What to do on Australia Day – OzTREKK Outlines Your Options!

The flags will be waving and the pride will be infectious as Australians celebrate Australia Day tomorrow, on Jan. 26, 2012.

That’s why we’re saying it one day earlier (Canada time), because Australia is about to celebrate the big day.

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on Jan. 26, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland.

Australians celebrate all things Australia on this day, including its citizens who have made a special contribution to the community, country and world.

Each state elects a nominee for the Australian of the Year Award. Each representative is a finalist and one of them will be selected as this year’s overall Australian of the Year.

The country also hands out awards to the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.

These accolades give Australians a chance to reflect on the good work accomplished by its peers.

If you’re wondering what to do on Australia Day, think of it like Canada Day. There will be fireworks, barbecues and country-themed apparel.

Here’s a guide on what to do if you’re studying at one of OzTREKK’s Australian University Partners:

For Macquarie University and University of Sydney students:

Pick a spot and you’ll be guaranteed to be blown away by Sydney’s fireworks display along the shoreline. The city lights up the water by setting up fireworks launch stations in six areas along the water. During the day, head to Sydney’s Hyde Park as it will come alive with activities, entertainment, wine, food, fun and relaxation. You can also hang out in the CBD or the Harbour for some fun activities, too!

For University of Newcastle students:

The annual Australia Day celebrations in the City of Newcastle will combine with the National Maritime Festival to present a two day event that will offer a great array of activities for the whole family.

Wednesday evening January 25 (Australia Day Eve) will feature entertainment on the Harbour Stage, a harbour lights boat parade and fireworks as well as amusement rides, food stalls much more.

The Thursday (Australia Day) program will include the Citizenship Ceremony at City Hall, National Maritime Festival activity, food and entertainment, carnival and market stalls, the tall ship ‘James Craig’ and a host of activity on the water, on the shore and in the air. This great family day of entertainment and activity will be centred on the Newcastle Harbour and Foreshore from the Honeysuckle Precinct through to Nobbys Beach between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For Bond University students:

Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that the Gold Coast usually gets about 300 days of sunshine a year. The bad news? This isn’t one of those days. The Australia Day celebrations have been cancelled for the Gold Coast, thanks to rainy conditions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own fun. Host an indoor barbecue (with the barbecue outdoors, of course) with friends and enjoy an indoors celebration!

For University of Queensland students:

Pack your bags, we’re going to the Parklands, South Bank for the day! The Parklands, South Bank will come alive with colour, sound and movement as some of Queensland’s most talented performers and community groups entertain audiences throughout the day. Be there to enjoy live music, a vibrant stage program and creative, hands-on activities.

Arrive early to attend the inspirational Multi-Faith Ceremony where they will acknowledge and reflect on its diverse culture.

Don’t miss the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony where the Australian Defence Force will raise the Australian, Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. The ceremony will conclude with a 21-gun military salute and flypast from one of its new fighter jets, the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Make sure you head to the Clem Jones promenade for premium viewing of an Australia Day first – the extreme ski shows on the Brisbane River. The celebrations will continue into the evening with the exciting AusSounds Concert and brilliant fireworks.

For James Cook University students:

Oh, we want to be in Townsville for Australia Day! They have a fun run, pancake breakfast, cricket game, citizenship ceremony and a welcoming babies ceremony. Too cute! All the events take place at the Riverway.

For Monash University and University of Melbourne students:

Ah, apparently Melbournians know how to party. They started their Australia Day celebrations a week ago! It’s time to get caught up! A real favourite with families, the Kings Domain Gardens will feature multi-instrumentalist James Morrison and the famous Federation Vehicle Display, with more than 450 veteran, vintage and classic vehicles and  entertainment, free activities and scrumptious food stalls. Head down to the Federation Square at Yarra River in downtown Melbourne, where you’ll be greeted with festivities, including a fireworks show at night (having it in the daytime doesn’t exactly make sense).

Whatever you do on Australia Day, we hope you have a great time celebrating the great country!

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Learn more about:

Macquarie University

University of Sydney

University of Newcastle

Bond University

University of Queensland

James Cook University

Monash University

University of Melbourne