Australia Day: What's on around the country?

Australia Day is fast approaching so as the nation prepares their prawns, packs their sunscreen and stocks up on cold ones, we've put together a list of the biggest (and a few bizarre) Aussie day events across the country.

Celebrating Australia Day in Sydney (Getty).

Sydney

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Around the Harbour:

The raising of the Australian and Aboriginal flags on the Sydney Harbour Bridge launches New South Wales’ Australia Day celebrations. The WugulOra Indigenous ceremony commemorates Australia’s Indigenous past while celebrating its future. 7:30-8:00am.

The Harbour’s annual Ferryfest is back with Sydney’s First Fleet ferries dressed to the nines as they travel from the Opera House, around Shark Island and then back to Harbour Bridge. 11:00am-11:45am.

As a nod to the federation of the nation, the Australian Defence Force will fire a 21 gun salute at Bradfield Park. Look out for the flypast by air force jets and an aerial display from the Australian Air Force. 12:00-12:15pm.

CBD:

Hyde Park becomes a children’s playground with an array of activities and entertainment for kids and their parents. At 10am, a few lucky soon-to-be Australians take the pledge during the Lord Mayor’s citizenship ceremony which takes place on the Hyde Park Stage.

Fireworks over Darling Harbour in Sydney (Getty).

Darling Harbour is celebrating in a big way, providing diverse entertainment from Indigenous dance performances to evening fireworks.

Inner-west:

The 25^th annual Yabun Festival takes place at Victoria Park with a concert showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and talent.

West:

Parramatta’s Australia Day bash will include a series of quirky events like a hot air balloon display and historic re-enactments. Singer Jessica Mauboy headlines the Parramatta Park concert.

Click here for more events around Sydney.

Canberra

The capital’s celebrating the big day at Commonwealth Park with concerts, a 21 gun salute, a citizenship ceremony and a fireworks display.

Melbourne

Patriotic Australia Day celebrators in Melbourne (Getty).

Melbourne’s Australia Day celebrations kick off with a flag raising ceremony on Swanson Street from 10:30-11am, followed by the Australia Day parade.

The Queen Victoria Gardens is providing musical entertainment from 9-5pm along with children’s activities and a wood chop demonstration.

Melbourne’s Children’s Festival takes place at the National Gallery of Victoria all weekend with performances and arts & crafts.

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is having two free concerts: Tidal Rhythms at The Bowl celebrates coastal and Island culture and the Australian Music Prize concert features the best of home-grown musical talent. 

The city’s grand finale fireworks will take place at Docklands accompanied by DJs, food stalls and kid’s activities.

Meanwhile, footy fans can cheer on Melbourne Victory when they take on Sydney FC at Etihad Stadium at 5:00pm.

Brisbane

A day at the cockroach races (AAP).

The Parklands hosts Brisbane’s Australia Day festivities complete with a flag raising ceremony, a 21 gun salute, music, art installations, activities and fireworks.

For those who have a high tolerance for creepy crawlies, the Story Bridge Hotel is offering a day at the races…for cockroaches. Their annual cockroach race takes place alongside hopefully cockroach-free entertainment.

Adelaide

The epicentre of Australia Day celebrations in Adelaide is Elder Park. Tens of thousands of people are expected to revel in the festivities which include a street parade and fireworks. Musical entertainment will feature Timomatic and Sarah De Bono.

Perth

Organisers say Perth’s Skyworks is the country’s largest community celebration of Australia Day. The event will include an entertainment zone on Langley Park, air and water shows and a fireworks display complete with lasers.

Tasmania

One of the furry athletes participating in the Henley-on-Mersey ferret races in Tasmania (AAP).

If Brisbane’s cockroach racing doesn’t interest you, you may want to give Tasmania’s ferret racing a try. It’s the main attraction at the Henley-on-Mersey Australia Day event. Reigning champion Cinnamon will be in attendance but organisers aren’t relying solely on the furballs to bring in the crowds. There will also be regatta races, a wood chopping competition and on-site catering. Admission is $5 but you can bring your ferret for free.

If rodents aren’t your thing, Kingston Beach is hosting Australia Day celebrations as well with sporting activities, live music, a sandcastle competition and, of course, a barbeque. Ferrets optional.

Darwin

Oz Fusion is Darwin’s cultural Australia Day event taking place at Cyprus Community Centre. The event features performances and food celebrating multiculturalism.

Darwin’s Entertainment Centre welcomes new Australians at the Australia Day citizenship ceremony followed by a flag raising ceremony and a 21 gun salute.