Tens of thousands join 'Invasion Day' rallies across the country
Tens of thousands of people have joined marches across Australia in protest of January 26 being used as the national day.
In Melbourne alone, police said 25,000 people were at Parliament House.
Whilst the vast majority of demonstrations - both for and against Australia Day - were peaceful, arrests were made in Adelaide, including a man displaying a Nazi symbol.
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People attend the Invasion Day Rally in Sydney. Getty
Proud Gunai and Gunditjmara woman Meriki Onus leads tens of thousands in the Invasion Day rally in Melbourne. Getty
"Invasion Day" rallies have become widespread on January 26, with most capital cities hosting multiple protests and events celebrating Indigenous culture on a day that is observed as one of mourning for many First Nations people.
Victoria Police said they had a "highly visible presence" throughout the entire Melbourne CBD, where 25,000 marched from Parliament House to Flinders Street, concluding about 4pm.
Meanwhile, about 50-70 people attended a pro-Australia Day rally in Gosch's Paddock, adjacent to Melbourne Park, about 12.30pm.
There were no arrests at either event, police said.
About 50-70 people attended a pro-Australia Day rally in Gosch's Paddock, adjacent to Melbourne Park Jason South
A protester at the Invasion Day demonstration in Belmore Park, Sydney. Getty
Multiple arrests were made in Adelaide as alleged members of a far-right group attempted to disrupt a Survival Day march.
South Australia Police said at least a dozen people, who were not involved in organised events or protests, were arrested.
Charges against them include for loitering, possessing articles of disguise, and hindering and resisting arrest.
"One of the males arrested has also been charged with displaying a Nazi symbol," police said.
Images show officers pinning to the ground members of the National Socialist Network who were holding a counter protest in the parklands, according to a Getty photographer.
People march past Parliament House during the Sovereignty Day Rally in Canberra. Alex Ellinghausen
Kids join the march in Melbourne. Luis Enrique Ascui
Thousands of people took part in a demonstration at Belmore Park in Sydney.
The annual protest march across Sydney's CBD closed down streets and hundreds more joined the rally as it moved on from Belmore Park.
NSW Police laid just five charges at Australia Day events for a range of offences including knife, assault and offensive conduct offences.
"The vast majority of people that came out to enjoy the festivities, celebrated safely and responsibly, which made for a good day," Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood.
Road closures were set up earlier in the day to prepare for the flood of people taking to the streets.
In Melbourne, police blocked off large parts of Spring Street as the crowd swelled to tens of thousands by lunchtime.
People brought along signs declaring "Pay the rent" and "I live on stolen land".
In Melbourne alone, police said 25,000 people were at Parliament House. Getty
Police have praised the peaceful demonstrations in Melbourne's CBD. Luis Enrique Ascui
Some were chanting "too many coppers, not enough justice" as a police helicopter circled above the crowds in Melbourne.
Indigenous elder and historian Uncle Gary Foley addressed the crowd in Melbourne and told them "today is the day we remind the Commonwealth we are still here".
Earlier in Adelaide, crowds gathered for the Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony at Elder Park.
In Canberra, a few hundred protesters gathered outside Parliament House.
Some held megaphones and chanted as people marched near the Parliament House forecourt.
SA Police arrested several people who were not involved in the Survival Day march. Getty
Members of the National Socialist Network hold a counter protest in Adelaide. Getty
Signs read "No pride in genocide", "always was, always will be" and "sovereignty never ceded" as the marchers headed down Kings Avenue in Canberra.
Sydneysiders attended the WugulOra ceremony in Barangaroo Reserve from 7.30am, which is hosted by the NSW government.
The events featured smoking ceremonies, which offer "cleansing and healing" for First Nations people.
Rallies were also being held across Queensland in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and in Cairns.
The 30-degree heat didn't stop large crowds of protesters heading into Brisbane's CBD for an Invasion Day protest.
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Invasion Day protesters in Brisbane. 9News
Invasion Day protesters in Canberra held signs reading "sovereignty never ceded". 9News
There were "Survival Day" events in Adelaide and in Mt Barker, while Perth Indigenous communities were set to gather for the "Sovereignty Day" protest at midday AWST.
A "we won't celebrate Invasion Day" march was planned in Hobart for 11.30am.
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra started leading the Sovereignty Day rally at 9.30am.
In the Northern Territory, the Justice Not Jails: Survival Day Picnic started at 10.30am local time.
Crowds during the 2025 Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama in Adelaide. Getty
People attend the 2025 Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony at Elder Park. Getty
There are Indigenous events and celebrations happening in every capital city.
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