Monday, 26th January 2026 | 5pm – 11pm | Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide SA
Aus Lights on the River is back again for 2026, with a free program of events that reminds us that we are all part of the story. The event will showcase our SA Story through immersive, visually engaging light, vision, and sound installations, complemented by children’s activations.
Under the theme of Respect, Reflect, Celebrate. The 2026 Aus Lights on the River Program will be inspired by creative visions of our continuous story.
The Aus Lights on the River program enables us to reflect on this great land and its peoples, starting with the oldest living cultures, our First Nations, to our most recent arrivals, the refugees who call Australia home. This Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to deepen our connection to nature and belonging to Country. Our increasingly fragile world reminds us of our great country’s extraordinary beauty, richness, and expansiveness and the incredible diversity of its people. We can look back at our history, acknowledge the times we are now living through, and manifest our future on the foundations of respect, inclusivity and shared values.
Jan Chorley, CEO Australia Day Council of SA
South Australians are warmly invited to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories, cultures and perspectives at the Australia Day Council of SA’s Mourning in the Morning event early on 26 January 2026.
Together, we will continue to create a respectful and inclusive ceremony focused on Our Continuing Story, led and shaped by South Australian First Nations community leaders.
Held in Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on the banks of Adelaide’s River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, this groundbreaking First Nations-led event is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.
Gather at 7.30am for a welcome to Kaurna country, followed by First Nations speakers, musicians, dancers, and interactive activities grounded in respect. The event will feature a smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner.
Mourning in the Morning Smoking Ceremony key event partner SA Power Networks community support partners Adelaide PHN, Adelaide University, Credit Union SA, Sarah Constructions, SDA , and Sofitel Adelaide.
The program is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and the City of Adelaide and is supported by the Government of South Australia.
The parade begins at 6 pm on War Memorial Drive and proceeds into King William Street, finishing at Elder Park. Visitors can view the parade map, including the full route and the best viewing areas.
This vibrant celebration brings together more than 50 South Australian community organisations, showcasing the diversity, creativity and spirit of our state. It is a moment of inclusion, respect and shared belonging, filled with colour, music, dance, cultural groups, performers, and charities that enrich our community.
As the Aus Lights Parade concludes, join us in Elder Park to continue the celebration. The main stage will feature energetic performances from the Aus Lights Parade community organisations.
Aus Lights Parade community support partners South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre , Galipo Foods and Altus Traffic.
Aus Lights on the River will be a vibrant and inclusive FREE program of events that remind us we are all part of the story. The program invites all South Australians to reflect on this great land and its people.
The evening kicks off with the Aus Lights Parade on King William Street. This vibrant Parade honours our diverse community organisations, reflecting the rich diversity of South Australians at their best.
The Official Ceremony features live performances from the dynamic Diana Rouvas (Winner of The Voice Australia), Festival Statesmen Choir, Young Adelaide Voices and musical collaborations with the Adelaide Youth Orchestra.
The program concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the River Torrens - an experience not to be missed.
Aus Lights on the River 2026 is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and the City of Adelaide and is supported by the Government of South Australia.
Mourning in the Morning – 7:30am to 8:45am
21-Gun Salute (Torrens Parade Ground) – 12:00pm to 12:15pm
Aus Lights, evening event – 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Aus Lights Parade – 6:00pm to 7:00pm
ADF Flyover – 7:04pm to 7:07pm
Official Ceremony – 8:30 to 9:30pm
Fireworks Display – 9:30pm to 9:40pm
Mourning in the Morning, Aus Lights Evening Event and the Fireworks display are all located at ELDER PARK, Adelaide, SA 5000.
The Parade will begin on War Memorial Drive, turn to head south down King William Road, and end inside the Elder Park grounds.
The 21-Gun Salute will be located at the Torrens Parade Ground on Victoria Drive.
The ADF Flyover will be heading west across Elder Park and will be visible from the event grounds and surrounding areas.
There is no dress code for these events, but the ADCSA advises attendees to dress appropriately for the forecasted weather conditions. Eg. Hat, Sunscreen (Slip, Slop, Slap). Or a jacket and covered shoes (for cold/wet weather)
Yes!
An array of food will be available from various food trucks/catering.
Most dietary requirements will be available at some or all of these sites. (Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free etc.)
Several water stations will be located around the event area. Feel free to bring your own drink bottles and fill them up as required.
A bar will be located next to the food and catering area and will be available for those over 18 years of age to purchase alcoholic drinks. ID may be required.
Please note that attendees are not permitted to bring there own alcohol into the event, nor can any alcohol be taken outside of the event.
The surrounding area is an Alcohol Free Zone.
These requirements are in alignment with our events liquor licence.
If you are volunteering at Aus Lights 2026, please contact the Aus Lights Volunteer Coordinator for further details on 0423 825 714 or rikki.cooke@adcsa.com.au.
If you are unable to reach them, you can contact the main office on (08) 8212 3999 or info@adcsa.com.au.
On the Day: An Information Tent will be located inside Elder Park. Please make yourself known to the staff stationed here on the day and they will direct you as needed.
If you are performing at the Mourning in the Morning event, please contact your organisation’s coordinator.
If you are unable to reach them, you can contact the main office on (08) 8212 3999 or info@adcsa.com.au
On the Day: An Information Tent will be located inside Elder Park. Please make yourself known to the staff stationed here on the day and they will direct you as needed.
If you are performing at the Aus Lights evening event, please contact your organisation’s coordinator in regards to your personal situation. For further details please refer to your briefing sheet received from your relevant contact person.
If you are unable to access these, you can contact the main office on (08) 8212 3999 or info@adcsa.com.au
On the Day: An Information Tent will be located inside Elder Park. Please make yourself known to the staff stationed here on the day and they will direct you as needed.
Public Transport will be available as per usual on the day and it is recommended to use public transport where possible to limit traffic congestion.
There is limited street parking available around Victoria Drive, Kintore Avenue, Frome Road.
The Convention Centre and Festival Centre underground parking is also available.
Please be aware that these areas continue to have time limits and some costs.
We recommend planning your travel ahead of time and making use of the public transport available.
Between 4:30pm and 7:00pm the following road closures will occur:
– War Memorial Drive will be closed from Montefiore Road to King William Road.
– The Western Carriage Way of King William Road (from the Festival Theatre to War Memorial Drive) will also be closed. (Please note the Festival Theatre car park will still be accessible).
Please make note of this and plan your travel ahead of time to avoid delays and traffic in the area.
Yes! We are welcoming families and children of all ages to our events.
Some of the activities available for children include: Face painting, assortment of art and crafts, the Nylon Zoo and several roving children’s entertainers.
Yes. Toilets are located inside the Elder Park event with disability access also available at this site.
Alternatively there are public toilets located in the surrounding areas. Please be aware that times of open access may vary at these sites.
There will be emergency personnel located adjacent to the King William Road entrance and the amenities block. If you require assistance please make your way toward this area.
St John’s ambulance service, Security and SA Police will be stationed at this area.
If you or someone else requires assistance, please notify one of the security personnel. There are a number of security personnel stationed around the event grounds. They will be able to assist you or contact services on your behalf.
