Every 2024 Invasion Day Protest Happening In Australia

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January 26 is a deeply painful day for First Nations people — a solemn and damning reminder of the enduring ramifications that colonisation and land dispossession continue to have. It is also a battle cry against all the institutional disadvantages and injustices that persist to this day.

Invasion Day — also referred to as a Day of Mourning and Survival Day — is not a day to commemorate, but rather, a day to stand up and show up for Indigenous communities until the date is abolished as a day of celebration. Full stop.

The date itself marks the arrival of European settlers (known as the "First Fleet") at Sydney Cove in 1788, thus, overriding more than 60,000 years of rich culture. Sovereignty was never ceded, but this invasion has seen Indigenous people fighting back for their self-determination ever since.

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"First Nations people have been protesting on January 26 long before it was called Australia Day," shared non-for-profit organisation Common Grounds on Instagram, referencing counter-movements dating as far back as 1888. "Since the first Day of Mourning, many thousands of people gather each year to protest the celebration of January 26. The scale of the protests grows yearly, as more and more people come to understand our true history and what the day represents for First Nations communities."

Yet year in and year out, Australians still decide to wave around the flag and crack open the BBQ to patriotic cheers, clutching on for dear life to a "tradition" that has only been a public holiday since 1994 — yes, less than three decades.

Ahead, where you can find your closest protest, rally and march to attend and support as an ally in 2024. You can also brush up on resources to educate yourself on Indigenous affairs before, on and after the day. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Where and when are the Invasion Day protests in Australia?

Sydney (Gadigal)

Invasion Day Rally: Friday, January 26 at 10:00am at Belmore Park (CBD).

After marching, you can head to Yabun Festival at Victoria Park in Broadway, where you can enjoy Australia's largest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

If you're waking up early, you can also attend the dawn reflection at 5:20am at the Sydney Opera House in Circular Quay.

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Melbourne (Naarm)

Invasion Day Rally: Friday, January 26, meet at 9am at Treasury Gardens to assemble for the Invasion Day rally, beginning at Parliament House at 10am.

After the march, you can head to Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the Share The Spirit festival. Here, you can enjoy music from Coloured Stone, No Fixed Address and Blackfire, plus a bunch more solo performances.

Newcastle (Mulubinba)

Invasion Day Rally: Friday, January 26 at 9.30am at Customs House for a 10am start.

Perth (Boorloo)

Invasion Day Rally: Friday, January 26 at 12:30pm at Forest Place, marching from 1:30pm.

After the rally, head to Birak Concert, which is taking place on Supreme Court Gardens from 3pm. Here, you can enjoy a bunch of Western Australia talent such as Kyle Kingbrown, Bartlett, Miss Genius, Billy Narrier and the Band, and Aliwah Dancers.