Your guide to what’s on in Melbourne this Australia Day
FROM family friendly fireworks to rooftop parties, we detail what’s on and what’s open this Australia Day.
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A HIGHLIGHT of summer is January 26 when we celebrate our national day, often accompanied by beers, barbecues and beaches.
Despite the fierce debate regarding the date of Australia Day, there are plenty of events and celebrations planned around Melbourne.
From family friendly fireworks to rooftop parties, we detail what’s on and what’s open this Australia Day.
FESTIVITIES
OFFICIAL FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
Melbourne Town Hall
10:30am-11:00am
This government officiated ceremony will kick off Melbourne’s Australia Day celebrations. In attendance will be the Victorian Premier and Governor, the Lord Mayor and other dignitaries.
Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
11:00am-11:45am
Following the flag raising ceremony, Melbourne’s diversity will be highlighted in this vibrant parade featuring more than 1,000 people from more than 80 community and cultural groups. Multicultural sporting, dancing and music groups will be among many of the associations taking part.
King Domain Gardens, Melbourne
11:00am-4:00pm
An annual tradition, the RACV Australia Day festival features free family friendly activities, displays from a wide range of community groups and even a heritage vehicle showcase! Highlights include a food truck park, live music, kids yoga and the headline act Peppa Pig.
Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
6:00pm-9:30pm with fireworks at 9:00pm
Cap off the day with a fireworks spectacular. Attracting 16,000 people in 2017, this year’s celebration will feature food trucks, entertainment and roaming artists before fireworks commence at 9:00pm.
GREATER DANDENONG AUSTRALIA DAY FESTIVAL
Dandenong Park, Pultney Street, Dandenong
3:00pm-9:30pm
This family friendly, alcohol free event will feature free activities, rides, market stalls, a dedicated food court, roaming performers and live entertainment before concluding with fireworks at 9:25pm.
HASTINGS AUSTRALIA DAY FORESHORE FESTIVAL
Hastings Foreshore Reserve, Marine Parade, Hastings
9:00am-2:00pm
Celebrate Australia Day on the scenic surrounds of the Hastings Foreshore. The whole family will enjoy this free event which features market stalls, kids activities and amusements, delicious food and live music.
ADF AUSTRALIA DAY ARTILLERY SALUTE
Shrine of Remembrance, Corner St Kilda Road and Domain Road, Melbourne
12:00pm
The Royal Australian Artillery helps commemorate Australia Day each year with a 21 gun salute fired from the Shrine of Remembrance. Please note that the salute is very loud, visitors with small children or pets may wish to maintain some distance from the guns.
WILLIAMSTOWN FOOD TRUCK FIESTA
Seaworks, 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown
Thursday 25 January to Sunday 28 January, 12:00pm-10:00pm each day
Just what it says on the tin. Melbourne foodies will love this three day gastronomic festival, check the Facebook page for vendor announcements. Family friendly with kids rides, face painting, market stalls and live music.
Entry is a gold coin donation
$5 includes a complimentary soft drink or water and information guide
$10 includes a complimentary beer or wine and information guide
Government House Drive, Melbourne
9:30am-3:30pm (House tours 10:00am-3:00pm)
Pack a picnic and bring the family to explore Government House, one of Victoria’s most grandiose buildings. There will be plenty of activities run by community groups and live entertainment; the house will also be open for self guided tours. One of our top picks for celebrating Australia Day, be sure to check the website for a full guide.
SPORTING EVENTS
Moonee Valley Racecourse, McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds
Gates open 5:15pm with first race to jump at 6:30pm
Head to the Valley for the action packed $200,000 G2 Australia Stakes, won by turf legends including Schillaci and All Our Mob. Featuring a free BBQ, kids activities, giveaways, live music and fireworks, Moonee Valley is the place to be.
Entry from $20
See website for hospitality packages
AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKEND RACES @ CAULFIELD
Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield East
Saturday 27 January
Gates open approx. one hour before first race
Racing fans are spoiled for choice with the Blue Diamond Previews kicking off this meeting. Feast on gourmet burgers and seafood at the trackside BBQ and cool down at the Bondi Sands pool party featuring live DJs.
