Queensland Day

Queensland Day is a celebration of Queensland’s birthday and marks the state's official separation from New South Wales as an independent colony in 1859.

Commemorated annually on 6 June, Queensland Day is an important celebration of our state’s culture and heritage, and an opportunity to reflect on what Queensland means to you and what makes you proud to be a Queenslander—whether it be our people, places, opportunities or lifestyle.

This Queensland Day, Tuesday 6 June, marked 164 years since the momentous separation took place. To help us celebrate all that we’ve achieved since then, we asked you to share what you love most about Queensland with #MaroonIt.

We encouraged all Queenslanders—businesses, community groups, organisations, schools, families, and sporting teams—to come together, show their state pride and get involved in Queensland Day celebrations around 6 June.

See how Queenslanders got involved.


Lighting of Queensland icons

To celebrate our state’s birthday, the tradition of lighting key icons, landmarks, and buildings across the state on Queensland Day continued.

Picture of the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges.
Picture of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery.
Picture of Brisbane sign in Southbank
Picture of Brisbane Performing Arts Centre
Picture of Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Picture of the Wheel of Brisbane
Picture of Queensland Parliament House
Picture of Queensland Parliament House
Picture of Brisbane Roma Street Parkland
Picture of Brisbane Square
Picture of Brisbane City Hall
Picture of Brisbane's Story Bridge

Other Awards and celebrations

Queensland Greats Awards

The Queensland Greats Awards recognise the efforts and achievements of remarkable individuals and institutions for their invaluable contribution to the history and development of our great state. The 2023 Queensland Greats were announced at a ceremony in Brisbane on Queensland Day, Tuesday 6 June 2023.

Find out more about the Queensland Greats Awards.