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Australia Day 2015
What does it mean to be Australian to you? If this is your first Australia Day you are in for a treat. So much goes on, but mainly we all just have lots of fun and rejoice in the fact that we are living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
I have some great events for you to sample and a few fun facts!
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Salute
Many of you
will head to the City or Darling Harbour for some or all of the day. Of
course there is lots happening to keep you and the family entertained.
If you find yourself near the Harbour at 12 pm, look up and listen as
the 21 gun salute fires from Bradfield park, the Australia Airforce,
Navy and Navy pay a Salute to Sydney and planes will fly overhead to
finish the salute. Join in the National Anthem in harmony with
synchronised choirs, it will bring a tear to you eye!
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| The History of Australia Day
The meaning of Australia Day has evolved over time. The date has also been named
"Anniversary Day", "Invasion Day", "Foundation Day", and "ANA Day".
It wasn't until 1901 that "Australia Day" was the term used to mark the date, but it wasn't until 1994 that it became a public holiday across Australia.
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| Australian Test
Are you Australia, if so you will be able to translate -
"Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas."
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| | The Australia Day CARnivale
If you like cars then this is for you. Macquarie Street will be closed as the whole street is lined with cars of all varieties and ages. Over 700 vehicles will be on display this year.
This is a all day free event.
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The Vintage Bus Service - Forget the Opal Card for the Day!
A fleet of
Sydney’s vintage buses will return to our roads, transporting people back
in time as they move around the city.
The green and yellow double deckers will be running
from Bridge Street along Phillip and Elizabeth Streets, then down to
Eddy Avenue at Central Station before returning along George Street back
to Bridge St. There are stops at Bridge St (near George St), Hyde Park
(near St James station), Queen Victoria Building, Haymarket and Central.
The buses will run from 10:30am to 5pm,
and all it costs is a gold coin donation in support of the Sydney Bus
and Truck museum. |
| GIO Oz Day 10k
9.00am-11.00am
Wheelchair athletes from
across the globe will descend upon Sydney for the 26th annual GIO
Summer Down Under Series, with the highlight event, the Oz Day 10K,
taking place on Australia Day in The Rocks.
The GIO Summer Down Under Series will
see the finest wheelchair track and road racers from around the world
compete in the prestigious event. Australia’s Kurt Fearnley OAM, fresh
off the back of his impressive New York City Marathon victory, will be
returning for his 19th consecutive year, hoping for a win in the Men’s
Open category. He will face off with athletes from Japan, Canada, USA,
South Africa and UK.
Catherine Luk, Executive Portfolio
Manager NSW CTP at GIO, said that the Summer Down Under Series is a
significant event on the NSW sporting calendar and GIO is proud to be
the event’s major sponsor for the 6th year. “The Summer Down Under
series has grown into an internationally recognised and iconic
wheelchair sporting event over the past two decades and GIO is delighted
to lend our support once again.”
CEO of Wheelchair Sports NSW, Jim
O’Brien, is excited to see domestic competitors go head to head with
international rivals in the 26th year of the event. “For over a
quarter of a century the Summer Down Under Series and the Oz Day 10k
have given wheelchair athletes a premiere platform to perform
competitively on an international stage. We wish all the athletes the
best of luck in their preparations.”
The stars of tomorrow will race
alongside their heroes of the past and the public is invited for free to
come and celebrate and cheer them on from 9am along the spectacular
race around The Rocks, starting and finishing at Alfred St, Circular
Quay.
The full GIO Summer Down Under series runs from January 19-27, free events include:
• Canberra Track Meets - 21 & 22 January 5.30-8.30pm, Australian Institute of Sport
• Sydney Twilight Track Meet - 24 January, 5.00 -8.30pm, Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Warm Up Track
• Mentor and Development Clinic - 25 January 10am-12pm, Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Warm Up Track
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GIO Oz Day 10K Road Race - 26 January, 9.00am-11.00am, Alfred Street,
The Rocks Spectator entry to all the track and road events is free. |
| Sold Out Events
Please be aware that some events have now sold out.
