Australia will play its part in one of the most symbolic traditions of the Commonwealth Games when the King’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games arrives across the country from 21–25 March 2026, bringing together athletes, communities and supporters of the Commonwealth movement.
The Baton began its global journey at Buckingham Palace, carrying a message from His Majesty King Charles III to the athletes of the Commonwealth. As it travels across Commonwealth nations it symbolises unity, diversity and the shared sporting heritage connecting the 56 member countries and territories of the Commonwealth.
For the first time, each Commonwealth territory will feature a uniquely designed Baton, reflecting local culture and identity before the Batons unite at the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Australia’s Baton has been designed by renowned Kalkadoon artist Chern’ee Sutton, whose work celebrates both First Nations culture and Australia’s strong Commonwealth sporting tradition.
Learn more about the Baton design and the global relay through Commonwealth Sport:
https://thecgf.com
Celebrating Australia’s Commonwealth Connections
Across Australia, the Baton will feature in a series of symbolic appearances rather than a traditional relay route. These events highlight Australia’s diverse landscapes and communities while celebrating sport and Commonwealth friendship.
Key moments in the Australian leg include:
• Uluru – where aspiring para-sprinter Briseis Brittain will showcase the Baton in the heart of Australia and meet students at the Mutitjulu School.
• The Great Barrier Reef – where swimmers and athletes will celebrate Australia’s marine environment among one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
• Townsville – where the Baton will feature in a community ocean clean-up organised with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation, supporting the prevention of plastic pollution entering Commonwealth oceans and waterways.
Learn more about this important environmental initiative:
https://tangaroablue.org
• Admiralty House, Sydney – where the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, will welcome the King’s Baton during its national visit.
• Launceston, Tasmania – where seven-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ariarne Titmus OAM will conclude the Australian leg with a visit to her childhood pool.
The King’s Baton Relay is not only a sporting milestone but also a celebration of the shared values of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect that unite Commonwealth nations.
As the countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games accelerates, the Baton’s journey through Australia offers communities across the country an opportunity to celebrate the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth.
View the media release here: Media Release Kings Baton Relay
