The ultimate guide of where to celebrate Australia Day 2017
AUSTRALIA Day celebrations are in full swing across Australia and people are making the most of our national day. Here is our ultimate guide of where to celebrate.
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GET your drinks in the esky and lamb chops ready for the barbie — Australia Day is here and there’s an array of exciting celebrations set for Sydney and the Central Coast.
Thousands of locals and visitors are expected to flock to the beaches and barbecues with major events planned all the way from the Harbour out to our western suburbs.
Here is our guide on where to celebrate:
MARRICKVILLE
The popular Australia Day picnic will be held in Enmore Park this year and there will be a big entertainment line-up to delight families.
Diesel is the headline act and he takes to the stage just before the 8.45pm fireworks.
The event begins at 2pm with a citizenship ceremony and announcement of the Inner West Council’s Citizen of the Year.
Entertainment includes the cast of ABC Kids popular SplashDance and Newtown Performing Arts High School band The Lazy Eyes. There will also be a range of foodstalls.
The day will finish with a bang with a fireworks display at 8.45pm.
Details: Enmore Park is at Enmore Rd, Marrickville. Visit innerwest.nsw.gov.au
CAMPERDOWN
Australia’s largest gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will come together at Victoria Park, Camperdown on Thursday.
Held on the same day as Australia Day, the Yabun Festival features live music, market and food stalls, panel discussions and community forums about Aboriginal issues.
The event, which takes its name from the Gadigal word for “music to a beat” is held on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people.
Renowned Aboriginal troubadour, Kev Carmody, will be the headline act.
He will be joined by other artists such as Red Ochre and Deadly, country music artist Warren H Williams (joined by emerging artist Dani Young), Aboriginal rock ‘n’ roll icon Vic Simms, Sydney based blues artist Marlene Cummins, soul music performer and former The X-Factor star Rochelle Pitt, National Indigenous Music Award-winning hip hop artist Philly, and popular reggae/dub band Oka.
The 15-year-old festival is a free event which attracts about 20,000 people.
Details: Victoria Park is on the corner of City Rd & Parramatta Rd, Camperdown. Visit: www.yabun.org.au
CONCORD WEST
THE inner west’s hidden gem, Yaralla Estate, is the location for a free Australia Day concert and movie night.
It is an opportunity to relax in the outdoors under the stars and enjoy this beautiful piece of green open space right in the heart of the inner west.
Visitors are invited to pack a picnic, bring a blanket and enjoy music from the Cockroaches followed by the Australian musical comedy-drama film The Sapphires from 6.30pm.
Food and free parking available.
Details: Yaralla Estate is at Nullawarra Ave, Concord West. If its wet, contact Concord Hospital on 9767 5000 for updates.
LIVERPOOL
Australia Day will be celebrated in style this year at Liverpool. Woodward Park will be the location from 2pm for music, entertainment, stalls, food, drink and fireworks to cap off the celebrations at 9pm.
Sneaky Sound System will headline the free event, supported by The Sexy Sunday Jam super band and Bad Moon Born on the main stage.
The outdoor arena, located between Barista Bay and Carnival Territory features a range of entertainment including whip cracking, line dancing and true blue backyard games.
Over at the kids stage near food federation is former Wiggle Sam Moran from Play Along with Sam at 4.30pm, Ocean Adventure Kids Show at 3.30pm and the move and groove show at 5.30pm.
There will be magic shows, acrobats and dancers to complete the afternoon.
The celebrations finish with fireworks to light up Liverpool’s night sky at 9pm.
A competition at 7pm will pick out the best dressed on the day.
And, My Kitchen Rules contestants for 2017, David and Betty and Kelsey and Amanda will be there. See them whip up a storm in the kitchen at 4pm.
Details: Woodward Park is on Hoxton Park Road, Liverpool. Visit: www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au
HILLS DISTRICT:
Live entertainment, fireworks and historical displays will form part of the Australia Day celebrations at Bella Vista Farm.
Singers Ricki-Lee, Alfie Arcuri and Chris Sebastian will entertain crowds at one of two stages at the Hills Shire Council’s Australia Day event.
The day, which will run from 10am-9pm, will also include children’s entertainment and Australiana displays such as sheep shearing, blacksmithing and working dog demonstrations.
Guests can enjoy Devonshire tea at the old homestead, a sausage sizzle under the Bunya Pines, or a range of options from food trucks, before the evening ends with a fireworks display.
