Australia Day 2016

By Jemma Mrdak.

Those visiting Down Under might not know that January 26 is the official National Day of Australia. The annual public holiday marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships. Nowadays, celebrations reflect the country’s multiculturalism and history, and is marked by community events and citizenship ceremonies, nationwide barbeques and the Triple J’s Hottest 100.

Australia Day in the Nation’s Capital is a pretty exciting day – we are the home to many of Australian’s icons and political figures. On this day, we take a moment to celebrate and congratulate the Australian of the Year recipients, and nominees who have achieved and contributed to Australians and society.

If you find yourself in Canberra this ‘Straya day, we have listed a few ways you could spend it:

• On the eve of Australia Day, celebrate the announcement of the awards on the lawns of Parliament House with Australia Day Live. Grab your deck chair and picnic basket and make a night of it amongst many other Canberra locals and visitors. Now in its 11^th year, the Australia Celebrates Live is a free concert, with every year a high calibre of Australian talent performing at the concert. With the likes of Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian and INXS having previously performed, we can’t wait to see what the 2016 line-up looks like!
• Wake up early on Australia Day and head over to Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, where the Australia Day in the Park celebrations will kick off early. With free brekkie on offer (who can say no to that), you could easily make a day of it. Watch the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony, and enjoy the large entertainment line-up.
• A celebratory day can never be complete without some form of show at night, so head to the lawns of the National Library of Australia for the Fireworks Spectacular.
• Alternatively, if you’re not keen on heading out with the crowds host your own Aussie BBQ at home and listen to Triple J’s Top 100 countdown. This is arguably the best and most popular option… Don’t forget to vote.

Australia Day is a fun day for Aussies and visitors alike. Grab the BBQ tongs, some snags, a radio, an esky full of frosties and celebrate, green and gold Aussie style.

Australia Day: January 26, 2016