ACROSS the country, Australians from all walks of life will come together this weekend to attend events organised by governments, councils, community groups or simply to celebrate with their families.
Whether it’s barbecue breakfasts, citizenship ceremonies or fireworks displays – there is something for everyone right across the weekend.
Here’s what’s happening in your local area this long weekend:
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United Celebration The Butler campus of Kingdomcity church will be hosting a breakfast barbecue to connect the community this Australia Day, with all welcome. There will be plenty of activities, with swimming, cricket and other games. Bring your own chair, picnic gear and breakfast. Details: Friday, January 26, from 9am at the lawn area of the Shorehaven Beach Foreshore, Alkimos.
ASHFIELD
Town of Bassendean’s 14th Annual Fireworks This year’s Australia Day celebrations and fireworks will feature live music, thrilling show rides, fireworks and a soundtrack provided by 98five Sonshine FM. There will also be performances by Latin ensemble Orquesta Yambeque, 50s-style rockers Bang Bang Betty, the H-Bombs and the Bassonovas. Australia Day ambassador Colleen Hayward will share her story and talk about what it means to be an ambassador. Pack a picnic or buy food and drinks from the stalls on site. Parking is strictly limited. A $10 fee per car applies in the designated parking area at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus. The event runs at Ashfield Reserve on Australia Day from 5pm to 9pm, with fireworks at 8pm.
BALLAJURA
Australia Day Breakfast Ballajura Lion’s Club will host a host a breakfast at the Ballajura Lion’s Oval, with face painting, bouncy castle and train rides. The event will start at 8.30am and run until 11am at Ballajura Lion’s Oval.
BASSENDEAN
Bassendean Outdoor Cinema Popular films will be screened at BIC Reserve with fast food and beanbags for hire. The event takes place at the corner of Guildford Road and Wilson Street, Bassendean. Coco screens on on January 25, Paddington on January 27 and The Greatest Showman on January 28. Click here for information.
Lego Play Zone Kids aged five to 12 can play Lego for free and take part in activities including speed and blindfold challenges, imagination free play, tablet technology games and Diorama. Event takes place at Hawaiian’s Bassendean, 2 West Road on Saturday, January 27 from 11am to 2pm.
BINDOON
Community Australia Day Free breakfast and awards at Clune Park on Gray Road from 9am to 11am.
BULL CREEK
City of Melville’s annual Australia Day celebration The morning at John Creaney Reserve will include the Australia Day awards, a citizenship ceremony and the popular barbecue breakfast cooked up by the Lions Club of Bull Creek. The event will be held from 8.30am at John Creaney Reserve, corner of Parry Avenue and Benningfield Road, Bull Creek. The Lions Club of Bull Creek breakfast is available for a gold coin donation.
BULLSBROOK
City of Swan and Country Women’s Association Bullsbrook and Districts Community Breakfast Family-friendly community breakfast with a fun-filled morning of games for the kids. The event kicks off at 8.30am at Lowrey Park in Bullsbrook.
Australia Day Party – The Maze Join The Maze for the fourth annual Australia Day Party – home of Outback Splash. Spend time playing mini golf, in the mazes or on the water slides, while a DJ spins live tunes, kids can meet Tilly the kangaroo mascot and hundreds of prizes will be up for grabs. Tickets from $22 and are available here.
BURSWOOD
Outdoor Cinemas Community Cinemas at Burswood is screening family-friendly film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle under the stars at 9pm on Australia Day. Click here for tickets.
CARRAMAR
Let’s Celebrate To get the long weekend started, head down to The Duke for an Australia Day Eve party with an INXS tribute band featuring Mal Coleman live from 8.30pm. Entry is free and Aussie food specials will be on offer. The event runs from 8pm-11pm on Thursday, January 25 at 2 Innesvale Way, Carramar.
CAVERSHAM
Australia Day on the Lawn Come along to Mandoon Estate and enjoy a casual, family-friendly, alfresco area with picnic tables, a full enclosed playground, live music, face painters, lawn games and food. There will be hot dogs and lamb on the spit. Strictly no BYO food or drinks. The event runs from 4pm to 8pm on Australia Day. For information, call (08) 6279 0500.
CHITTERING
Lower Chittering Australia Day Breakfast Free breakfast at Lower Chittering Hall from 8.30am on Australia Day.
CLAREMONT
Claremont Australia Day Pool Party The 10th annual pool party at the Claremont Aquatic Centre includes a sausage sizzle, lolly bags, inflatable pool rides, giveaways, competitions, rides on the grass next to the pools and games. Enter the Davies Road centre for the normal fee from 9am to noon on Australia Day.
COCKBURN CENTRAL
Edge Flight Allstars Gym Open Day Everyone is welcome to have a look at the gym. Kids are welcome to tumble, stunt and learn from our coaches. The gym is celebrating five years by offering dance for free for all cheerleaders. Kids can enjoy a competitive cheerleading team and join up to three dance teams for free. The event runs on Saturday, January 27 from 12am to 12pm at Edge Flight Allstars Cockburn Central.
COOGEE BEACH
Bike Drive If your bike needs a check up, the Bike Drive is the place to do it. Ask any questions about servicing or replacing tubes and bring a spare tube if you have a flat tyre – it will be fixed on the spot. If training wheels needs to be removed from kids bikes then that can also be done. Bike parking will be available with security watching all bikes parked at the event. The event takes place on Australia Day from 9am to 12pm at Coogee Beach near the path and tennis courts on Powell Road.
