Toowoomba Regional Council to host Australia Day events as Bureau of Meteorology predicts humid conditions

With temperatures expected to reach above 30C this Australia Day, those looking to enjoy the sun have many events to choose from across the Toowoomba region. SEE THE FULL LIST.

Parts of the Darling Downs could see a smack of thunder and lightning this Australia Day, with outdoor events expected to draw thousands.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Livio Regano said this Thursday could see many residents battling high humidity with temperatures expected to reach above 30C, while some areas may experience potentially severe storms.

Though Toowoomba locals have less than 50 per cent chance of a storm, Mr Regano said it would most likely be easy to spot the building thunderstorms to the west, with regions west of Dalby more likely to hear the rumble of thunder.

As the inland trough moves east, it will push humid conditions, which create a “breeding ground” for further storms.

Residents expecting to spend the day outdoors this Australia Day are reminded to be sun safe and stay hydrated.

Here’s a list of events happening across the Toowoomba region this Australia Day.

Toowoomba Regional Council Australia Day Events

In the dunny race are (from left) Zane, Clancy Carter, Sasha Lee and Jessica Lee at the Oakey Australia Day celebrations, Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba – Picnic Point, 9.30am-11.30am. Australia Day Award presentations by Mayor Paul Antonio. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Cambooya – Cambooya Recreation Grounds, 8am-10am. Free barbecue breakfast, free children’s face painting, coffee van. Awards ceremony from 9am.

Cecil Plains (incorporating Millmerran) – Cecil Plains Aquatic Centre, 8am-11am. Free barbecue breakfast from 8am. Awards ceremony from 9am, with pool access from 10am.

Clifton – Pioneer Park, 7am-10am. Free barbecue breakfast followed by the Australia Day Awards ceremony. BYO chair or picnic blanket.

Crows Nest (incorporating the Highfields award ceremony) – Crows Nest Showgrounds, 3.30pm-5.30pm. Live entertainment with awards from 4.30pm. A barbecue and cold drinks will be served after the official ceremony for a gold coin donation.

Goombungee – Goombungee Hall, 8am. Free community breakfast, entertainment and children’s activities, followed by an official ceremony at 9.30am, including presentation of Australia Day Awards. Following the formalities, there will be free face painting and entertainment throughout the morning.

Jondaryan – Jondaryan Woolshed will hold a special three-day family event from January 26-28. For full details, visit www.jondaryanwoolshed.com.

Oakey – Arthur Shooter Park, 7.30am to noon. Breakfast in the park on sale from 7.30am; award ceremony from 8.30am. Free morning tea and billy boiling competition from 9.30am. From 10am, team and individual events: The Australian dunny race, open and junior iron man races, thong throwing, sack races with prize presentations from noon. Bring a chair, picnic blanket, hat and sunscreen. The Oakey Art Group will offer children’s activities in Arthur Shooter Park from 9am to 12.30pm.

Pittsworth – Barbecue breakfast by the Pittsworth Lions Club at Centenary Park from 8am. Pittsworth Australia Day official ceremony at Pittsworth Town Hall, Park Street, from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Aboriginal Sovereignty Day, Toowoomba

Held on Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Land, a solemn gathering to remember and recognise the loss of Sovereignty for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will commence at 5am on January 26.

Protesting the celebrations of a devastating day for First Australians, people are encouraged to attend Picnic Point at 5am to remember the loss of land, right to practice their culture, and loss of loved ones.

Highfields Pioneer Village

Enjoying their lamingtons are Mia Aws and Robert Henderson at Toowoomba Australia Day Awards and celebrations at Picnic Point, Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With live music, Indigenous art displays, a baby animals nursery and more, residents are invited to spend their Australia Day at the Highfields Pioneer Village.

Open from 9am with a $10 entry fee for those over 12 years old, the village’s activities will kick off with milking of the cows, beekeeping, blacksmithing, whip cracking school and more.

Food and drinks are available, with displays and entertainment for all ages.

Australia Day 2023 at Fitzy’s

Jillian Seaniger (left) and Tegan Hudson at the 2021 Australia Day activities at Picnic Point. Picture: Bev Lacey

With classic Aussie tucker and favourite ice-cold beers up for grabs, hundreds of residents are expected to visit the Fitzy’s Australia Day celebrations from noon until 11.45pm this Thursday.

With live music ready to entertain the crowds, it is sure to be a relaxing day out. For more information, visit Fitzy’s Facebook page.

Aussie Day 2023 at The Southern

Starting celebrations 7pm on January 25, live music will welcome in crowds from 1pm on January 26 at The Southern Hotel.

Free pool all day, prizes up for grabs and delicious meal deals on offer, guests are set to have a fun-filled Thursday afternoon with no public holiday surcharges applied.

Rink 46 Australia Day

A Family fun day out with water slides, jumping castles and a bucking bull, registered teams could battle it out for a massive prize win at Rink 46 this Australia Day.

Formally the Drayton Bowls Club, a three games of 12 ends competition will kick off, with a $5600 prize pool up for grabs.

With musicians ready to entertain the crowds, teams can register at the Rink 46 Facebook page, with an 11am start.

Australia Day at Wilsonton Hotel

Residents are invited to visit the Wilsonton Hotel this Australia Day from 11am, with a barbecue, games, prizes and more on offer.

With a face painter on hand, guests are encouraged to book their spots quickly before tables run out.

Do you know of other Australia Day events happening across the region?

Email [e-mail] to add it to the list.