Adults tickets $10, concession $5 with kids under 14 free
See website for race meeting schedule
Balnarring Racecourse, Coolart Road, Balnarring
10:00am-5:00pm. First race jumps at 1:00pm
Known as one of the best meetings on the Victorian picnic racing calendar, this year’s Balnarring Cup Day will feature a flag-raising ceremony, on course tote and a wide variety of food and drinks for purchase.
Entry is $15 with free admission for under 18s
Hanging Rock Racecourse, 160 South Rock Road, Woodend
Gates open 11:00am
Experience picnic racing at its finest in the breathtaking surrounds of Hanging Rock. It will be a great day out with food stalls, live music and free kids activities.
Entry is $25 with concession tickets $15 and children 16 years and under free
See website for hospitality packages
AUSTRALIA DAY RACES AT YARRA VALLEY
Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Drive, Yarra Glen
Saturday 27 January
Gates open 11:00am
Enjoy a BBQ and local produce as Thoroughbreds thunder down the straight of the picturesque Yarra Glen racecourse. Free kids activities and giveaways make this a great way to celebrate the Australia Day weekend
Entry is $10 (early bird online) or $15 at the gate with free admission for under 17s
See website for hospitality packages
MOUNT MARTHA AUSTRALIA DAY SWIM
Mount Martha Beach, Mount Martha
7:45am-11:45am
The MMADS fundraising event is co-ordinated by the Mount Martha Lifesaving Club. It features four different swims to suit all ages and abilities. There will be trophies and spot prizes and over 100 lifesaving personnel overseeing the event.
From $30, see website for full information
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club, 25 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong
Friday 26th January to Sunday 28th January
7:30am-11:00pm daily
The Festival of Sails is one of Australia’s oldest sporting events and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat regatta with more than 3,000 competitors annually. Those not competing can experience the free accompanying Shoreside Festival on the Geelong waterfront with food vans, market stalls, live entertainment and fireworks.
Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, 3154 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento
9:30am-1:30pm
This fundraising event is fun for the whole family, paddling along the beautiful Mornington Peninsula shoreline in kayaks and canoes. Organised by Reclink Australia, this event will help support disadvantaged Australians.
See event website for full information and cost
A-LEAGUE: MELBOURNE VICTORY VS. SYDNEY FC
AAMI Park, 1 Swan Street, Richmond
7:50pm
Experience A-League action when Melbourne Victory takes on Sydney FC in the game of the season. A great night out for the whole family as entertainment will be provided.
Tickets start at $12
BARS AND PUBS
AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE CRAFTY SQUIRE
127 Russell Street, Melbourne
From 12:00pm
The James Squire brewhouse will be celebrating with a BBQ and Aussie food specials while streaming all the action from the Australian Open
Melbourne Central Lion Hotel, 211 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne
Thursday 25 January
From 9:30pm
Celebrate Australia Day with a Latin twist and put your salsa shoes on. There’ll be giveaways and drink specials like $9 Aguardiente and $5 basics
AUSTRALIA DAY EVE WITH DJ MARK JOHN
Diesel Bar, 202 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Thursday 25 January
From 9:00pm (other DJs playing from 5pm)
One of Melbourne’s newest bars will be doing happy hour from 4:00pm with several DJs kicking things off from 5pm. The kitchen will be open until late so you can groove the night away
Geddes Lounge, Geddes Lane, Melbourne
2:00pm-9:00pm (afterparty from 9:00pm)
Head to this hidden rooftop venue for an epic Australia Day celebration. There will be DJs, a BBQ, drink specials and inflatable pools. Stick around for the afterparty too!
Tickets start at $15 (online) or $25 at the door (subject to availability)
Meat Market, 53 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf
Friday 26 January to Sunday 28 January
12:00pm-3:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm each day
Carnivores are in for a treat with this riverside venue cooking up a BBQ feast. There will be plenty of food and drink specials and two sessions each day
Tickets start at $15 (online) or $25 at the door (subject to availability)
Beer Deluxe, 329 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
11:00am-3:00am
This is the perfect party for beer fans with the Mornington Peninsula Brewery taking over the taps. RSVP on their website to score a free beer! There’ll also be live music and the Australian Open on TV
AUSTRALIA DAY RIVERSIDE ON THE LAWN
The Common Man, 39 Dukes Walk, South Wharf
12:00pm-10:00pm
This sounds like one of the best Australia Day celebrations with tennis on the big screen, drink specials and family friendly activities. They are trumping other venues by not only offering a BBQ but also a spit roast and smoked meat straight from the smoker!
