Held on 26 January each year, Australia Day is the day to reflect upon what it means to be Australian, commemorate our history and our culture. It is a day to be celebrated with friends and family. Each year, over 13 million Australians participate in Australia Day Celebrations. It’s a great day to remember how lucky we are to live in a country such as Australia, where we enjoy freedom, peace and cultural diversity.

What will you be getting up to this Australia Day? There are plenty of free, family-friendly activities to enjoy in the Port Macquarie Hastings region this Australia Day. Below are just some of the things you can do on January 26!

Australia Day Aquatic Activities
Lady Nelson Wharf and Town Green, 10am – 2pm

No doubt there will be lots of activity happening on the waters of the Port Macquarie region on Australia Day, with activities at the Town Green no exception! Come down to the foreshore in front of the Town Green by Lady Nelson Wharf, and watch the boat races featuring the Port Macquarie local Surf Life Saving Club boat crew and Dragon Boaters. There will also be a jet ski demonstration as well as a mock rescue.  Bring your friends, family and neighbours and grab a spot to watch the flotilla come past! There will be a live commentary of the flotilla as well. Don’t forget your picnic blanket!

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Marine Rescue Port Macquarie get excited about Australia Day celebrations

Barefoot Bowls
The Westport Club, 10am

The Westport Club’s Australia Day barefoot bowls is a great way to spend the morning with family and friends.  Have a game of bowls, a few drinks and enjoy a free lunch on us. Bowlers and Non-Bowlers are welcome – come on Aussies, give it a go!

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Port Macquarie Australia Day celebrations
Town Green and Town Square, 3pm

Come along to the Town Green and Town Square for Port Macquarie’s official Australia Day celebrations. The event commences from 3pm with the Welcome to Country and performance by the Birpai Mitijigan Dance Group. The ceremony will then proceed on to the official Australia Day addresses by local Members of Parliament, Port Macquarie Mayor Peta Pinson, as well as the Australia Day Ambassador. Support our newest Australian Citizens as they are officially recognised with the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony. READ MORE

Australia Day Awards
The Glasshouse Port Macquarie, 6pm – 8pm

The Australia Day Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of members of our local community, who inspire us through their accomplishments in service to our community, culture and sports, and challenge us to make our own contribution to a better Australia.

The Port Macquarie Hastings Council Australia Day Awards will be presented at The Glasshouse from 6pm on Friday 26 January. All members of the community are invited to attend this free event.  READ MORE

 

 

Free Lunchtime Concert
The Glasshouse Port Macquarie, 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Did you know that every Friday you can enjoy free live music in the Port Macquarie town centre? Every Friday you can come down to the Glasshouse and listen to live music for one hour, for a small donation. A range of different styles are on display including vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs, drumming ensembles more, performing a variety of genres, from classical to rock!

Australia Day Celebrations at Laurieton
North Brother Mountain, 6.45am – 10am

Enjoy breakfast at the top of North Brother Mountain, provided by the Laurieton Rotary Club. There will be a small charge for the breakfast in support of Rotary. READ MORE

Surf 'n' Turf

Activities in Wauchope
Wauchope Showground, 10am – 2pm

Wauchope will be abuzz with plenty of activities for the whole family. Head to the Wauchope Showground and check out the variety of kids’ game, face painting and guessing competitions. The Wauchope Rotary club will be serving an Aussie Breakfast at 8am, so make sure you bring cash along for a donation. There will also be a citizenship ceremony The official festivities get underway at 11am. READ MORE

Where to eat

With so many different family activities on offer, you will need a big feed to keep you going on Australia Day! At The Westport Club we’ll be serving up homemade pavlovas, hot and fresh homemade meat pies, Surf ‘n’ Turf plus Australia beer and cocktail specials! Bring the family down to The Westport Club and enjoy our Australia Day celebrations.

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However you choose to celebrate Australia Day this year, we hope that you have a safe and enjoyable day with your friends and family.