Each year, Australia Day gives us the opportunity to commemorate and take pride in the things we love about our homeland – our freedom, as individuals and as a nation; the beauty of our land and its people; and how we’ve evolved as country with our lifestyle and diverse culture.
Whether you prefer to celebrate the day with organised, patriotic events on a grandiose scale or a bit more low key with family and friends, our seven suggestions will surely have something for you.
1. Classic Aussie BBQ
What could be more quintessential than a BBQ in the midst of an Aussie summer? With a few snags and, of course, the obligatory beer to toast the day, stage the traditional BBQ in your backyard (or at the beach!) with family and friends. Why not add backyard cricket to the mix? You couldn’t get more classic than this.
2. Picnic in the park
Grab your picnic rug and an esky full of goodies, then head to your favourite park or beach. Popular areas get nabbed quickly, so you may want to choose something which is more local or less well known if you prefer to have a calmer and quitter celebration.
3. Fly the flag
If you’re feeling rather patriotic, why not get yourself to a flag raising ceremony and sing Advance Australia Fair? Warning: it may bring a tear or two to your eyes. There are official ceremonies all over the country, such as these in Melbourne and Townsville. Or you could organise one within your community.
4. Between the flags
Summer and the beach go hand in hand in Australia. So, if the weather calls for it, why not celebrate the day at your favourite beach? Just remember to swim between the flags.
5. Fireworks
If you love a sky lit up in a kaleidoscope of colours, then you may wish to join the hoards who’ll be securing a prime position for breathtaking fireworks display in Melbourne’s Docklands, Sydney’s Darling Harbour, Adelaide’s Elder Park and Brisbane’s South Bank on the Brisbane River.
6. 21-gun salute
Another patriotic affair, a 21-gun salute is being held in Sydney’s Bradfield Park and at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
7. Enjoy Sydney Harbour
If you’re in Sydney on 26 January, and if your budget allows, why not escape the crowded banks and get on a cruise? Take your seat as you float past the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, soaking in the festivities and fireworks. There are also plenty of other activities, such as free concerts around the Harbour area, including the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay and The Rocks.
How will you celebrate Australia Day?
More at australiaday.org.au