Both concerts on the steps of the Opera House
Many of the cruises have also sold out.
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| Australia Day at Glenworth Valley
Join us for a weekend full of riverside camping and fun-filled
adventure activities for the whole family. After a night under the
stars, please join us for an early morning Yoga Session set amongst the
unspoilt rainforest that is Glenworth Valley. After a short walk, start
your day relaxing in the peaceful surroundings joined by our
specialised Yoga instructor to energise you for the day ahead!
Treat the children to an imagination boosting morning or afternoon!
Book them into our Summer Session Kids Club on the Saturday or Sunday of
the long weekend, giving you the opportunity to enjoy one of our many
Adventure Activities or perhaps some well earned quiet time exploring
our vast and spectacular property or relaxing by your campsite.
It's GAME ON this Australia Day long weekend at Glenworth Valley
Outdoor Adventures as we bring back our 'Hour of Power' Laser Skirmish
sessions. Get your kids off the lounge and out in the great outdoors
within our custom built battle field, deep within the hills and bushland
setting of Glenworth Valley. These new Laser Skirmish session times
start at just $12 per game, with savings for purchasing multiple game
packs. Two games packages are just $22 and 3 games priced at $30. This
style of Laser Skirmish sessions are suitable for ages 7 and over.
More on Glenworth Valley
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| Fun Fact
The Australian Coat
Of Arms has on it a kangaroo and an emu. The reason for this is that the
kangaroo and the emu cannot go backwards but can only walk forwards. |
| Start early -
Australia Day Eve Beergarden Party & Fireworks
Starting at 5:00pm on Sunday 25th January, Australia Day EVE, Northern
Beaches most famous pub icon, The Newport Arms Hotel, will be hosting
their 19th annual garden party and midnight fireworks extravaganza to
celebrate the Australia Day Holiday and being an Aussie.
Activities for the afternoon will kick off earlier than previous
years with DJs playing LIVE from 5pm and extension of trading hours
being granted for a 2am close. So get in early to avoid the queues!!!
Christmas Eve and NYE @ The Arms were record breaking event, and this
event is the 3rd largest garden party the hotel stages each year and
thus big crowds are expected to flock to ‘The Arms' famous outdoor
waterfront beergarden (Australia's largest) to help celebrate this
traditional important Australian holiday.
The fireworks display will be shot into the night sky at midnight
during the night over Pittwater and it is recommended you arrive early
to secure the best vantage point.
Smooth sounds will continue into sunset followed by party anthems
until late on their moonlit dancefloor all night for those that want to
party. Special STA Buses have been organised to and from the venue to
help you get home safely.
HIGHLIGHTS - In short:
Australia Day Eve fireworks extravaganza over Pittwater
DJs LIVE from 5pm playing under the stars on moonlit dancefloor
Entry = FREE-open til 2am
Over 18s only to this event
Transport: TO and FROM venue every 1⁄2 hour til close.
Location: Newport Arms Hotel, 2 Kalinya St, Newport
Enquiries: 02 9997 4900
Info: www.newportarms.com.au/promos/australia-day-eve.html |
| Finally
Don't forget the Rocks and Darling Harbour will be putting on spectacular shows, information for both you will find on our website
Parrmatta Park has a full day of fun happening with Fireworks in the evening.
Gosford Council on the Central Coast also have a jam packed day and of course fireworks.
Penrith will have a Concert by the Lakes starting at 5 pm.
Bondi will be holding the Havaianas challenge, registration starts at 8 am with the beach activities starting at 9:30 am.
If you are unable to find the information on What's on Sydney head to the council websites for your suburb or the ones I have mentioned for more information.
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| Are you Australian?
If you are you will understand that "Wagga Wagga" can be abbreviated to "Wagga" but "Woy Woy" can't be called "Woy".
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