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Australia Day – what’s happening?

By January 25, 2016November 8th, 2018No Comments

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Australia Day – or ‘Straya Day’ to many locals – is the country’s biggest annual public event. For a nation that is adept at putting on a show, there are plenty of celebrations to get stuck into, letting you make the most of the occasion.

Get Involved

Set during the summer holidays for most school and university students, Australia Day is a public holiday, offering a great chance visitors to let their hair down and enjoy some sun-soaked festivities, alongside the locals. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer to quietly observe a flag raising ceremony, revel among thousands of others at a major event or take some cold ones and a few shrimps down to a local barbie spot.

To Sydney and Beyond

Among the public celebrations is the spectacle put on by Sydney; which makes the most of its wonderful harbour to deliver a day packed with entertainment. It was at Port Jackson, of which Sydney Harbour is a part that the First Fleet arrived back in 1788, commemorated by Australia’s national day.

Options in Sydney range from music concerts on George Street to performances on the water itself. Hyde Park’s Festival Village includes the Great Australian BBQ, a parade of some of the city’s most iconic ships around the harbour, and of course a breath-taking firework display. Darling Harbour is a great spot to enjoy the occasion, while the Australia Day Regatta is the world’s oldest continuously conducted annual sailing event, now in its 180th year.

The fun is spread right around the country, from major cities to smaller towns and popular seaside spots. Among the highlights are Melbourne’s Australia Day Parade along Swanson Street into St Kilda Road, while in Brisbane the Parklands at South Bank offer music, fireworks and interactive art installations. Langley Park in Perth features entertainment that includes a laser and water show.

Travelling on a Budget

If you’re travelling on a budget, be aware that many establishments will give their prices a hike for the day, similarly to other public holidays in the country. To this end, the travelling and backpacking communities are at the forefront of supplying fun times for a lesser cost.

Loads of hostels put on special events and parties, often offering incentives such as drinks vouchers, or free excursions to those partaking in their mayhem-inciting activities. Naturally there’s usually a plentiful supply of boxed wine on the go among backpackers; an Aussie delicacy.

Family Time

Among the bedlam enjoyed by some strains of the community are ample opportunities to enjoy some quality family time. Many locals view the day as a chance to relax with their loved ones, organising a picnic or barbecue, spending time at home, a local park or on the beach. Communal areas, both private and public, can throw up wonderful atmospheres as people come together to enjoy the day, with friendly games of cricket popular among all ages.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to steer clear of the crowds and partake in an altogether more private occasion, the gigantic size of Australia will be more than able to help you do so. Whether it’s seeking out a secluded beach, or your very own slice of outback to reflect on the meaning of the day.

A proud country that knows how to have a good time, there are countless ways to enjoy Australia Day; an occasion that can be both rewarding and a great laugh.

 

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