It’s almost the end of January and the Australia Day long weekend is just around the corner. Don’t worry if you have no idea what you’ll be doing, we’ve compiled a list of awesome ideas that will help make your long weekend a memorable one.
If you’re in Sydney…
1. Hot air balloons, fireworks, vintage car shows, carnival rides, food stalls, and Indigenous performances, Australia Day Parramatta is the event to be at for some extra excitement. The city will be celebrating as 1,400 people receive their citizenship. You don’t have to be a new citizen to join the party, it’s free entry via public transport or foot from Paramatta CBD parking.
2. Appreciate native culture at the Yabun Festival where you can enjoy live music and Indigenous dance performances. Browse through market stalls full of unique arts and crafts. Learn about the contemporary issues faced by the indigenous community. If you’re someone who enjoys the historical and cultural side of things, this is the event for you.
3. Marrickville Dog Day (26th January) is the perfect combination of your two favourite things: dogs and beer. From midday onwards, The Henson will be welcoming pups of all shapes and sizes with their owners. There’ll be doggie massages, photo shoots, paw painting, vet checks, gourmet dog treats, best dressed and trick competitions, and the popular Golden Bone Race. If you’re interested in adopting a dog via a pet store, go have a chat with members of dog rescue groups that will be there on the day.
4. Here’s an idea for an awesome day out with the family: the Chatswood Family Festival is a family-friendly event running from the 3rd to 27th January. It hosts a variety of free and affordable activities, including drop-in art classes, coding courses, a silent disco, and exciting theatre, film and circus performances. You can also attend a morning family yoga class, acrobatics class, a game of ping pong or mini putt course. Even if you haven’t got kids, you can still enjoy dinner at one of the spectacular restaurants on the Concourse.
If you’re in Perth…
1. Want to feel like a kid again? The 5K Foam Fest is not your average obstacle course – it’s not about winning, it’s just for fun. Featuring 22 obstacles including the world’s largest water slide and 2.5 MILLION cubic feet of foam! You’re going to be laughing till the end, whether you’re a veteran or a complete beginner.
2. For the 35th year, Perth will be hosting the largest Australia Day celebration in the country at the City of Perth Skyworks – a gathering of over 300,000 people. From 3 pm onwards, there will be a bunch of free events at Langley Park Entertainment Zone and the Birak Concert at the Supreme Court Gardens. Don’t forget to secure a good spot on the foreshore to view the stunning fireworks display at 8 pm.
3. Check out the Australiana Movie Nights at Northbridge Piazza. This is the perfect choice if you’d prefer a bit of quiet time away from the buzzing crowds but still enjoy being outdoors. Order something tasty from one of the restaurants nearby, grab a bean bag and enjoy a classic Australia film in the evening sun.
If you’re in Melbourne…
1. Known as Australia’s longest running Aboriginal music festival, Share the Spirit Festival is a must-see for the locals and visitors alike. Spend the day at Treasury Gardens and enjoy an authentic, cultural experience through music, dance and performance art. Acts include Mojo Juju, Birdz, Stiff Gins, Jedda, Brothers In Arms, Dijirri Dijirri Dancers and MC Monica Karo.
2. No matter the weather, Mt Baw Baw is always an exciting outdoor attraction. This summer, it will transform from a ski field to the Mt Baw Baw Slip-n-Slide. Never underestimate the fun of throwing yourself down a giant piece of wet tarp. Go on and release your inner child with Australia themed games, laser tag, archery tag, and Japanese snow fighting.
3. Are you an evening pool party kind of person? Gumbuya World Oasis Nights Summer Sessions is the place to be if you want to unwind while having fun after a busy week. Get unlimited access to all the park’s awesome attractions – water slides, hot pools, bars, cafés, and live entertainment.
4. Do you enjoy watching the Australia Open? Do you also love live music? Why not move from the TV screen and experience AO Live Stage concert at the Rod Laver Arena. This year’s line-up on stage is just as impressive as the tennis stars on the court, featuring artists Craig David, Angus and Julia Stone, Jet, Birds of Tokyo, Bastille, Dean Lewis, and Conrad Sewell.
If you’re in Gold Coast…
1. Gold Coast’s Australia Day Fireworks at Broadwater Parklands. Pack your picnic basket and swim gear for a day out at Broadwater Parklands. Keep yourself entertained with a live performance from the award-winning Mason Rack Band. Then end the night with a spectacular firework display at 8 pm.
2. If you want to celebrate Australia Day away from the crowds, get onboard one of Gold Coast’s river or island cruises. Check out Viator.com for surprisingly affordable cruise options. You can even book a private charter to make things extra romantic.
If you’re in Adelaide…
1. Did someone say free breakfast? If you live in Adelaide, you’ll know about this Australia Day tradition. Here are the best places to grab your free brekky from:- Port Lincoln offers a hearty meal by the beach, served by the city’s councilors and a team of friendly volunteers.-Playford is hosting an annual barbeque breakfast at Fremont Park on Australia. Apart from the great food, they’ll also be running a full-day festival of amusement park events.- Mount Gambier will be hosting their annual Australia Day breakfast at the Railway Lands as well as award presentation to outstanding members of the community.
2. Head out to the Semaphore Summer Carnival for free children’s entertainment and quality family time. Although the carnival runs every Sunday, they’ll be going all-out for Australia Day with roving entertainment, magicians and themed shows. The carnival opens at noon and ends with a firework display at 9:30 pm.
Hopefully, you’ll now have a clearer idea of how you want to spend your Australia Day long weekend. Whether you decide to stay in your city or pack your bags for a road trip, make sure you have heaps of fun and stay safe!
What will you discover next?
