Australian Story Live: Celebrating 30 Years on ABC airs tonight, Monday 31 August 2026, at 8.00pm on ABC and ABC iview.
Australian Story marks three decades on air with a special extended episode from the Sydney Opera House, bringing together familiar faces, live music and memorable moments from one of ABC’s most enduring factual programs.
The anniversary special turns the spotlight back on the people and stories that have shaped Australian Story since its launch, while also giving the program a rare live-event feel for viewers watching at home.
Watch The Promo
Leigh Sales hosts the celebration, with guests including Claudia Karvan, Michael Klim, Mechelle Turvey, Eddie Woo, Gayle and Mac Shann and founding executive producer Deborah Fleming.
Tim Minchin and Alex Lloyd perform during the program, while Astrid Jorgensen leads the audience in a Pub Choir singalong.
Australian Story Live Celebrates 30 Years
The 30th anniversary episode looks back across the series’ long run, revisiting the human stories, public figures and everyday Australians who have helped define the program.
For ABC viewers, the Sydney Opera House setting gives the milestone a fitting national stage. Australian Story has built its reputation on intimate first-person storytelling, and tonight’s special broadens that format into a public celebration of the program’s place in Australian television.
When To Watch Australian Story Live
Australian Story Live: Celebrating 30 Years airs tonight, Monday 31 August 2026, at 8.00pm on ABC. The episode will also be available to stream on ABC iview.
For more on the latest free-to-air television highlights, visit TV Central’s ABC coverage.






