Hills Shire Mayor Yvonne Keane said: “It will be lovely to see everyone come together as a community to celebrate what it means to be Australian”.
“The sense of community spirit at events such as this is always overwhelming and I absolutely love sharing this day, not only with my family and friends, but with the whole of The Hills Shire,” she said.
Details: Bella Vista Farm is on the corner of Norwest Blvd and Elizabeth MacArthur Drive, Bella Vista. Visit: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au
FAIRFIELD:
Australia Day is set to make a big splash with two free pool parties lined up at Fairfield Leisure Centre and Prairiewood Leisure Centre.
The events at both facilities will feature a DJ spinning tunes from 10am-3.30pm plus complimentary access to pools and rides.
At the Fairfield Youth Centre in Vine St, Fairfield, rock climbing, trampolining, tennis and basketball are on the Australia Day agenda, with free entry for all locals.
Details: www.australiaday.org.au
PARRAMATTA:
Australia Day in Parramatta Park will be all about the music and the food with the epic celebrations set for 15 hours of fun.
More than 65,000 people are expected to descend on the park with festivities starting with a hot-air balloon show at 6am before ending with the fireworks display and performance by Aussie rock band Eskimo Joe.
It won’t just be big bands that will have centre stage, for the first time, the day will also feature a triple J Hottest 100 stage, where up and coming bands Froyo and Hurst will perform.
Parramatta Park’s history as a former motor racing circuit will also be on show, with five beautifully restored cars, which raced in the park in the early 1950s, taking their place at Carnivale — Sydney’s favourite display of more than 600 classic and vintage vehicles.
Celebrations kick off at 6am with an aerial hot air balloon display, followed by a Hottest 100 Party, The Big BBQ, rides, workshops, vintage car display, activities and live music at The Crescent. The 15-hour party finishes with fireworks at 9pm. Entry is free.
Details: Parramatta Park is at on the corner of Pitt St & Macquarie St, Parramatta. Visit: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
NORTHERN BEACHES:
Whether you’re looking for family fun, a spot with a view or simply a cold, celebratory beer, there are plenty of options on the Northern Beaches on January 26.
Start the day with an Aussie breakfast and family fun at one of four council-run barbecue brekkie events by the water.
Camels will arrive at Dee Why beach offering rides, and kids will be endlessly amused with water slides, rides, face painting, stage entertainment and a thong-throwing competition — and of course a barbecue brekkie — from 7am — 12pm at the beaches’ biggest annual Australia Day event.
Dee Why will also host a car show including modern, vintage and classic cars, along with bikes and hot rods, as well as an address by Australia Day ambassador Kamahl.
Newport Beach will hold a similar family-friendly event. From 7.30-11.30am, Bert Payne Park (394 Barrenjoey Rd) will host breakfast, amusement rides, beach activities and food stalls, and, as at Dee Why, an Australia Day address will be made by Kamahl.
Lakeside Park in North Narrabeen will also feature an Australia Day BBQ breakfast, amusements and water rides, lawn games, face painting and a thong-throwing contest from 8am until midday.
At the Aquatic Centre in Frenchs Forest (Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest), you’ll be able to get in to the spirit of the day with a barbecue, pool party, giant inflatable slide, with a DJ aqua disco, thong race and painting from 9am to 12pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Freshwater Beach will play host to the annual SLSC Open Surfboat carnival, where iconic Aussie surfboats will battle it out for glory in the waves.
The event starts with an 8am gun and goes through to 1pm. At midday, the national anthem will be sung and oars will be put to attention on the shoreline.
The Wine & Dine Sydney team will also be at Freshie beach offering sausage sizzle, refreshments and plenty of fun and colourful inflatables bobbing on the water.
Details: Visit wwww.manlydaily.com.au
NORTH SYDNEY
Bradfield Park is heating up to host a barbecue extravaganza on Australia Day.
BBQ By The Bridge will be a celebration of the best grilled foods from around the world.
Brazilian, Korean and Middle Eastern barbecues will be serving the hungry crowds. And low and slow BBQ specialists The Hardstyle Kitchen is preparing its specialities for the harbourside festival. It’s the first time North Sydney Council has hosted the event.
There will be live music in the park with tasty tunes from Salsa Kingz, My Sauce Good and The Beans. There will also be lots of entertainment for children in the park.
Bradfield Park also has one of the most spectacular vantage points for the Sydney Harbour festivities and will host the 21 Gun Salute as part of the Salute to Australia ceremony taking place at 11.57am.
