Australia Day 2016

By Ben Stephens.

At the moment, you’ve most likely been back at work for about two weeks and a midweek day of rest seems very enticing indeed. Well, thanks to the Romans and the way calendars work, this year Australia Day will fall on a Tuesday. From backyard barbecues to island parties, welcome-to-the-country ceremonies, new headlands, sunset celebrations and of course Triple J’s Hottest 100, Sydney will celebrate the day with a collective of Aussie events. Check out our top six spots around the city to best celebrate Australia Day in 2016.

Barangaroo Reserve

For Sydney, it’s rare to have a new headland to utilise (most have been discovered, weird?), so with the opening of Barangaroo Reserve late last year the parkland is the perfect spot to join in on Australia Day activities. Starting the day off will be a WugulOra Morning Ceremony, celebrating the traditional custodians of the nation, which will be followed by flag raising and Jessica Mauboy performing the national anthem in both Aboriginal and English along with the Jannawi Dance Clan. Throughout the day, Barangaroo will be a perfect place for a picnic and to catch the action happening out on the harbour. Over at the Ephemeral City, or the Cutaway, the demolition of the cardboard city will begin at 3:30pm, something you may not want to miss. Concluding the day at the reserve will be a sunset celebration led by Aboriginal personality Clarence Slockee, as the sounds from Dukes Pier will see the sun fall out of view.

Any Beach

Australia Day often comes through with the sunny goods, so if (when) it does this year, join the hoards of other beach bums on the best stretch of coastline in the world. Whether you head to Bondi or another Eastern Suburbs playa, or something further north like Manly or Freshwater, you’ll be in for good times. As always, wear sunscreen, get out there with a good attitude and stay hydrated… then head to the pub for a few frosty schooners.

The Rocks

The first settlement, now know as The Rocks will be brimming with celebrations, starting with The Rocks Markets, where you can pick up any number of hand crafted and locally made jewellery, fashion and art. While you’re there be sure to grab a bite to eat from any of the food stalls on offer, it’s all mouth watering. Live music will fill the area with two stages set to host solid Australian born talent, such as Little Birdy’s Katy Steele and Thundamentals’ member Tuka taking to the stage. Along with all this, The Rocks plays home to some great Australian Pubs, check out the Glenmore early for a spot on their rooftop or make tracks to The Lord Nelson, one of Sydney’s oldest pubs.

Sydney Harbour

If you can get on the water, be on the water. From the annual Australia Day Parade, which will see iconic vessels take to the harbour in high spirits, to the Ferrython, where the First Fleet Sydney Ferries will make their way up the harbour in race to claim line honours under the bridge. This then follows on to the Tall Ships race, that stirs distinct feelings about seeing these ships unfurl their sails and make their way towards the city. After all this parading and racing, P&O Cruises will be bringing four of their biggest ships into the harbour, that later will play host to a firework spectacular. A new addition to the harbour scene this year, is surely going to be one of the biggest. Goat Island will play host to a Triple J Hottest 100 party like no other, while also holding a live line up with legends like Kilter, Just A Gent and Klue. To keep your hunger and thirst at bay, Marys will be flipping burgers and the team from Young Henrys will be pouring their good stuff – tickets are still available.

Festival Village

The last day of the Hyde Park wonderland, Sydney Festival’s Festival Village will be celebrating Australia with a relaxed day of food, drinks and the last performances in the Spiegeltent. There’ll be food from the crew at Porteño (think Argentinian meats) and Messina will be supplying iced dairy treats that look like real Dagwood dogs and a donut bars. Kirin will be looking after your beer and cider needs, while Rad Dan will be looking after the tunes over at the DJ Lounge. Entry is free into the Village.

Manly

Although not in the CBD of Sydney, Manly just couldn’t be left off the list. A good way to get out on the water and amongst the action is to jump on the Sydney to Manly ferry and head out to the northeast headland where you will find yourself at the picturesque harbour of Manly. From the beach to the bars and restaurants, Manly will be celebrating Australian Day all throughout the promenade and the across the foreshore. Pop into Daniel San for the Triple J Hottest 100, an Okinawa BBQ and face painters. Or head to Hotel Steyne for and open-air beer court yard and much of the same.

However you’re spending the first public holiday of 2016 (excluding New Years), we hope you have a safe, sausage sizzle-friendly and thirst-quenching Australia Day… and hope you Hottest 100 vote comes in! #AustraliaDay

Australia Day is January 26

Header and social images: Celebrate Australia Day