Australia Day/Invasion Day 2021 events guide for Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin

One of the most polarising dates on the Australian calendar is back, though this year the coronavirus pandemic could mean fewer crowds at events around the country.

January 26 marks Australia Day or Invasion Day, typically seen as a celebration of the nation or a day of sorrow for the colonisation of an ancient culture.

For many First Nations people, it is a day to mourn the past and galvanise the community to address ongoing systemic racial injustice.

For others, it’s a chance to spend time with family and friends at the beach or around barbeques.

However you plan to spend the day, these are some of the big events in the capital cities.

Melbourne

There’ll be no Australia Day parade in Melbourne this year due to fears of another coronavirus…