Things to do on Australia Day
Got your Australian flag bikini on but nowhere to go? lastminute lovely Shauna has some very Australian tips on how to spend the 26th January.
For us Australians, summer means scorching days and balmy nights, but there’s one day in particular that epitomises the very essence of the Aussie summer. It’s a blistering day that exists to remind you of what it means to be Australian: a day to don your green and gold thongs and your cork hat, and head to the beach/pool/park with a group of friends, and with an esky full of VB. Yes, I’m talking about Australia Day.
This year January 26th falls on a Saturday so not only do we get to celebrate on the day, but the Monday is also a public holiday. This means a long weekend – woohoo!
Here are my top things to do this Australia Day:
The Havaianas Australia Day Challenge
The famous Bondi Beach
Image courtesy of www.havaianasthongchallenge.com.au
This tradition, born only eight years ago, attempts every Australia Day to set a new record for the longest line of giant inflatable Havaianas thongs joined in the water. The challenge is not only a bit of fun; it continues to raise money for charity, with $10 from every registration (it costs $30 to sign up for the event) going to the local Nippers club at each state’s beach.
You can find this iconic event at the following beaches:
NSW – Bondi Beach
VIC – Torquay Beach
QLD – Mooloolaba Beach
SA – Glenelg Beach
WA – Cottesloe Beach
Get there early to register so you don’t miss out on a spot, and then enjoy spending the day on your back in the water. And better yet, you get to keep the thong as a memento!
| Hot tip: Don’t live near any of these beaches? Check into some local accommodation here. |
Begin the day with breakfast on the beach
When I was a little girl, I remember being dragged out of bed at the crack of dawn to participate in Oz day celebrations. And although that time of morning is never fun, once you get up and get a bacon and egg roll into your tummy, you’ll be able to appreciate the sunrise.
Breakfast on the beach occurs at many beaches in Australia from 7am and involves eating large amounts of bacon and eggs that have been charcoaled on the barbie (very Australian) and spending time with your friends, family and neighbours. It’s a great way to kick off your celebrations.
In Sydney, check out the breakfast at Bert Payne Reserve, next to Newport Beach. Beginning from 7am, there will be live music, amusement rides and face painting for the kids, and throng throwing competitions. And it’s pet friendly, so you can take your favourite furry friend along to socialise too!
| Hot tip: Hot tip: While you’re at the beach, why not book yourself into a surf lesson or kick-back with a cruise on the water. |
Head to the country’s capital and watch the flag raising ceremony
Not only is Australia Day a day to celebrate our sunburnt country, but it’s also the one day of the year where thousands of people become Australian citizens.
Conducted by our very own PM, Julia Gillard, the ceremony also includes a performance by the Royal Military College Band to see you through to an appropriate champagne popping time!
| Hot tip: If you want to get a good spot, you better get in early. Stay overnight in Canberra. |
Grab a good spot and watch the fireworks
On the evening of Australia Day, you’re bound to hear fireworks from almost every direction. But why just listen, when you can park your bum on the grass and get in on the action?
For those of you in Melbourne, lay out a rug on the banks of the Yarra River and marvel at the spectacle that is the Australia Day fireworks. They are best viewed on the city side of the Yarra, Federation Square, and Birrarung Marr.
Fireworks are held all over the country so pack your picnic basket and get ready to grab a spot on the grassy knoll nearest to you!
| Hot tip: Unfortunately fireworks and bushfires aren’t friends, so keep an ear out for updates on the day. |
Throw a party and listen to the Triple J Hottest 100
Conceived 20 years ago, the Triple J Hottest 100 is an Australia Day institution. Beginning at around 10am, the Hottest 100 lasts for a good portion of the day, meaning that wherever you are, you’ll be graced with good music (hooray!).
So invite your favourite party people over and get out there in the sunshine. And if the previous years’ forecasts are anything to go by, it’s surely going to be a hot one so head to Kmart and buy a kiddie pool to pop your feet in while you slurp those delicious cocktails.
| Hot tip: Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap! |
For those of you in Victoria, pull on your lucky knickers and head to the Caulfield races
Races are not just reserved for springtime. Don your prettiest dress and drink some bubbly alongside the racecourse.
Relax on the lawn, enjoy the sausage sizzle, and listen to the Australian Anthem as performed by the Glen Eira City Choir. There will also be plenty of children’s entertainment on the day, so rest easy knowing that the whole family will be happy.
| Hot tip: All that champagne sipping and bet placing will have you working up an appetite, so plan ahead and make a restaurant booking. Your friends will thank you. |
Make it an Australia Day Weekend and get away for a few days
The beauty of a public holiday falling on a weekend is that you score three days off. Hello long weekend!
So why not take this opportunity to get out of the city for a few days? Whether you’re keen to check out somewhere new, or you just want to lie by the beach/pool for three days, you’ll be able to find a deal here that’ll have you refreshed and ready to return to work on the Tuesday.
Australia Day is more than just a public holiday. It’s an opportunity to appreciate how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country.
The great thing about the day is that you can do whatever you please, choosing to spend it by the racecourse, by the beach, or listening to Australia’s best musical talent in your mate’s backyard. I know that’s where I’ll be!
How are you spending your Australia Day this year? Let us know in the comments below.
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