Where else would you rather be than the National Capital this Australia Day, Saturday 26 January? Make the most of your long weekend with a chock-a-block roster of live entertainment and family-friendly activities, all set around picturesque Lake Burley Griffin.
At 9am on 26 January, the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony will take place in Canberra at Rond Terrace (corner of Anzac Parade and Parkes Way).
Then, kicking off from 4pm, Australia Day celebrations will be spread across two locations – Regatta Point and Patrick White Lawns – and conclude with a fireworks display from Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and the lake at 9pm.
The main stage at Regatta Point will have back-to-back entertainment from 4pm until just before the 9pm fireworks. Headlined by Rogue Traders featuring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, the concert will also feature a mix of Canberra-based artists including The Advocates, Los Chavos and Big Boss Groove.
Patrick White Lawns will feature a range of sporting and interactive activities on until 8.30pm; try your hand at a cricket fast bowl, practise your golf swing or participate in the many other activities on offer.
Food with a multicultural focus will be available for purchase from a host of outlets at both locations.
The National Museum of Australia will host an Australia Day festival from 10am to 9pm with tours, music, dance, demonstrations, games, food and fun inspired by its First Australians gallery and Rome exhibition. Free, though costs apply for some activities.
For a change of pace, Brumbies fans can get along to Viking Park at 6.30pm to see their side play their first trial game before the Super Rugby season against the Melbourne Rebels for free.
On the evening of Friday 25 January, the recipients of the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the National Arboretum in Canberra. This event is not open to the public.
Across the border in Queanbeyan, join Australia Day Ambassador and mental health advocate Ben Farinazzo at Queanbeyan Park on 26 January for an afternoon of celebrations that will include a citizenship ceremony, Australia Day awards, fireworks, a merry-go-round, jumping castle and more.
Mayor of Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Tim Overall said he’s excited Mr Farinazzo has taken the time to join the community on such an important day.
“Australia Day is such a special community day and an opportunity to showcase what’s great about Queanbeyan-Palerang,” Mayor Overall said.
“We all have different stories to share about this country and Australia Day is an opportunity to remember how fortunate we are to live, together, here in Australia.”
For other celebrations taking place in the Queanbeyan-Palerang region, visit qprc.nsw.gov.au
To find out more about Australia Day in the Capitl, visit events.act.gov.au/australia-day
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