marching since the 70s, and today, it’s just recognition that we are still around,” he told NITV.

“A lot of people see January 26 as Australia Day; I see it as Invasion Day.”

People march towards Flinders Street Station during an Invasion Day rally in Melbourne, Sunday, January 26, 2025. Source: AAP / Diego Fedele

Trevor Winders, another protester in Brisbane, said it was important to turn up to the rally.

Indigenous Australian singer Shellie Morris AO performed with her band at a January 26th event in the Northern Territory, saying she has always been “conflicted” about the day.

The Invasion Day rally in Melbourne was part of the weekly pro-Palestinian protests. Source: AAP / Diego Fedele

“For me today, it was more about enabling my family to have a voice. And it didn’t really matter which day it was.”

In Adelaide, members of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network were photographed by Getty Images as they were being arrested at a counter-protest to the Survival Day march.

Members of the National Socialist Network (NSN) were part of a counter-protest to the Invasion Day March on North Terrace and East Terrace Adelaide. Source: Getty / Tracey Nearmy

A spokesperson of the South Australia police told SBS News that the members of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network who were arrested at a counter-protest to the Invasion Day March, were in the process of being charged. Credit: Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

South Australian police confirmed to SBS News they made a number of arrests of protesters unrelated to the Survival Day march.

A spokesperson said the individuals were in the process of being charged.

The sails of Sydney’s Opera House were lit up with the artwork of Wiradjuri-Biripi artist James P. Simon. The artwork titled River Life depicts the essential and life-giving role of waterways to Aboriginal people. Source: SIPA USA, AAP / George Chan / SOPA Images

Newest citizens mark ‘special moment’

Balwand Singh Dhillon, who arrived in Australia in 2015 from India with a student visa, took his oath of citizenship in Perth and said he was proud to become Australian.

Balwand Singh Dhillon, who arrived in Australia in 2015, took his oath of Citizenship. Source: SBS News

“I think this is the best country you live in by far,” he told SBS News, saying he enjoyed multiculturalism.

“It is really a good feeling, and I can’t put much words into it. It is a special moment.”

“It’s taken maybe six and a half years, but today, my dream has come true,” Huyn told SBS News.

Liberal leader criticises Invasion Day rallies

“Because what we have in common is so much greater than anything that any differences that people might have. I want those differences to be respectful.”

“We have every reason to be patriotic and proud today. Let’s celebrate the achievement of Australia, under one flag,” he said.