If you’re an expat living in the land down under, you’ve probably heard of our national day – Australia Day. It’s the public holiday dedicated to celebrating our beautiful country, our diverse range of cultures and basically all things Aussie.
So, if you’re looking to get into the spirit and celebrate Australia Day like a local, here are a few things going on around our great country:
Sydney
Based in Sydney this Australia Day? Lucky you – there’s lots happening!
Watch the fireworks
Head down to Circular Quay to watch the spectacular show, at 9pm. The best vantage points are:
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Fireworks vantage points |
What’s happening? |
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First Fleet Park |
Warrane DJ stage from midday-6pm. |
| Hickson Road Reserve | Starting from 11:30am-6:30pm The Rocks plays host to the official street party. This includes interactive games, roving performers and market stalls. |
| Circular Quay East | Live At the Quay entertainment from 6:30pm-9:30pm. |
| Overseas Passenger Terminal | Australia Day Chill out Zone available from 10am-4pm. |
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Sydney Opera House western boardwalk |
Live at the Opera House ticketed event from 7:30pm-9:30pm. |
Head to the beach
Pack a picnic, slap on some sunscreen and slip into your swimmers – nothing beats Australia Day on one of our iconic beaches.
If the thought of spending this national holiday with every expat in Sydney isn’t your cup of tea, then it’s probably best to avoid Bondi Beach.
Instead, why not check out some of our hidden gems, where you’re more likely to be surrounded by locals rather than watching tourists being saved by lifeguards!
Gordons Bay – don’t forget your mask and snorkel, this is a great location for spotting a whole heap of sea life.
Milk Beach – this small, isolated beach is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. Get here early though, spots are limited!
Wattamolla Beach – head down south to the Royal National Park and spend the day at this very picturesque beach surrounded by nature.
Chuck some snags on the barbie
Can you think of anything more ‘Aussie’ than a barbeque on a hot summers’ day? Us either, which is why we’ve sussed out the best spots with free, public facilities:
Blackwattle Bay Park – take advantage of the brand new barbies here and enjoy the views of the ANZAC Bridge while you sizzle.
Centennial Park – This is one of the city’s most popular barbecue locations, and luckily its 360-hectare expanse means that even the biggest crowd can be accommodated for a relaxing parkland lunch.
Shelly Beach – Down from Manly Beach is this little treasure, complete with six barbecues and a great north-facing view.
Melbourne
Spending Australia Day in our unofficial European capital? Bookmark these events in your diary now:
Australia Day parade
With more than 1,000 participants from 80 community and cultural groups, you can expect a vibrant celebration of all things Australian. Get there early to get a good possie!
Event details:
Friday 26 January 2018, 11.00am – 11:45am
Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Join the party
Fancy a dance this Australia Day? Head down to Village Belle in St Kilda and catch the huge line up of Australia Day DJs. Think names like Piero, DJ Havana Brown, Ian Gough and Gaz Kempster to get you in the party mood.
Slip n slide at Mt Baw Baw
The Mt Baw Baw Apline resort is putting on a seriously cool Australia Day this year. You’ll find a giant slip ‘n’ slide on the mountainside, surrounded by local music acts, a traditional Aussie BBQ and Australia Day themed games.
Brisbane
Live music, beach parties and pub hangs. Brisbane’s got your Aussie Day sorted.
Get down to Bribie Island for the ultimate beach party
From midday on Australia Day, Brennan Park on Bribie Island is set to be a real hub of activity and entertainment. Festivities kick on until 7.30pm, starting with live music and ending with a spectacular fireworks display over the water.
Celebrate ‘Hipstralia Day’ at the Woolly Mammoth
Sip your way through the hottest 100 Aussie craft beers, while listening to Triple J’s Hottest 100 predictions at the Woolly Mammoth Alehouse. It’s the place to be for every craft-beer-loving hipster this public holiday. You’ll even get to watch the staff sacrificing woolly beards in support of Lifeline’s Suicide Prevention initiative.
Adelaide
Spend the morning having a very Aussie brekky and fuel up on some Vegemite (or avocado) on toast before the festivities kick off later in the day.
Get down to Elder Park in the afternoon where you can catch all the action:
Australia Day Parade
The Adelaide parade will feature more than 4,000 people celebrating what they love about being Australian. Including over 150 community groups, vintage cars, horses, floats and even a fly past by an F-18 Hornet, make sure you get down there early so you don’t miss out!
Flag raising ceremony
On Australia Day, people all over the country will fly the Australian National Flag, as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. Witness an impressive display by the Australian Defence Force at a Flag Raising Ceremony in Elder Park.
Watch Aussie icons Ricki Lee and Chris Sebastien perform
ARIA award nominated artist Ricki Lee will be joined by Chris Sebastian (Guy Sebastian’s brother) to entertain crowds and get everyone into the Aussie Day spirit! The music will kick off at 7.40pm and the best part is, it won’t cost you a cent to enjoy it!
So if you’re from overseas, Australia Day is a great opportunity to connect with not only Aussie nationals, but with people from all walks of life, and celebrate everything it means to be Australian.
Whether you’ve just arrived, or been here for a little while, chances are you still have close ties to your home country. Perhaps you still send money home to your local bank account, or maybe you’re paying off an overseas mortgage – whatever the overseas money transfer reason is, WorldFirst can help.
WorldFirst are international money transfer specialists, who can help you with competitive exchange rates and seamless transfers 24 hours a day. For clients making personal currency transfers, we won’t charge you a fee either.
Speak with a WorldFirst currency specialist today on 1800 744 777 or visit us at worldfirst.com.au
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