It all began in Sydney with a single idea: switch off the lights for one hour to show solidarity with the planet. Now, twenty years on, Earth Hour returns home for a milestone anniversary on Saturday, 28th March 2026, inviting Sydneysiders to join millions worldwide in flicking the switch for nature.
At 8:30pm, expect a breathtaking moment when Sydney’s icons—from the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House—fall into darkness.
The event, created by WWF-Australia in 2007, has grown into the world’s largest grassroots environmental movement, uniting more than 190 countries under one message: small actions can spark global change.
Where to See Sydney Go Dark
These beloved landmarks and buildings will be turning off their lights for the hour:
Landmarks
- Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Luna Park Sydney
- White Bay Power Station, Rozelle
- University of Technology Sydney
- The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
- Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel
- PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
- PARKROYAL Parramatta
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- Grosvenor Place Sydney
- Investa Property Group
- Cisco Systems Australia, North Sydney
- Red Hat, North Sydney
- Charter Hall
- Australia Post (support offices)
CBD Buildings
- 60 Martin Place
- 55 Clarence Street
- 45 Clarence Street
- 44 Market Street
- 420 George Street
- 40 Mount Street
- 39 Martin Place
- 388 George Street
- 347 Kent Street
- 252 Pitt Street
- 201 Kent Street
- 175 Liverpool Street
- 151 Clarence Street
- 135 King Street
- 126 Phillip Street
- 10–20 Bond Street
- 1 Market Street
A Critical Hour For The Planet
WWF-Australia says the 20th anniversary marks not just a celebration but a call to recommit.
“In just one hour in Australia, over 500 native mammals could be displaced, harmed or killed by habitat destruction, more than 6,200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are released and one species could be lost forever,” the organisation warns.
Residents are encouraged to take part by turning out the lights at home, gathering by the harbour or simply taking a moment outdoors as the city skyline fades to black. Bring a picnic, a jumper, the kids—and take in one of the rarest sights Sydney offers: its world-famous icons under a sea of stars.
Two Decades On, Still Lighting the Way
What started in Sydney has become a global tradition, spanning landmarks from the Eiffel Tower to the Empire State Building. Now, two decades later, the city that began it all will once again lead the world into the dark—and, hopefully, toward a brighter, sustainable future.
Find out how to get involved or host your own local switch-off at earthhour.org.au/switch-off.
