Things to do on Australia Day 2018

Australia Jan 25, 2018

First and foremost for all international students in Australia the question of the hour is ‘What is Australia Day’? To give you a little brief, Australia Day is the national day of Australia. 26th January marks the anniversary of 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at the Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip who was then the Governor.
However today this day has evolved into a celebration of the country, its diverse society and land.

Feeling sluggish with all our brief history lesson there? Don’t worry there is not even one thing boring about Australia Day celebrations and we are determined to ensure you have a great time.

Australia-Day-2018

Now that there is a long weekend on the horizon, with home students already planning celebrations with their families, there is plenty for international student in Australia to do as well. Our especially curated list of things to do on Australia Day in your city is here at your rescue.

Australia Day Sydney

Since it’s a day off and if you are planning on sleeping in till late, then don’t! The celebrations in the city start as early as 7:30 am. Trust us you do not want to miss it. Sydney Harbour takes centre stage, commencing at Barangaroo you will find here the traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony taking place. No you will not find people here in herds smoking, it is more of a cleansing ceremony that is an ancient custom amongst indigenous Australians. You will also be able to witness the special dance to celebrate the world’s oldest living culture. The dance commences at 8am. It is during this that students in Sydney will see the Australian Flag being raised to the top of the bridge.

Australia-Day-Sydney

You will love the Australia Day event that follows right after, known as the Ferrython. From Circular Bar to Shark Island and finally approaching Sydney Harbour, watch a fleet of ferries race each other. Sydney Opera House forecourt becomes the stage for Australia Day Concert giving you a taste of best artists from the industry.

Australia-Day-in-Sydney

This is not all, Dee Why Beach puts together the ‘Big Breakfast’ with Car Show, Bike Show, rides, entertainment and so much more. Parramatta will have all day celebrations with hot air balloons filling the sky, live music and fireworks.

You can then finish your day with the spectacular fireworks at Circular Quay around 9pm.

Australia Day Melbourne

Australia-Day-Melbourne

The sound of the long weekend fast approaching is sweet melody for everyone. Get into the spirit with the rest of your friends and head to the Australian Day Parade. See the flag fly high and the watch group after group march down the Swanston Street.

Australia-Day-in-Melbourne

You will not want to miss the Corona Sunset Sessions on the Riverwalk. Having Corona without the sun setting in the background should be made illegal. We are under the influence of the Corona advertisement we think! Coming back to Riverwalk. There will be buckets of beer, off the chart tunes and all you can eat Mexican food. How better can Friday’s get?!

Food-Truck-Fiesta

Try Ascot Lot for the food truck festival. Food, booze and Aussie themed food trucks like ‘Boss Burger’ and ‘Meat Me Here‘ will be there. If by the end of the week your bank account looks like recession hit it then Misschu’s AU$ 1 Pork Burgers are just what you need on this holiday. This deal is running on all three Misschu locations in South Yarra, South Melbourne and CBD.

Australia-Day-Melbourne-2

Finish your day with checking out the breath-taking fireworks at the Docklands. Here too you will find tons of food trucks and artists to keep you entertained and help you finish your day with a bang.

Australia Day Brisbane

There is plenty going on in the city to ensure that this day off is one of the best to enjoy in Brisbane. Grab your picnic basket, blanket, your friends and head over to River Quay.

Australia-Day-Brisbane

Live entertainment commences from 11 am. Enjoy drinks and shrimps on the barbie. It is the ultimate way to spend your 26th January weekend in Brisbane. The end of the day will see grand fireworks of course, in the city. If you are amongst the few who get dreamy eyes looking at fireworks then there are more around the city that you can catch.

Australia-Day-in-Brisbane

7 pm at Southbank Parklands, Bribie Island show at 7:30 pm and on Sutton’s Beach – Redcliff the fireworks commence at 7:30 pm.

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Fancy yourself some Gin? Then there is a whole special event for you taking place at the Covent Garden Ginuary. The party here starts early and has a great cocktail event focused on helping you explore the various variety of your favourite spirit.

Australia Day Adelaide

A fun parade and fireworks is a given but there is more happening in the city, just like the rest of the country. Start at the Bay we say! Enjoy a BBQ brekkie at Glenelg just for AU $8. You will get bacon, sausages, eggs, tomato and a tall glass of freshly pressed OJ!

Australia-Day-Adelaide

The free cultural event at the Semaphore Foreshore is not something you must miss. Join in in the celebrations of the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people.

Australia-Day-in-Adelaide

Live concert, traditional dance performances, food, drinks, shopping, art and the list just goes on. End your day at the Australia Day Parade in the city. Head over to Elder Park for the celebrations that begin around 6 pm. Vintage cars, horses, marching bands, fly past from an F18 Hornet and a giant echidna, it will all be here! Live music begins at 7 pm and the day ends with a bang of the spectacular fireworks.

Australia-Day-in-Adelaide-1

There are plenty of events and activities taking place all around the country and best yet the whole country takes to the streets to celebrate together. There will be something for everyone here. This will be a stellar opportunity for international students in Australia to know more about the culture of the natives and as it is no secret it will be a fun time to socialise as well.