The Governor of New South Wales on HMAS Canberra will receive the tri-service salute by the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.
At noon, the park will feature one of the harbour foreshore choirs singing the national anthem.
Stay at Bradfield Park to watch the RAAF finale and handling display at 12.01pm and the Tug and Yacht Ballet at 12.05pm. The “ballet” involves 10 graceful yachts and two powerful tug boats slowly dancing on the harbour.
Meanwhile at North Sydney Olympic Pool there will be a huge pool party from 11am to 2pm, featuring pool inflatables, music, roving entertainers, face painting and children’s activities, all for the price of the regular pool entry fee.
The pool is also another ideal location to see the Australia Day Harbour Parade, Tall Ships and Ferrython.
Away from the water you can attend North Sydney’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and community awards presentation at Independent Theatre, 269 Miller St, North Sydney at 10am or be entertained by pipe bands, dancers and performers at the 26th Annual Celtic Festival at St Leonards Park from 10am to 5pm.
Details: Visit: www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au
MOSMAN
Be part of Australia Day at Mosman Drill Hall from 10am on Thursday where new Australians will be welcomed at a Citizenship Ceremony and Nadine Blayney, Deputy Business Editor at Sky News Business will be the Australia Day Ambassador.
Mosman’s 2017 Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will also be announced.
The event will be followed by a community barbecue generously run by volunteers from the Lions Club of Mosman.
Details: Mosman Drill Hall is at Cross St, Mosman. Visit: mosman.nsw.gov.au
CHATSWOOD
Celebrate Australia Day at the iconic Chatswood Concourse by welcoming the City of Willoughby’s newest citizens, hearing from the City’s Australia Day ambassador and applauding the Australia Day award winners.
The Willoughby Band will also play as residents can enjoy a free barbecue in the company of councillors and Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney from 9:30am — 11am.
Details: The Concourse Pavilion is at 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood. Visit: www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au
LANE COVE
Throw a few snags on the ‘barbie’ and kick back and celebrate Australia Day in Lane Cove Plaza.
Ex-Sydney Swan and Lane Cove resident Jude Bolton will deliver the keynote address, with a Citizenship Ceremony beginning at 10am.
From 11am to 1pm, residents can enjoy live music and a snag, celebrating what it is to be Australian.
Details: Lane Cove Plaza is on Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove. Visit: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au
KU-RING-GAI
Celebrate Ku-ring-gai’s rich multiculturalism this Australia Day though music, dance and food at Ku-ring-gai Council’s free community event.
From 10.30am, residents of all ages will enjoy a live stage show featuring ABC Kids’ SplashDance, bush band Reel Matilda, a range of cultural dance performances and an Australian reptile show.
Kids and adults alike can also enjoy the games and amusement rides, sheep shearing, sheep dog demonstrations and roaming performances.
When it concludes at 1.30pm, people can head to Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre for an afternoon of pool entertainment and activities.
Details: Bicentennial Park is at the corner of Loftberg Road and Yanko Road, West Pymble. Visit: www.kmc.nsw.gov.au
PENRITH:
Penrith Council’s free annual Australia Day celebration has moved to Jamison Park this year.
“It will be more of an Australian theme, with sheep rounding, thong throwing, and bush bands,” Penrith Mayor John Thain said of this year’s free family program.
Shaun the Sheep, star of the long-running British television series of the same name, is performing. There will also be pavlova decorating, face painting, bubble soccer and interactive displays such as cow milking and whip cracking.
Food options include burgers by Outback Steakhouse, a traditional Aussie barbecue, ice cream and fairy floss.
Cr Thain said the new venue was much easier to get to than the Sydney International Regatta Centre, where it was previously held, and “there’s a lot of parking at Jamo”.
The entertainment is from 3-8pm.
Details: Jamison Park is on York Road, Jamisontown. Visit: www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
GLENBROOK
LITTLE people dressed in red hats and white beards will invade Glenbrook Park again this Australia Day.
“We’ve asked all the gnomes from the lower Blue Mountains to gather together. Their owners can bring them along and register them for competitions, including how they’re painted,” Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club member John Wakefield said of the popular annual Australia Day gnome convention.
“We’re expecting close to 6000 (people) and probably anything up to 1000 gnomes.”
The club’s gnome master David Cook will deliver his annual address during an opening ceremony with flag-raising at 9am.
