Perth families are in for a treat this Australia Day, with the annual Coogee Beach Festival promising a morning packed with free entertainment and classic Aussie fun. The event will run from 8:00 am until noon on Monday, January 26, 2026, offering a perfect, budget-friendly way to celebrate the national holiday.
A Line-Up of Entertainment and Cultural Celebration
The festival will officially commence with a Welcome to Country, honouring the traditional custodians of the land. This will be followed by a vibrant performance from the Bindjareb Middars Aboriginal dancers, a group renowned for sharing Bibbulmun culture from Western Australia's South West region both locally and internationally.
The musical entertainment is set to delight all ages, featuring performances by the JRS Singers, the Monty Cotton Trio, and The Heaps Good Show. Guiding the festivities throughout the morning will be popular Perth radio and TV presenter Alana McLean, who will act as MC.
Classic Competitions and Unique Attractions
True to its laid-back, beachside spirit, the festival will host some iconic Australian competitions. Attendees can test their skills in thong-throwing and watermelon eating contests, promising laughs and light-hearted rivalry.
Beyond the stage and competitions, a diverse range of attractions will be spread across the sand. Families can get up close with native fauna through the WA Birds of Prey and West Oz wildlife encounters. For those seeking active fun, there will be circus workshops and a splash zone complete with water slides. Younger visitors will also have the chance to meet a mermaid during a special meet-and-greet session.
Community Focus with a Local Ambassador
Adding a strong community focus to the day, Jimmy Murphy will be participating as the City of Cockburn's Australia Day ambassador for 2026, appointed by Auspire (the Australia Day Council WA). Murphy is the co-founder of the Town Team Movement, which collaborates with communities—including local groups in Yangebup, South Lake, and Bibra Lake—and councils to create grassroots projects like street festivals, community gardens, and food co-ops. The movement has now grown to include over 100 Town Teams across Australia and New Zealand.
Murphy also co-founded Arts Impact WA, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to funding arts projects, further highlighting his commitment to community development. For the most current details on the Australia Day Coogee Beach Festival, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Cockburn's official website.
