July 14 – A Celebration of Liberty, Culture & Community
Bastille Day, held each year on July 14, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789 — a key turning point in the French Revolution. More than just a historical event, Bastille Day has grown into a vibrant global celebration of freedom, unity, and French culture. It’s a day marked by fireworks, food, parades and parties from Paris to Perth — and everywhere in between.
In Australia, Bastille Day is one of those truly Big Days where people come together to celebrate a shared love of French food, music, and community. Whether you have French heritage or simply love an excuse to indulge in croissants, Champagne and chansons, July 14 is a chance to embrace a bit of France, right here at home.
How Australia Celebrates Bastille Day
While Bastille Day isn’t a public holiday in Australia, it’s fast becoming a cultural highlight on the winter calendar. Cities and communities across the country are embracing the occasion with everything from intimate dinners and wine tastings to large-scale public events, French-themed markets, and creative celebrations in venues large and small.
Restaurants offer French-inspired menus, bars pop corks on bottles of bubbly, and cultural groups host film nights, concerts and language meetups. Many Australians also celebrate privately — hosting dinner parties, attending themed events, or simply enjoying a treat from their favourite French bakery. Whether indoors or out, fancy or casual, Bastille Day in Australia is a warm, festive and inclusive affair.
Bastille Day Around the Country
Here’s how cities and regions across Australia are bringing the French spirit to life on July 14:
Melbourne
Known for its love of great food and global culture, Melbourne celebrates Bastille Day with French festivals, laneway gatherings, and elegant dining experiences. Cosy wine bars and cultural venues across the city come alive with Francophile flair.
Sydney
In Sydney, Bastille Day often means spectacular harbour views and Parisian-themed parties. From rooftop bars to French bistros and boutique pop-ups, the Harbour City embraces the celebration with a mix of glamour and good taste.
Brisbane
Brisbane brings a relaxed energy to Bastille Day, with alfresco dining, riverfront celebrations, and local venues offering French food, live music, and friendly vibes. The city’s sunny winter makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Perth
On the west coast, Perth locals enjoy Bastille Day with style — celebrating in rooftop venues, historic pubs, and riverside spots. From morning brunches to evening cocktails, there’s always a French twist in the air.
Adelaide
With its close ties to food and wine culture, Adelaide makes Bastille Day a gourmet affair. Expect a mix of classy dinners, cellar door experiences and boutique French events, particularly across the city’s inner suburbs.
Hobart
In Tasmania, Hobart adds a cosy, wintery feel to the French national day. Local restaurants, wine bars and cultural groups create intimate events that blend local charm with European influence.
Canberra
In the nation’s capital, Bastille Day is often celebrated with cultural events, embassy-linked receptions, and refined food and wine evenings. It’s a stylish and thoughtful take on the French occasion.
Darwin
Darwin puts a tropical spin on Bastille Day. Expect chilled-out celebrations, live music, and multicultural dining options that nod to France while staying true to the Top End’s relaxed lifestyle.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast brings its own brand of sunshine and sparkle to the celebration. French-themed cocktails, seaside dining, and vibrant hospitality venues make it a perfect spot for Bastille Day revelry.
One of the Year’s Truly Big Days
No matter where you are in Australia, Bastille Day is a chance to embrace culture, cuisine, and community. It’s a day to indulge in French flavours, celebrate with friends, and enjoy something a little different in the middle of winter. Whether you’re heading to a public event, booking dinner at your favourite venue, or hosting a themed gathering at home, July 14 is a date to mark on the calendar.
This celebration may have its roots in 18th-century France, but here in Australia, it’s been warmly adopted as one of the world’s great Big Days.
Want More Bastille Day Inspiration?
Explore events, celebration ideas, and city guides at BastilleDay.au – your go-to destination for all things July 14 across Australia.