This will be followed by free family entertainment from 9.30am-3pm, including a jumping castle, cup-and-saucer ride, Thomas the Tank Engine ride and food stalls.
Gnomes will be for sale, and available for children to paint.
“All in all, it’s a fun day for the family,” Mr Wakefield said.
Details: Glenbrook Park is on Park Street, Glenbrook. Visit: www.australiaday.com.au
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN
Max Parker Leisure and Aquatic Centre at Marco Avenue, Revesby, and Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Phillips Avenue, Canterbury, are holding pool parties for Australia Day from 10am-4pm.
For just a $1 entry fee per person, visitors can enjoy the pool facilities, rides, DJ, and a free sausage sizzle. There will also be a $1 entry fee for pools at Birrong and Roselands with proceeds from entry fees to be donated to Youth Off The Streets.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council will also hold a citizenship ceremony at Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown from 9am, followed by the announcement of the city’s Australia Day award winners.
Details: cbcity.nsw.gov.au or 9707 9000.
ROOTY HILL:
There will be something for everybody at this year’s Australia Day Concert and Fireworks Spectacular in Rooty Hill including free amusement rides with the kiddies corner and the adrenaline zone for the bigger kids, food trucks, a Ute Muster, Dave McKenna Yamaha Stunt Rider, Freestyle Now BMX shows and a fireworks spectacular to close the event.
The Choirboys are headlining the musical entertainment, along with Amber Lawrence, Shadowboxer, Billabong Jam and Boom Crash Opera.
Details: The Rooty Hill is on Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill. Visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au
WILBERFORCE
Australia Day is the biggest day of the year at Australiana Pioneer Village with live entertainment all day on stage, games, historical re-enactments by the 18th Battalion, penny farthing rides and for $5 each miniature train rides, hay rides, pony rides and the animal nursery, 9am-5pm. Cost: $5/$3/$15 family/ free for child under 5.
Details: Australiana Pioneer Village is at Rose Street, Wilberforce. Visit: theapv.org.au/village
CAMPBELLTOWN:
Campbelltown Council hosts a variety of activities and free entertainment across two locations to celebrate our national day.
An Aussie breakfast will be held at Koshigaya Park beginning at 8am and winners of the Australia Day awards will be announced at the event, with a citizenship ceremony to follow.
The celebrations continue at Ingleburn with the cutting of the Australia Day cake, and a citizenship ceremony at the Greg Percival Community Centre.
Formalities will be followed by games and entertainment at Hallinan Park from 12 noon.
The fun continues at Koshigaya Park from 4pm with stalls, rides, and stage entertainment all night.
The celebrations will come to a close with a fantastic fireworks display at 9pm.
Details: www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
CAMDEN:
“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” will echo through the streets of Camden this Australia Day when the Camden community unite in celebration of our national day of pride.
The Australia Day activities will kick off at 8am in John Street, Camden with a range of free activities including face painting, roving entertainment, mini putt putt golf, jumping castle, a thong throwing competition and market stalls.
There will be an Australia Day Thanksgiving Service at the Camden Civic Centre from 8.15am.
Council’s official Civic Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will follow at 9.15am where Camden’s Australia Day Ambassador will join the Mayor of Camden, Cr Lara Symkowiak in welcoming new citizens.
The 2017 Citizen, Young Citizen, Sportsperson, Young Sportsperson, Community Event and Community Group of the Year winners will also be announced.
At the conclusion of the official ceremony, the Macarthur Lions Street Parade will make its way down Argyle Street, Camden at 11.15am.
Details: John Street, Camden. Visit: www.camden.nsw.gov.au
RYDE
Bands playing classic Australian songs, a pool party and fireworks will all be on offer in Ryde on Australia Day to help people celebrate in style.
North Ryde Common at the corner of Twin and Wicks Rd, will be the place to be for much of the public celebrations.
Feature act The Reel Matilda, a bush band with a lively performance style, will open the Australia Day Family Concert.
The band’s repertoire includes Men at Work’s Down Under, and traditional songs Home Among the Gumtrees and Waltzing Matilda.
An Aboriginal elder will provide the Welcome to Country, and there will be the singing of Advance Australia Fair.
Then the music will continue with Powderfinger tribute band Vulture Street, and the Steve Hart and the All Stars Band.
The finale will be a fireworks display at 9pm.
Elsewhere, there will be a celebratory atmosphere and plenty of activities at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre. Pool inflatables and games will be available during the day to mark the special day.
