Millions gather around the country to mark Australia Day

Some 15,000 new Australians have been recognised in citizenship ceremonies across the country, as those celebrating Australia Day were graced with warm weather and clear skies.

Thousands flocked to beaches and backyards nationwide to mark the national holiday, while protests attracted tens of thousands in capital cities.

In Sydney, crowds gathered for dawn reflection at Darling Harbour, where the sails of the Opera House were lit up in Indigenous artwork.

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Across NSW, 4100 people were sworn in as citizens in 83 ceremonies.

Barbecues in the city's west were held in Parramatta Park, where Sydneysiders flocked for breakfast and a hot air balloon show, as well as live music and entertainment.

Tonight, thousands will flock to the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House for a live music concert platforming great Aussie hits by cherished local artists.

Warm weather provided perfect racing weather for those participating in the OzDay 10k wheelchair race, including paralympic gold medallist Madison de Rozario.

"This race is what started out my career, so to be able to make it to 11 is unexpected," she said.

At Melbourne's Town Hall, about 150 people from 38 different backgrounds proudly showed off their citizenship certificates.

Across the road, there was roving entertainment at Federation Square, where Melburnians were expected to flood this evening for a spot to watch the Australian Open men's final.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised unity across the country as he welcomed dozens of new citizens in the national Australia Day ceremony in Canberra.

Albanese kicked off one of more than 280 Australia Day citizenship ceremonies to be held across the country.

Whilst promoting unity in his address, when asked about Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's absence from the Canberra event, Albanese said the ceremony "should be bipartisan".

"I think the national Australia Day event should be attended by both sides of the parliament," he said.

"It's one of the best events anyone could get invited to.

"Why wouldn't you participate in national events if you want to be a national leader?"

Dutton was celebrating Australia Day in his Queensland electorate of Dickson.

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Australia Day 2025: Ceremonies and celebrations in pictures

In a social media post, Dutton wished his supporters a happy Australia Day, stating Aussies have " every reason to be patriotic and proud".

"To be an Australian is to have won the lottery of life," Dutton wrote.

Albanese's presence at the Lake Burley Griffin event followed an earlier ceremony with Ngunnawal elders.

"Here we acknowledge the fullness and richness of our history, but what unites us as Australians is our common commitment," Albanese said.

"Whether we are a part of the oldest continuous living culture on earth or whether we are people who are becoming citizens today, we all share that vision, as Australians, of a fair country a country in which people can fulfill their opportunity make a better life for themselves and their families.

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"It's inspiring to be able to reflect, but also to celebrate everything that we have created as a country."

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke took to X to share photos of his attendance at citizenship ceremonies across the country over the last week.

"We are becoming an even better country ... love hearing new citizens make a pledge to Australia," Burke wrote.

"To everyone who is becoming an Australian citizen: Welcome Home!"

Yesterday, former AFL star and coach and current motor neurone disease campaigner Neale Daniher was named Australian of the Year for his work raising awareness of and funds for the fight against the disease.

Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013, and has since far outlived the expected lifespan for someone with the disease, as well as raising more than $100 million to find a cure.

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"It doesn't discriminate. It robs you of your ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe," he said.

"But it did something else, too. It lit a fire within me. A determination to fight for those who are currently affected, and those who will face it after me. I chose to fight because if I didn't, how could I expect anyone else to?

While Australia Day is celebrated by many, January 26 is observed as a day of mourning for many First Nations people.

Major "Invasion Day" rallies kicked off in both Melbourne and Sydney today too.