Organised by Rodney Kelly and coordinated by Four Winds, the January 26 event was held at the picturesque Barragga Bay outdoor concert hall and Windsong Pavilion.

The free event was attended by an estimated 500 people with tickets "selling out" days in advance.

Running from 11am until 4pm, there was live music from Richard Luland, Ronnie Thomas and the Gadhu Dreaming Band, Ronald Callaghan, Robyn Martin and friends, the Djinama Yilaga Choir and Dr Lou Bennett, Dale Huddleston and Gabadoo.

The day also included a free barbecue, and a seafood lunch for local Elders, as the rich culture and traditions of this region's Yuin people were celebrated through music and dance.

Mr Kelly said the event he has organised for a number of years "continues to grow into something great".

"Every year it gets bigger and bigger," Mr Kelly said on Wednesday.

"There was a good crowd, black and white together, with so many attending."

Mr Kelly said events like Survival Day were important in educating the wider community about the significance of January 26 to our country's First Peoples.

He said it wasn't so much about debating the date of the Australia Day public holiday itself as it was about highlighting why alternative celebrations like Survival Day were so important.

"I've talked a lot about that over the years. The day represents so much for so many people.

"By offering this alternative to Australia Day it's an opportunity where people can come to learn about the Aboriginal people and our history.

"What I think about the day [the change the date call], I don't know the right answer, but it's important to be more open and to bring everyone on the coast together."

Mr Kelly said some people had "copped flak" for choosing to attend the Survival Day event, such as the coffee van vendor who received some negativity via social media.

"And that's why this day is so important - to educate everyone so people don't take that attitude and they have the opportunity to learn," Mr Kelly said.