An Australia Day guide compiled by Stephanie Stefanovic
Whilst Australia Day has traditionally served as the anniversary of British settlement in 1788, modern Australia Day celebrations represent the merging of different cultures and an appreciation of the unique Australian landscape. The day is marked by anything from community and family events, reflections on Australian history and the welcoming of new migrants into the community. This year, celebrations will be spanning over the long weekend, and there are countless events to choose from. With events ranging from concerts and barbeques, to kids’ playgrounds and dress-ups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Here is a helpful guide to some of the highlights for this year:
Evening Concert and Activities at Bicentennial Park
When: 26 January, 3.00pm – 9.00pm
Where: Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Cost: Free
The afternoon will begin with a citizenship and awards ceremony, which will be followed by an evening concert featuring Aboriginal performers Descendance, Lah Lah’s Big Live Band from children’s show Lah Lah’s Adventures, country musicians Simply Bushed, the Stephanie Jansen Band, and Dave White’s Australian Anthem Experience. Meanwhile, there will be a number of multicultural food stalls and plenty of kids’ activities like face-painting and rides. The concert will also be followed a show of spectacular fireworks. For more information, please click here.
Family Festival at Chatswood
When: 26 January, 10.00am – 5.00pm
Where: The Concourse, Chatswood
Cost: Free
Celebrations will begin with a citizenship and awards ceremony, followed by morning tea. Entertainment will include a performance by the Willoughby Band, as well as a free screening of one of Australia’s iconic 1970’s surfing movies. There will also be a fun opportunity at the Arts Centre to create a flag representing ‘your Australia’, which will be added to bunting to decorate the Concourse in celebration of Australia Day. For more, see here.
Floating Playground at Athol Bay
When: 26 January, 2.00pm to 6.30pm
Where: Athol Bay, Sydney Harbour
Cost: Free
Athol Bay is the best place for boat enthusiasts this Australia Day, and for the first time ever, the bay will be featuring a giant floating playground. Not only will there be inflatable climbing walls and trampolines for the kids to enjoy, but there will also be a floating café and live music performances by jazz musician Darren Percival, and folk/soul singer Ngaiire. For more information, click here.
Entertainment and Sausage Sizzle at Hornsby Park
When: 26 January, 11.00am – 3.00pm
Where: Hornsby Park, next to the Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Cost: Free
One of the main features of this celebration includes live entertainment by farmer, dog trainer and TV star Dave Graham. Dave will be an MC at the event, and will also be presenting two shows featuring his rescue dogs. There will also be a range of local and international artists performing on stage, such as fiddler Marian Burns and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performer Ryka Ali. Meanwhile, there will be a gold coin donation sausage sizzle to raise funds for the Women’s Community Shelter, and desserts available to fundraise for farmers suffering from drought. To see more, click here.
Summer Playground at Hyde Park
When: 26 January, 9.00am – 5.00pm
Where: Hyde Park, Sydney
Cost: Free
Perfect for kids, the day features a wide range of performances from Nickelodeon characters such as Dora the Explorer, Spongebob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Kids will also get the chance to meet and take pictures with their favourite television characters. Other fun activites include the opportunity to dress up as superheroes in the park’s “superhero activation zone”, and learn to play tennis with ANZ’s tennis hot shots. To plan your day, please see here.
