Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft will conduct flypasts around Australia in support of Australia Day celebrations.

Australia Day is held annually on January 26th to reflect on our nation’s past and celebrate the Australian spirit, mateship and sense of community. The Australian Defence Force is proud to participate in Australia Day 2026 events.

Media Note

Flying is subject to variables including air traffic control requirements, weather, and operational availability. As such, flypasts and displays may be subject to cancellation at short notice.

Safety, noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of Defence flying activities. Participating aircraft will operate with a view to minimising the impact on the local communities. Information on aircraft noise and current flying activities is available at www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise or by calling 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).

Further information about the participating Royal Australian Air Force aircraft can be found at: http://www.airforce.gov.au/Technology/Aircraft.

Further information about the participating Royal Australian Navy aircraft can be found at: MH-60R-Seahawk | Royal Australian Navy

Media Contacts
Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au

State Time Location of event Aircraft
ACT 0931 Rond Terrace, Lake Burley Griffin 1 x E-7A Wedgetail
ACT 0932 Rond Terrace, Lake Burley Griffin 1 x CA-16 Wirraway heritage aircraft
NSW 1145-1220 Northern Beaches, Sydney MH-60R Seahawk
NSW 1200 Sydney Harbour, Sydney 1 x F-35A Lightning II
NSW 1227-1233 Sydney Harbour, Sydney MH-60R Seahawk
NSW 1233-1315 Eastern and Southern Beaches, Sydney MH-60R Seahawk
NSW 1000-1400 Neill Carroll Rotary Park, Nelson Bay 1 x F-35A Lightning II
SA 1904 Elder Park, Torrens River, King William Rd 1 X P-8A Poseidon
VIC 1200 Cressy Aerodrome, Cressy 1 x CAC Winjeel heritage aircraft
VIC 1215 Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne Roulettes
WA 0800 Sir James Mitchell Park Flagpole, South Perth Foreshore, Mill Point Road 1 X Hawk 127
WA 0815 Rankin Gardens, Subiaco 1 X Hawk 127

Details

Date

26 January 2026, 8:00 am
– 26 January 2026, 7:15 pm

Location

Multiple
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia

Flying schedule

  • Royal Australian Air Force aircraft will conduct flypasts around Australia in support of Australia day celebrations.