The mystery case of Australia Day fireworks in Docklands
Many visitors and locals were left disappointed on Australia Day after turning up for a fireworks display at Victoria Harbour that never took place thanks to what appears to be another case of online misinformation.
Onlookers could be seen assembling along Harbour Esplanade on the evening of Australia Day in anticipation of a “spectacular fireworks display”, which was expected to begin at 9pm.
However, there would be no fireworks to speak of and many who had shown up took to social media to express their disappointment.
“Some pretty disappointed kids here,” one wrote on the Docklands Community Hub Facebook group. “Nothing arrived!” another wrote.
Some were quick to try and pin the blame on the City of Melbourne, which wasn’t responsible for the event having never formally announced any plans for Australia Day celebrations in Docklands. This was confirmed by the council to Docklands News following Australia Day.
The source of the information? It’s hard to say exactly, but an article published on OnlyMelbourne – an unofficial events website seemingly established for search engine optimisation (SEO) purposes – appears to have been the main source.
In its article titled, “Australia Day Fireworks 2025 at Docklands” it wrote: “Located along Harbour Esplanade, Australia Day celebrations showcase roaming artists, entertainment and a variety of food trucks.”
“Finishing the night with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.”
But a line further down the article suggests that it was likely prepared with content scraped from others written on Australia Day events that had taken place in Docklands in the past …
“In previous years, the Australia Day fireworks display has been held at Docklands Harbour and the fireworks were released from various barges along the harbour at 9pm.”
Docklands News contacted the site’s administrator Ripefruit Media, which claimed its information was sourced from timeoutfedsquare.com.au.
The article has since been removed from its website.
Time Out Fed Square as well as Traveloka listed fireworks in Docklands as top things to do on Australia Day 2025.
While unfortunate for those who took time to travel to the precinct to watch the display, the incident can only serve as a reminder to follow verified sources, including the City of Melbourne’s official website for events (whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au) and Docklands News. •
Photo: Amruta Wazalwar.

The mystery case of Australia Day fireworks in Docklands
