By Janine Mergler
Whatever Australia Day means to you, it is an opportunity to reflect on the beautiful country in which we live. With sun, sand and gorgeous weather (particularly in Brisbane) this time of the year is a good opportunity to be outside with family and friends.
In 2019 Australia Day falls on a Saturday, but the public holiday is observed on Monday 28th January, so we have the luxury of a lovely long weekend, just before we pack the kidlets back off to school.
So why not celebrate the Australia Day long weekend with a range of activities out and about or at home that will ensure you end the school holidays with a bang.
There are so many local activities to enjoy in Brisbane this Australia Day, we’ve shared our family-friendly picks below … Image: Getty Images.
Victoria Park Golf Complex & Bistro
Every year Victoria Park put on a huge Family Fun Day to celebrate Australia Day. This year is no exception! Head over to enjoy a meal in their bistro and the kids (and even the adults) can participate in Aussie lawn games including tug-of-war and sack races + giant games. There will be a jumping castle, kids face painting, live music and market carts. Time for each vary.
Dates: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27
Time: 10am – 5:30pm
Australia Day in Redcliffe
This free event is a lovely way to spend the day in the Moreton Region. Held on Suttons Beach, there will be live music, beach cricket, beach volleyball and the kids will have a blast with other free games and activities. If playing on water is more your style on Australia Day, they will have inflatables in the water including a Shark Slide, Dart Soccer, 3 in 1 Sports Game and Ninja Junior. And like any good Australia Day celebration, there will be fireworks!
Date: Saturday 26 January
Time: from 3pm – fireworks at 8pm
The family-firework show at Southbank is not to be missed. Image: Getty Images.
Australia Day at South Bank
Nothing says ‘Brisbane’ more than a day out at South Bank and this Australia Day long week, our favourites have ‘turned it on’ for both locals and visitors to our great city. Pack a picnic and head into the city to delight in the lush green lawns and swimming pools on the river.
To keep families entertained there will be live music, restaurants and cafes a plenty and of course the huge fireworks display to end the evening.
Date: Saturday 26 January
Time: from 1pm – fireworks at 7.30pm
Lawnton Aquatic Centre – Free Pool Party
The Lawnton Aquatic Centre will be hosting a free pool party with free rides, live bands & entertainment for families this Australia Day. There will also be a poolside disco as well as competitions & giveaways, a night time movie and well as a $1 sausage sizzle… you can’t get much more Aussie than that!
Date: Saturday 26 January
Time: from 2pm
Australia Day is a wonderful chance to get out and about with family and friends and celebrate everything that is great about Australia. Image: Getty Images.
Australia Day by the Bay | Sandgate
Local politicians Wayne Swan and Jared Cassidy have teamed up once again for Australia Day by the Bay 2019 held at the VMR on Cabbage Tree Creek. There will have an afternoon of activities for young and old alike again this year. There is a full day of activities planned with live entertainment, face painting and delicious eats! To finish the day, they will have the ‘world famous’ Cotton Street billy cart races starting from 3pm.
Date: Saturday 26 January
Time: Noon – 4pm
Aussie Beach Party, Bribie Island
Join in the celebrations at the gorgeous Brennan Park, Bribie Island for an easy-going, Aussie time. Australia Day on Bribie Island is free to attend and a lovely day out that the whole family can enjoy.
There will be food trucks, live music, beach activities as well as garden games (read: mechanical surfboard and jumping castles) as well as a fireworks finale.
Date: Saturday 26 January
Time: 12 – 9pm, fireworks at 8pm
Slideapalooza
Who doesn’t want to go sliding down a hill on a MASSIVE waterslide? Located at Mt Cotton in the Redlands, Slideapalooza has over 2km of inflatable waterslides, a kids-zone, a sky-high slide and more! Take your family for massive fun this Australia Day! Kids will love it, adults will love it, and it’s made for everyone. Slideapalooza is something for all ages!
Date: Friday 25 – Sunday 27 January
Time: 11am – 6pm
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Staying home for Australia Day
If you are more the homebody type, or perhaps the bank account balance dictates a quieter way to celebrate Australia day, we’ve got some ideas for you too!
Have a BBQ at home
When you’re celebrating Australia Day this year, why not plan a classic barbeque. Invite your family and friends around, suggest they all ‘bring a plate’ and you can have an easy at home BBQ with the people that are important to you.
Get wet with a pool or slide
It’s predicted to be hot again in Brisbane this Australia Day, so best you plan some ways to cool down. If you don’t have a pool, why not grab a blow up pool from your local Aldi or Clarkes Rubber. Not keen? What about a slip and slide made from plastic sheet? The kids can cool down and there’s a good chance the adults will be getting in on the slip and slide action too. Australia Day at home – just add water!
Feel like staying hoem to celebrate? There’s plenty to do there too! Image: Getty Images.
Entertaining at home on Australia day? You might want to try these delicious recipes …
Play some games
Need some games up your sleeve to keep the kids entertained at home while you chat and eat with friends? Set up a cricket game. Or let them have a water fight. How about egg and spoon races or an Australia Day quiz. There are heaps of games you can play with family or friends this Australia Day. Just find the objects needed and BAM, you can play your game!
To find places that kids eat for free in Brisbane visit Get Out With kids.
Whatever you do this Australia Day long weekend, we hope you have a great time with your family and friends.
Janine Mergler is a proud Brisbane local and the Editor of Families Magazine – a print and online resource for parents with children aged 0 – 13.
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