Australia Day 2012 – what’s on?

It’s time to celebrate!

Have you made plans for Australia Day? If you managed to get Friday off work, you’re in for a mighty long weekend!

FYI: Australia Day is on Thursday the 26th of January.

It’s the one day where you can get away with applying a yellow and green zinc combo to your face, wear more merchandise than clothing and feel immense amounts of patriotism when your friends spend the entire day in an inflatable pool.

To kick start your Australia Day spirit, I’ve collected 24 facts that will trigger a few patriotic butterflies in your stomach.

You know you’re Australian when…

1. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
2. You can translate: “Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas”.
3. You understand that “excuse me” can sound rude, while “scuse me” is always polite.
4. You still don’t get why the “Labor” in “Australian Labor Party” is not spelt with a “u”.
5. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionery known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
6. You know that thongs are not underwear and you wear them all year round , hot or cold, rain or shine.
7. You know what togs are and you wear them all year round, even when you’re not going for a swim.
8. You think “Woolloomooloo” is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
9. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs – just in case you’re trying to sneak in fruit.
10. You get choked up with emotion by the first verse of the national anthem and then have trouble remembering the second.
11. You know what a goon bag is and you know it can double up as a pillow.
12. You pronounce Melbourne as “Mel-bin”.
13. Your right arm is darker than your left from driving in the sun.
14. You know everyone working at Whistler.
15. You went to Canberra to see the war memorial as a school excursion.
16. When it rains – it pours.
17. You remember 30c cones from McDonalds and used to buy them every day driving home from school.
18. You would never ever dream of drinking Fosters.
19. You see a cop car and flash your lights to warn others.
20. You sleep with Aeroguard on.
21. An eight-hour trip to go camping for the weekend isn’t out of the question or excessive.
22. Public holidays. Say no more.
23. You feel obliged to spread salty black stuff that looks like congealed motor oil on bread and actually grow to like it.
24. You say ‘no worries’ quite often, whether you realise it or not.

Australia Day Events – what’s on in your state?

QLD

Australia Day Festival

Time: 10am
What to expect: South Bank will come alive with colour, sound and movement as some of Queensland’s most talented performers and community groups entertain audiences throughout the day. Be there to enjoy live music, a vibrant stage program and creative, hands-on activities.
Venue: The Parklands, South Bank
Cost: Free
More info

AusSounds Concert

Time: 5pm – 7:30pm
What to expect: A live outdoor concert along the banks of the Brisbane River followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Venue: The Parklands, South Bank
Cost: Free
More info

Cazalys Cairns, Great Aussie Meat Pie Challenge

Time: 12pm – 5pm
What to expect: Aussie meat pie challenge with $1000 prize money, live bands, live broadcast with Baz & Pacey from SE FM, kids activities, jumping castle, face painting and flip the clown.
Venue: Cazalys, Cairns
Cost: Free
More info

NSW

Darling Harbour Australia Day Spectacular and Fireworks

Time: 7pm – 9pm
What to expect: Addresses from the NSW Premier and the Governor, boat parades, a Water Police rescue, a breathtaking symphony of light, sound, music and fireworks.
Venue: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free
More info

Sydney Ports Jazz on the Water Concert

Time: 3pm – 9pm
What to expect: Pack a picnic, bring your mates and enjoy refreshments and a licensed bar from 3.00pm onwards. Winners of the Best Dressed Vessels competition will be announced during the event.
Venue: Pirrama Point Park and Johnstons Bay
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Big Breakfast at Dee Why

Time: 7am – 11am
What to expect: Big Breakfast including bacon/sausage and egg rolls, pancakes with maple syrup/lemon and sugar. Your local Manly thong throwing competition. Rides and activities (gold coin donation). Official ceremonies and flag raising 9am. Live music on stage. Kids’ activities.
Venue: Ted Jackson Reserve, Dee Why Beach
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Festa

Time: 11am – 4pm
What to expect: Kids carnival rides, pony rides, animal farm, face painting, BBQ, entertainment, meet & Greet ‘Blinky Bill’ and food stalls.
Venue: Club Marconi
Cost: Free
More info

ACT

Australia Celebrates Live

Time: 7pm – 10pm (25th of January)
What to expect: Australian Of The Year Awards announced, then at 8:00pm the Australia Celebrates Live Concert begins. This year’s lineup including Sneaky Sound System.
Venue: Federation Mall, Canberra
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Carillon Recital

Time: 12:30pm – 1:10pm
What to expect: Enjoy a musical celebration of Australia Day at the National Carillon. Bring a picnic and enjoy Australia Day on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Venue: National Carillon
Cost: Free
More info

Chief Minister’s Regatta

Time: 2pm – 8pm
What to expect: This is one of the largest regattas held in Canberra with over 100 boats taking place
Venue: Canberra Yacht Club, Lake Burley Griffin
Cost: Free
More info

Off the Walls: Art from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Agencies 1967-2005

