Tens of thousands of people took part in rallies and protests across Australia on January 26, 2026, marking Australia Day events that were met with significant police preparation and deployment.
Major demonstrations were held in capital cities, reflecting deep social divisions over the national holiday and wider political issues.
In major cities, including Melbourne, hundreds to thousands of participants gathered for competing rallies. In Melbourne’s central business district, heavy police presence was visible throughout the day as two rival events took place close to one another.
Mounted officers, riot units and strategic blockades were used to try to prevent clashes between Invasion Day protesters and supporters of the March for Australia rally. Invasion Day marches drew large crowds who condemned the celebration of January 26 as a day of national pride, instead characterising it as a day of mourning for First Nations people.
Protesters took to the streets with chants and speeches focusing on the historical impact of colonisation and ongoing Indigenous injustices, and they called for greater recognition of Indigenous rights.
At the same time, the March for Australia rally featured strong nationalist and anti‑immigration rhetoric, with participants singing patriotic songs, chanting slogans and displaying symbols associated with far‑right groups. Some supporters called for the release of a known neo‑Nazi, leading to minor confrontations with the public and counter‑protesters.
Police played a central role in managing the events, implementing heavy security measures to prevent direct clashes. Despite heightened tensions and some heated exchanges between opposing groups, widespread violence was largely avoided on the day.
