Australia Day 2026

Australia Day weekend pool parties

Saturday 24 January

Lakeside Leisure Centre and Tomaree Aquatic Centre - 10am to 3pm

Cool off and celebrate the Australia Day weekend at the pool parties hosted by Lakeside Leisure Centre and Tomaree Aquatic Centre. Both venues offer free entry, inflatables, water slides, a sausage sizzle, and a range of entertainment and activities suitable for families.

Learn more.

Monday 26 January

Nelson Bay

Fly Point Park - 9:30am to 3:45pm

Celebrate Australia Day at Fly Point Park, Nelson Bay, with a full day of family-friendly activities and community celebrations. The day includes the Citizenship Ceremony at 1pm, a RAAF fly past, live music, dancing, army band, and a visit from the nominated Australia Day Ambassador.
More than 90 market stalls will offer local products, and families can enjoy food trucks and a BBQ, animal and sheep-shearing demonstrations, classic cars, children’s activities, and a jumping castle. Parking is available at Neil Carroll Rotary Park.
  • Citizenship Ceremony at 1pm
  • RAAF Fly Past
  • Live Music, Dancing, Army Band
  • Ambassador visit
  • Markets (90+ stalls)
  • Food trucks and BBQ
  • Alpaca and sheep shearing demonstrations
  • Classic cars display
  • Kids’ activities and Jumping castle

This event is coordinated by the Port Stephens Council Nelson Bay Sub Committee and supported by Veolia and Marquis

Raymond Terrace

Raymond Terrace Rotary Club at Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace - 8am to 2pm

Join the Raymond Terrace community at Riverside Park for a vibrant Australia Day celebration hosted by the Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace. The day begins with The Raymond Terrace Bowling Club Great Aussie Breakfast from 8am to 9am, free to the community, thanks to the generous support of the Bowling Club.


From 9am to 10:30am, enjoy the official ceremony, including the Citizenship Ceremony and the Port Stephens Annual Awards presentation, recognising outstanding local contributions. The day also includes a visit from the nominated Australia Day Ambassador.

  • Great Aussie Breakfast from 8am to 9am, brought to you FREE by the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club
  • Official Ceremony from 9am to 10:30am (includes Citizenship Ceremony and Annual Awards presentation)
  • RAAF Fly Past
  • Markets, food vendors, and food trucks
  • Children’s rides including ice skating and water slides
  • Car Club Display
  • Live music throughout the day

This event is made possible by the support of the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club and Veolia, and is coordinated in partnership with Port Stephens Council and volunteers to ensure a safe, fun day for all.

Karuah

Karuah RSL - 10am to late

Karuah RSL hosts a full day of Australia Day festivities, supported by Port Stephens Council. Activities include the annual thong-throwing competition, bowls, live entertainment, and a fireworks display at 9pm. This event provides family-friendly fun and a celebration of community spirit for the Karuah area.

  • Fresh food competition with produce auctioned off and all proceeds going to RFS
  • Thong throwing competition
  • Bowls and live entertainment Fireworks display at 9pm

Lemon Tree Passage

Tilligerry Lions Club at Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage - 8am to 12pm

Celebrate with the Tilligerry Lions Club at Henderson Park for a community-focused Australia Day event, supported by Port Stephens Council. The celebration includes a Great Aussie Breakfast (available for purchase), live music, and family-friendly activities. The morning continues with Lemon Jam hosted by the Tilligerry Community Association.

  • Great Aussie Breakfast (available for purchase)
  • Lemon Jam celebration follows from 1pm to 5pm

Please note

Events are subject to change due to extreme heat conditions.