Australia Day 2009 - what's on?

Australia Day is more than just a public holiday.

Whether you’re in the city, on the coast or in a regional area, there are over 5,000 events that celebrate everything that’s great about being Australian.

The Australia Day celebrations in Sydney are befitting of Australia’s oldest and biggest city with events and activities spread far and wide. The Woggan-ma-gule Morning Ceremony performed in the Royal Botanic Gardens, sacred land of the Indigenous Gadigal people, marks the official start of Australia Day activities in the city.

Australia Day in the Park will be a marathon of events all day long. At lunch time, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls located around Hyde Park and relax on the grass.

Whether you’re on the water or on land, there’s plenty of fun to be had on Sydney Harbour.

For some, Australia Day means packing the boat up for a day on Sydney Harbour. See the Tall Ships, tugs, ferries, barges and vessels of all shapes and sizes strut their stuff for the thousands of spectators on the shoreline. Or if you’re feeling creative, enter your boat in the Best Dressed Vessels Competition where you can score yourself a trophy and prizes for your colourful and imaginative creations.

The great thing about Australia Day as it’s your day to do what you please, whether you’re into the local thong throwing contests, welcoming new citizens into our country or lazing about listening to some of Australia’s best musical talent in the heart of the city. It’s all about celebrating what we believe is great about our country and spreading that Aussie spirit we have in all of us.

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