Walk 42km through the night. Help children in emergencies.
On 21 November, join thousands of people at UNICEF Australia's Dusk to Dawn and walk through the night to help children impacted by emergencies.
Starting in North Sydney at sunset, you'll take on a 42km overnight journey across the Harbour Bridge and along Sydney's spectacular coastline before celebrating the sunrise finish at Bondi Beach.
Whether you're local to Sydney or travelling in for the event, you'll be part of a community walking through the night to help deliver safe water, medical supplies, nutrition and protection for children in crisis.
Ready to challenge yourself?
Whether you're walking solo, with friends and family, or as part of a workplace team, Dusk to Dawn welcomes everyone ready to take on the challenge and make a difference for children in emergencies.
"Coming into a glittering Bondi in the early hours of the morning was a unique experience. I can't wait for 2026." — Adam, Dusk to Dawn 2024 participant
Take a glimpse at the Dusk to Dawn experience
Watch the highlights from our 2024 event
Volunteers needed
Be part of the magic of Dusk to Dawn and join a passionate community coming together to make a difference for children impacted by emergencies.
With a range of roles available across the event, there's something for everyone. No experience is necessary, and training and support will be provided.
Volunteer on your own or sign up with friends, family, colleagues or your community group.
"I felt valued at the event. It had a great vibe and was fun. I really appreciated the opportunity to volunteer and would be willing to volunteer again in the future."
— Dusk to Dawn Volunteer, 2024
What impact will my fundraising have?
From natural disasters and disease outbreaks to ongoing conflict, the number of emergencies unfolding around the world is staggering.
In 2025 alone, UNICEF responded to 414 emergencies in 101 countries delivering lifesaving support to millions of children.
When you raise funds for UNICEF Australia, you’re helping us provide children with access to clean water, lifesaving vaccines, quality education and health care while ensuring children are safe and protected from harm – that’s a BIG reason to take on the Dusk to Dawn challenge!
Meet 9-year-old Mohammad from Afghanistan
Until recently, much of Mohammad’s day in Afghanistan began with a long walk for water. At just 9 years old, he walked nearly an hour each day to collect it for his family. The water was often dirty, and it made him and his siblings sick.
For many children, this is everyday life. Around the world, children spend two hours or more walking to collect water, with some journeys taking up most of their day.
For Mohammad, that reality has changed. There is now a tap at home. Clean, safe water is right outside his door, and he can spend his time learning, playing and just being a kid.
When you walk through the night for UNICEF’s Dusk to Dawn, think about the long walks children like Mohammad take just to collect water, and how your steps can help change what’s possible.
Every step you take and every dollar you raise helps deliver safe water, medical supplies, nutrition and protection for children in crisis.
Sign up to Dusk to Dawn
Join more than 1,000 people taking on UNICEF Australia's Dusk to Dawn and be part of a community making a difference for children around the world.
Dusk to Dawn FAQs
If you’re facing registration issues, reach out to our Dusk to Dawn team at dusktodawn@unicef.org.au.
You must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration. Participants under 18 must sign up and participate with a parent or guardian.
Yes. Your registration fee helps cover the cost of running the event, but it's your fundraising that helps UNICEF reach children in emergencies around the world.
Every dollar you raise helps provide life-saving support for children facing conflict, disasters and other crises. Plus, as you hit fundraising milestones, you'll unlock exclusive Dusk to Dawn merchandise and rewards along the way.
The first wave of walkers departs from the Event Village in North Sydney at approximately 8.30pm. We’ll notify you of your specific start time closer to the event.
With a challenging 42km route, some participants will finish in the moonlight around 1 am, while most will complete it between 4 am and 6 am.
Yes! There will be 4–5 checkpoints along the route where you can rest, recharge and refuel to keep your energy high and help you power through the night.
Your walking bib will be available to collect before the event or on event day.
We'll share full details about collection locations, dates and times closer to the event so you can choose the option that works best for you.
It’s a big walk, so it’s important that you’re prepared! You’ll need to make sure you have the following items in your backpack.
- water and a water bottle with at least a 600ml capacity
- sufficient food to keep you satisfied during the event
- suitable clothing for all weather
- a fully charged phone
- a Dusk to Dawn walk course map (in either printed or digital format) and
- a basic first aid kit including Band-Aids and blister protection tape and any personal medication you require such as Panadol.
Only certified assistance dogs accompanied by handlers carrying a handler’s identity card are permitted to take part in Dusk to Dawn.