For far north Queensland indigenous elder June Noble, January 26 is a day to reflect on the hardships her people have been through.
It's also a time to share her culture with the younger generation to ensure it survives into the future.
"Australia Day means looking back from the hardships people went through to where we are," the 55-year-old told AAP from the indigenous community of Yarrabah, south of Cairns, on Monday.
"It shows that we have survived a long period of hardship, sadness, loneliness.
"We have survived no matter what has been thrown at the people."
Ms Noble joined other Yarrabah residents for Survival Day events in the 4000-strong community which sits in a picturesque bay dotted with palm trees.
Bands played throughout the day, fishers were dotted along the beach hopeful of a bite, kids built sandcastles and others prepared BBQs or took part in horse races.
Ms Noble, who has been weaving since she was a child herself, helped kids prepare and weave flax and grass at a weaving workshop, while other children painted the indigenous flag nearby.
Like so many Australians, Danton Noble reckons January 26 is a day for family and friends to come together.
"It's about getting together with the people for Survival Day," the 30-year-old told AAP as he helped his son break sticks to stoke a fire for a BBQ.
With high temperatures scorching much of the state, many Queenslanders in other parts of the state fired up the barbie, swam at the beach or went to one of the many Australia Day events.
South Bank in Brisbane came alive with music and art installations, while a flag-raising ceremony was held at the army barracks in Townsville.
It featured a 21-gun salute and an air force fly-over.
With less than a week until Queenslanders head to the polls, Premier Campbell Newman and Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk both spent part of the day in their Brisbane electorates.
Meanwhile, Australia Day citizenship ceremonies were held across the state.
More than 100 Queenslanders have been recognised in the honours list for their contribution to the nation.
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