Time: 9am – 5pm
What to expect: This exhibition takes you into the world of indigenous art, and the politics and history of a time of great change.
Venue: National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula
Cost: Free
More info

VIC

7th Annual Havaianas Challenge

Time: 7am – 7pm
What to expect: Be a part of a sand-sational day of flip-flopping around in the water, lapping up the beautiful Australian sunshine. Last year’s champions in WA are ready to defend their title and fight for consecutive victory.
Venue: Torquay Beach and Australian beaches nationwide
Cost: $30 ($20 online)
More info

RACV Big Brekkie

Time: 8am – 10am
What to expect: Enjoy food from a diversity of cultures, while being entertained by acclaimed singer and songwriter Richard Franklin and the Charcoal Club.
Venue: Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne
Cost: free
More info

Australia Day Big Breakfast

Time: 9am
What to expect: The Laverton Community Choir will perform a selection of Australian songs. Councilor Bob Fairclough will present the local “Citizen of the year” awards including a special Junior Citizen award.
Venue: Laverton Point Cook
Cost: free
More info

Australia Day Eve Comedy Debate

Time: 8pm – 9pm
What to expect: Start off Australia Day celebrations with some madness and irreverence from Des Dowling, Heath Franklin, Hannah Gadsby, Hung Le, Aleisha McCormack and Terri Psiakis.
Venue: BMW Edge, Federation Square
Cost: free
More info

SA

Australia Day in the City

Time: 6pm – 10pm
What to expect: Fireworks, concert & parade.
Venue: Elder Park
Cost: Free
More info

Wombat Australia Day

Time: 2pm – 5pm
What to expect: Award winning book ‘Hairy Nose, Itchy Butt’ will be launched on the day and the City Jazzmen will be playing along with a charity BBQ from Rotary Edge.
Venue: Greenhill Galleries, Adelaide
Cost: Free
More info

Campbelltown Australia Day Celebrations

Time: 10am
What to expect: A free family fun day with food, face painting, children’s activities, sit back and enjoy the Campbelltown city band, also the presentation of Campbelltown’s citizen of the year and young citizen of the year.
Venue: Campbelltown Council Office Green
Cost: Free
More info

WA

Australia Day Lunch

Time: 12pm – 2:30pm
What to expect: Australia Post will announce its Legends Series of Stamps which will feature living legends from the four football codes – Rugby, Australian Rules, Rugby League and Soccer and His Excellency The Governor of Western Australia will make his inaugural Australia Day Address.
Venue: Government House Ballroom
Cost: $125 for a seat
More info

Fellowship of First Fleeters Swan River Chapter

Time: 11am
What to expect: Family Picnic to be held
Venue: Charles Paterson Park, Burswood
Cost: Free
More info

Freemantle’s Australia Day Celebrations

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: A free sausage sizzle and entertainment including Captain Cleanup, face painting, art markets and giant bubbles.
Venue: Freemantle Esplanade Reserve
Cost: Free
More info

Indian Ocean Sky Show

Time: 8pm – 10pm
What to expect: A skyshow extravaganza
Venue: Bathers Bay
Cost: Free
More info

TAS

Australia Day Breakfast on the Bellerive Boardwalk

Time: 8:30am – 12pm
What to expect: A delicious budget breakfast provided by the Lions Club of Clarence accompanied by great musical entertainment by reggae outfit, Trumps.
Venue: Bellerive Boardwalk
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Fiesta

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: An evening of live music, Australia Day Awards, new citizens, dance and family entertainment at the new Bluff Precinct.
Venue: Mersey Bluff, Devonport
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Picnic by the Leven

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: A family picnic at Anzac Park, Ulverstone, on the banks of the Leven River, incorporating the official ceremony followed by family activities and live entertainment.
Venue: Anzac Park, Ulverstone
Cost: Free
More info

NT

Pine Creek Australia Day Traditional

Time: 12pm – 5pm
What to expect: An afternoon of fun and games including flag raising, national anthem, sausage and lamb chop sizzle, kids games, Australiana Quiz and light family entertainment.
Venue: Miners Park, Main Tce
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day at Howard Springs Reserve

Time: 12pm – 4pm
What to expect: Free family day including Cricket, pie eating, boule, speed scrabble, corn hole – lots of prizes – free food and soft drink.
Venue: Howard Springs Reserve
Cost: Free
More info

OzFusion

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: An exciting blend of multicultural performances and activities in the cool of the Cypriot Club.
Venue: Cyprus Community Centre
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Fun Walk/Run at the Esplanade

Time: 7am – 12pm
What to expect: A healthy way to start the day with a 2km or 4.5km walk or run.
Venue: Esplanade, Darwin
Cost: Free
More info

Want to do your own thing? Activity ideas…

• Thong throwing
• Sack races
• Sao, lamington or meat pie eating competition
• Sausage sizzle
• Pavlova making competition
• Egg and spoon race

More ideas

Interested in Australian of the Year awards? Click here.

Don’t forget to tune into the Triple J Hottest 100!