15 January – Torres Strait Islanders begin a four-month general maritime strike, in an effort to take control their own affairs and gain fairer treatment.
8 July – The Federal Government announces an increase in military training strength, in response to the rise of fascism in Europe.
7 September – The last known thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) dies at Hobart Zoo.
20 October – British woman Mabel Freer is refused entry to Australia on morality grounds, sparking a political controversy.
10 November – The High Court of Australia rules in the case of R v Burgess; Ex parte Henry, that the Commonwealth government's power to regulate interstate trade and commerce did not extend to intrastate trade and commerce.
16 December – A Brisbane to Adelaide air race is held to commemorate South Australia's centenary. Ivy May Pearce makes national headlines as the youngest entrant who recorded the fastest time of any woman pilot, heavily handicapped and just two seconds behind the eventual winner. In this race she even beat Reg Ansett, founder of Ansett Airlines. Ivy went on to win many air races.
12 September – The 1936 NSWRFL season culminates in Eastern Suburbs' 32–12 victory over Balmain in the premiership final. University finish in last place, claiming the wooden spoon for the third year in a row.