SKWOSH PRESENTS: TROPICANA AUSTRALIANA
Riva St Kilda, 42B Marine Avenue, Elwood
2:00pm-8:00pm
Head along to Riva’s Australia Day party featuring a massive DJ lineup, a Skwosh gift voucher and complimentary drinks all day.
Tickets from $100
QT Hotel, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne
From 2:00pm
Enjoy a BBQ with a view from the rooftop of QT. There will be an Australian inspired menu and tennis on multiple screens.
The Emerson, 141-145 Commercial Road, South Yarra
From 12:00pm, with an afterparty starting at 9:00pm
Head to The Emerson for rooftop festivities including live DJs and a three hour food and beverage pack that is included in the admission cost. Downstairs in the club will be a pumping afterparty with more tunes, see website for full list of DJs.
Tickets are $60 which include a three hour sausage sizzle and beverage pack
Afterparty tickets are $20
CLUB APEROL AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Australian Open, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
10:00am-10:00pm
If you’re at the tennis be sure to drop into the Aperol bar for a refreshing Spritz and some delicious antipasto
AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND AT P.J. O’BRIEN’S
P.J. O’Brien’s, Southgate restaurant precinct, Southbank
Opens daily from 11:00am
If anyone knows how to party, it’s definitely the Irish. Head to this traditional Irish pub for four days of festivities featuring drink specials and live music everyday.
ATTRACTIONS
MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL
101 Waterfront Way, Docklands
11:00am-10:00pm
Riverside Quay, Southbank
10:00am-10:00pm (last entry 9:30pm)
King Street, Melbourne
9:30am-6:00pm (last entry 5:00pm)
Elliott Avenue, Parkville
8:00am-5:00pm (animal areas close from 4:30pm)
K Road, Werribee
8:00am-5:00pm (animal areas close from 4:30pm)
Badger Creek Road, Healesville
8:00am-5:00pm (animal areas close from 4:30pm)
8 Whiteman Street, South Bank
Open 24 hours
GARDENS
Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
7:30am-sunset
Batman Avenue, Melbourne
Open all day
230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Open all day
SHOPPING CENTRES
287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
10:00am-6:00pm
20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
10:00am-9:00pm
Corner LaTrobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne
10:00am-6:00pm
1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
9:00am-9:00pm
100-120 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong
9:00am-9:00pm
175 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood
10:00am-5:00pm
619 Doncaster Road and Williamsons Road, Doncaster
10:00am-5:00pm
2/50 Murray Road, Preston
10:00am-5:00pm
1239 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham
10:00am-5:00pm
25-55 Overland Drive, Fountain Gate
10:00am-5:00pm
425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
10:00am-5:00pm
CINEMAS
All Hoyts cinemas will be open and trading as normal
Some Village cinemas may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Check details for your local cinema on the Village website
ARTS
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
6:00pm-12:00am
The NGV’s thought provoking contemporary art exhibition is holding a ten night festival featuring food, pop-up bars, dance performances and guest DJs.
Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Avenue, Parkville
From 5:30pm. Running until March 10
Help the zoo raise funds to save the Eastern Barred Bandicoot from extinction by coming along to their twilight music festival. Featuring the likes of Cut Copy, Jet, The Cat Empire and more! Head to their website for information on tickets
SHOPS
BOTTLESHOPS
Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars stores should be trading as normal
WOOLWORTHS
All Victorian stores should be open except for Melbourne Central, Bourke Street and Collins Square
COLES
Coles supermarkets in Victoria should be trading as normal
ALDI
All Aldi stores in Victoria should be trading as normal
BUNNINGS
All Bunnings stores in Victoria will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm
Have we missed something? Email teigan.kozina@news.com.au
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