Where to celebrate Australia Day 2017

Posted on 23 January, 2017

From traditional sausage sizzles to singles mingles; picnics to pool parties, here’s how to celebrate Australia Day 2017. 

Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular

There’s no better way to end Australia Day with your family and friends than by enjoying the Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

The best vantage points are Regatta Point, the lawns of the National Library or Rond Terrace. Be sure to get there early to enjoy the entertainment and great atmosphere. From 9pm the sky above Lake Burley Griffin will come to life with a dazzling fireworks display set to a truly Aussie soundtrack.

Pack your picnic, a rug and enjoy the range of entertainment on offer at the spectacular fireworks display.

Happening Thursday 26 January, at Regatta Point, Regatta Place, Parkes.

See website for more information.

AND FOR THE MOST AUSSIE BBQ EVER…

What’s more Aussie than snags on the barbie? How about cheese and vegemite snags on the barbie? Balzanelli Smallgoods have pulled out all the stops this Australia Day to bring you possibly the most Australian creation to ever grace the coals.

You can order yours now by calling 6280 5104.

Rooftop Pool Party

It’s nearly Australia Day and nothing is more Aussie than a pool party!

Get your mates together and head to the Rooftop Terrace at the Duxton for their Australia Day Pool Party. There’ll be blow up pools to cool off in, inflatable pool toys to play with as well as the Somersby Bar to keep you hydrated and having fun. The bistro menu will be available upstairs all day which gives you plenty of tasty treats to choose from.

The Triple J Hottest 100 will be playing all day so come in and count down to the number 1 song with them.

Entry is free but the best spots in the pool will fill up fast so get there early!

*NB – this event is over 18’s only. Sorry kids!

Happening Thursday 26 January, 12pm, The Duxton cnr of MacPherson and Sargood Streets, O’Connor.

See website for more information.

Australia Day 2017 at the National Museum of Australia

Make the National Museum of Australia the place to be on Australia Day 2017!

Australia Day family festival

Dress up and celebrate history and the many cultures of Australia and the world. Enjoy music, dance, demonstrations, craft and family fun. Inspired by the 100 Objects exhibition there’ll be Falconry demonstrations, belly dancing, henna hands, medieval jumping castle, mock battle demonstrations and more! Charges apply to some activities.

Sunset concert at the NMA

Join us as the sun sets on Australia Day 2017 for live music and free larger-than-life lawn games at the National Museum of Australia.

Bring a picnic or grab a pie and a drink from the cash bar and settle in before the Australia Day fireworks display at 9pm. Challenge your friends to a game of giant Jenga, Connect 4, or the Viking-inspired Kubb. Kick back and enjoy live local music with Franklyn B Paverty, Dr Stovepipe and The Crossbones.

Australia Day Cocktail Party

Celebrate Australia Day 2017 in style, with a cocktail party at the Museum Bar!

Enjoy the Australia Day fireworks with great food, drinks and entertainment from the best lakeside view in town. The Museum’s blockbuster exhibition, A History of the World in 100 Objects from the British Museum will also be open for you to enjoy. 

$120 includes entry to the exhibition, food and beverages. Over 18s only. Numbers strictly limited. For more information and tickets visit: nma.gov.au/museumbar

Australia Day in the Capital

There’s something for everyone to enjoy this Australia Day in the capital, including an Aussie Day BBQ breakfast, kids entertainment, the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony and an evening concert with a fireworks finale.

Start your day with Aussie tucker at the ActewAGL Great Aussie Day Breakfast on the lawns of Stage 88, Commonwealth Park. Hear songs from the Sing Australia choir and enjoy a mega Nerf Zone, jumping castle and face painting.

Mid morning welcome our newest Australians at the Rond Terrace National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony. Watch for an impressive flyover and 21 gun salute.

From 4pm, join the Regatta Point celebrations and settle in for a family friendly concert. Headlined by British India, supporting acts include the Choir of Hard Knocks, Young Monks and Hands Like Houses.

If you’re after a picnic, head to Patrick White Lawns or Rond Terrace, where there’ll be plenty of entertainment for children, including face painting, glitter tattoos, a giant slide and more!

At 9pm, enjoy an impressive pyrotechnic display from the shores of Lake Burly Griffin. Marvel as the fireworks light up the Canberra skies and celebrate what’s great about being an Aussie, this Australia Day in the capital.

Happening Thursday 26 January from 7.30am at Commonwealth Park, Barrine Drive, Acton.

See website for more information.

National Carillon – Special Concert for Australia Day

Take your lunch time picnic to Aspen Island to enjoy a concert with real Australian flavour played on the bells of the National Carillon.

In this special concert for Australia Day, carillonist Leonard Weiss will perform folk songs, reflections and special arrangements of Australian Pop and rock (including ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’)!

Happening Thursday 26 January, 12.30pm – 1.20pm at National Carillon, Parkes.

See website for more information.

Australia Day in Yass Valley

Celebrate Australia’s National Day with celebrations in the Yass Coronation Park. The Rotary Club of Yass provide breakfast in the park from 7am.

Winners of the Australia Day awards are announced in the park at 9.15am. Yass Valley Australia Day Citizen Awards are to recognise outstanding individuals and groups who make a real contribution and difference to our community. The Australia Day Ambassador will also address the audience.

Happening Thursday 26 January from 7am at Coronation Park, 259 Comur Street, Coronation Park, Yass.

See website for more information.

Open House: Australia Day Picnic

Celebrate Australia Day at Lanyon Homestead with Open House: Australia Day Picnic. Cool down in the stunning gardens; bring your picnic and rug and relax on the lawns, or enjoy lunch at the Lanyon Café.

Discover Canberra’s rural history with a free tour of the homestead.

Free entry to homestead, bookings not required unless intending to dine at the Lanyon Café. Phone for reservations.

Happening Thursday 26 January, 10am – 4pm at Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa Drive, Tharwa.

See website for more information.

Australia Day Singles Mingle

Join the Moonlight Bus as it cruises around Canberra  from 6pm til midnight this Saturday 28 January with a few drinks to help break the ice!

See the Facebook event for more information.

Australian of the Year 2017 Awards exhibition

On show in the Hall, see this new exhibition which pays tribute to the eight extraordinary finalists chosen for the Australian of the Year Awards 2017. The exhibition features personal objects of special significance chosen by the finalists.

See website for more information.

Australia Day Your Way 2017 #australiaday

Join us for Australia Day Your Way as the National Museum of Australia, Twitter and the National Australia Day Council create a digital snapshot of our national day in 2017.

No matter where you are or how you are celebrating, you can be part of history by sharing a photo using the official #AustraliaDay hashtag on Twitter.

For details on all activities at the National Museum on Australia Day – visit nma.gov.au/australiaday