Celebrate Australia Day 2025 at Party in the Park

In celebration of Australia Day 2025 (January 26), Alexandra Gardens will host a party filled with activities, music and free fun for visitors of all ages.

The Ararat Rotary Club will be putting on a free BBQ lunch at the Rotary Rotunda, and you’ll also be able to find a selection of food trucks from which you can purchase additional hot food. When it’s time for dessert, head over to the Hippie Whippy ice cream van for a free cold treat in a cone. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the Balloon Artist roaming the gardens, who will be ready to put their skills to the test in creating something clever for you to take home. If the kids are looking for a creative makeover, make a beeline for the free face painting station set up near the pool. 

Live music lovers can set their picnic rugs up by the marquee hosting The Runaway Strings, the Ararat-based duo who will be delivering lively folk and bluegrass tunes from noon until 3pm.

Party in the Park will follow Ararat Rural City Council’s official Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and the 2025 Australia Day Awards, both of which will be held in a combined event at Alexandra Community Centre in the morning.

“Australia Day is a day to celebrate our diversity and unity, but also to reflect on the history of our relationship with First Nations people,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison. “It’s a reminder to examine the values that unite us as Australians, and recommit ourselves to those values. Holding our Citizenship Ceremony on this day symbolises the welcoming spirit of our nation, an attitude we strive to embody here in Ararat Rural City.” 

DATE: Sunday 26 January 2025

TIME: 12pm – 3pm 

LOCATION: Alexandra Gardens