Details: North Ryde Common is at the corner of Twin and Wicks Rd. Visit: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au
WATSONS BAY
Dogs will be able to have the opportunity to join their masters in three Stand Up Paddling events at Watson’s Bay this Australia Day: a paddle board race, a treasure hunt and a best-dressed competition.
About 100 humans and 30 dogs took part last year. There are events for all different age groups and abilities, including a 6km race, a technical sprint and categories for corporate and social teams.
Details: Every Man and His Dog will be held at Watson’s Bay beachfront, Watson’s Bay. Visit: everymanandhisdog.com.au
VAUCLUSE
Shark Point at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse will provide a perfect vantage point to watch the 181st Australia Day Regatta, during which scores of vessels, including vintage yachts and 18-foot skiffs, will compete in events for all classes in the eastern part of the harbour.
Alcohol-free zones have been declared at Sydney Harbour National Park, including Milk Beach, the heritage foreshore walk, Nielsen Park and South Head.
Details: Neilsen Park is at Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse. Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
RANDWICK
Splash and slide your way into Australia Day on the free waterslides at Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach on Thursday. Bring the family and come and enjoy a number of waterslides and inflatable amusements.
Or pack your picnic blanket and celebrate our national day at the bush dance at Little Bay.
From 12pm to 2pm a free Aussie BBQ will be supplied as well as live music, bush dancing lessons, native reptile and animals display, and Australian art and craft activities for children.
Details: Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach and Prince Henry Centre, Little Bay. Visit: www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
CITY
Head to Barangaroo Reserve at 8am to see indigenous performers celebrate the world’s oldest living culture at the captivating Wugulora Morning Ceremony.
Hear some of the hottest tunes and musical tributes at the Australia Day Concert at the Sydney Opera House, featuring the top talent of Tina Arena, Guy Sebastian and Nat Conway.
See Sydney’s First Fleet ferries, decked in colour, as they plough across the Harbour in the iconic Ferrython race, as well as the Tall Ships race at 1pm.
You can also Head to The Rocks for markets and great live music, including New Orleans styled-tunes, indie folk and alt-country songs.
Darling Harbour also hosts an incredible harbourside party. Enjoy live music, food and drink and an evening of light, sound and exhilarating fireworks for the Australia Day Spectacular. Kids will love seeing the Wiggles as they perform at the free Children’s Festival in Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park, along with many other children’s activities to enjoy between 11am and 6pm.
Details: www.sydney.com
THE HARBOUR
Sydney Harbour is the focal point for much of Sydney’s Australia Day commemorations.
Marvel at a squadron of daring Russian Roolettes in the skies over the harbour from 12.30pm to 2pm.
See 40 boats big and small celebrating on the water in the Australia Day Harbour Parade from 12.45pm to 2.15pm.
Or watch the Tall Ships race to the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 1pm to 1.30pm.
Sailors are invited to anchor at Athol Bay, Cremorne Point after the Harbour Parade from 2pm to 5pm.
Details: Visit: www.australiaday.com.au
CENTRAL COAST
Thousands of Coasties are expected to flock to the beach and barbecues on Thursday, along with major events planned all the way from Canton Beach to Wagstaffe and Woy Woy.
Celebrations are kicking off early this year, with Central Coast Council hosting two big events on Australia Day eve.
Festivities will be in full swing at Canton Beach foreshore from 4pm and Kibble Park in Gosford from 5pm on Wednesday, January 25.
Locals and holiday-makers can expect to find both locations bustling with food and market stalls, music performances, kid-friendly activities and a fireworks spectacular to get everyone into the spirit.
The fun will continue early at Wagstaffe on Thursday, January 26, as revellers head to an official Australia Day ceremony and free breakfast from 8-10.30am.
Memorial Park at The Entrance will be a hive of buzz and activity from noon, offering amusement rides, an ice-cream eating competition, a live performance by Mental as Anything and finishing off with a fireworks display around 9pm.
On the Woy Woy waterfront, children’s activities, market stalls and live music will take centre stage from 2pm, along with the traditional lantern parade and fireworks spectacular from 8pm.
At the Gosford Classic Car Museum in Stockyard Place, the bonnet will be open on classic Holdens all day and there will be a special Australia Day menu at the Airstream Cafe.
At 11am and 3pm the museum will be firing up its Aussie muscle cars.
Details: www.facebook.com/centralcoastcouncil
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