COTTESLOE
Combined Mosman Park, Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove councils’ Australia Day event at Mosman Park Council, Memorial Gardens, Bay View Terrace, Mosman Park from 8am. The event is an Australian Citizenship Ceremony and presentation of the Citizen of the Year awards, followed by a free barbecue breakfast from the Rotary Club of Mosman Park-Cottesloe.
DOUBLEVIEW
Doubleview Bowling and Recreation Club Men and women’s nominated pairs competition on Australia Day at 9.30am, followed by a sausage sizzle. Entry $10.
DUNCRAIG
Big Brekky A family-friendly Australia Day big breakfast event with free entertainment will be held by the Duncraig Lions Club. Entertainment and activities on offer will include clowns, pony rides, an animal farm, face painting, bouncy castle and balloon twisting. The City of Joondalup sponsored event will have Wanneroo/Joondalup SES crew members helping on the day. Breakfast is $5 per person or $15 for a family of two adults and up to three children. Details: January 26, 8am at Percy Doyle Reserve, Warwick Road in Duncraig.
FLOREAT
The Town of Cambridge’s free Australia Day event offers fun for the whole family at Perry Lakes. The festival includes a giant water slide, face painting, camel rides, toddler zone, baby animal farm, indigenous performances and free breakfast provided by the Lions Club of Floreat. It is at Perry Lakes Reserve in Floreat from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
FREMANTLE
One Day in Fremantle Families are welcome to come to down to One Day in Fremantle with headline acts Kate Miller-Heidke, DJ Kevin Parker of Tame Impala and Arnhem Land hip-hop artist Baker Boy just to name a few. Entry is free. The event runs from 2pm to 8pm at the Esplanade Park on Sunday, January 28.
Australia Day Skyshow Sundowner Cruise Departing from Fremantle, people can enjoy drinks and canapés as the cruise travels up the Swan River to Barrack Street Jetty. Guests can leave the platform or watch the firework from the deck. Families are welcome. The cruise departs from B Shed at Freo’s Victoria Quay at 5.30pm on Australia Day. Tickets are $110 each.
AC/DC Australia Day Tribute Party The Ball and Chain will host an AC/DC tribute party on Australia Day from 11am to 11.45pm. There will be pub grub and Josh Johnstone Trio playing Aussie hits from 8pm. The pub is found at the corner of Collie Street and Marine Terrace.
GIRRAWHEEN
Breakfast The King’s Way Enjoy a free breakfast provided by Girrawheen Lions Club this Australia Day at Hudson Park. There will be live music, face painters, train rides, a bouncy castle and Australian reptiles. Everyone is welcome. The event runs from 7-11am at Hudson Park in Girrawheen.
GINGIN
The Neergabby Community Association will be hosting the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards, with free breakfast and a free waterslide for kids. Details: January 26 from 7.30am a Neergabby Grounds, 13 Telephone Road, Gingin.
HILLARYS
Starry Eyed There’s always something to do for the whole family at Hillarys Boat Harbour and this long weekend you’ll be seeing stars. Astrology enthusiasts can get the chance to gaze at the stars through telescopes with a free event hosted by Earthside Astronomy and Stargazers Club of WA. Join the club and learn about the different stars and moon. Details: January 27 from 7-9pm on the Oasis grassed area at Hillarys Boat Harbour, 86 Southside Drive, Hillarys.
INNALOO
Aussie Film New Aussie flick Swinging Safari, starring Guy Pearce, Kylie Minogue and Radha Mitchell, is showing at Event Cinemas in Innaloo at 4.30pm on Australia Day.
JOONDALUP
Fancy Flicks Instead of chilling at home to watch a movie, make the most of the summer nights at the outdoor cinema at ECU Joondalup Pines. Enjoy a picnic with friends before the silver screen lights up with some of the best movies from around the world under the stars. A selection of food, drinks and coffee are available but alcohol is BYO. Tickets start from $13.50. Click here to see a screening program. Doors open every Tuesday to Sunday from 6.30pm, with screenings starting at 8pm at ECU, Joondalup Drive.
Hanging Around If scouring great heights is appealing, make sure to experience the thrill of rock climbing at the Indoor Climbing Centre in Joondalup. Whether a beginner or an advanced climber, there’s several climbing and bouldering walls for people of all ages. For more information, phone 9301 0097. Details: Open 10am-10pm weekdays including public holidays and 10am-8pm weekends. Located at unit 2/25 Winton Road, Joondalup. Prices start from $15 for children and $20 for adults.
KALAMUNDA
Kalamunda Pool Party Grab your togs and your thongs, the Kalamunda Water Park is celebrating Australia Day with an all-day pool party. The family-friendly event includes free entertainment, free barbecues and two-for-one entry. Event runs from 9am to 6pm on Australia Day.
KENSINGTON
Australia Day themed Fun Day Kensington PCYC is holding a free Australia Day-themed fun day between 10am and 3pm on Australia Day eve, January 25. Activities will include thong throwing competition, damper making and an Aussie barbecue for lunch. For more information contact Kensington PCYC on 9367 1282 or kensingtonpcyc@wapcyc.com.au.
KWINANA
Kwinana families will stay cool among the trees at the Kwinana Adventure Park this Australia Day. The City’s Australia Day event will take place under the sun but there will be access to water slides and locals should also expect a visit from native Australian animals. There will be a DJ on hand and Kwinana Rotary will be cooking up a free barbecue breakfast for the crowd from 8.30am. The citizenship ceremony starts at 9.30am.
LEDGE POINT
The Ledge Point Country Club is hosting the 10th Ledge Point Sandcastle Competition at the swimming beach between the groynes at Ledge Point. Details: Saturday, January 27 from 9.30am – 12.30pm, the competition will be judged by a Perth artist and includes a sausage sizzle at the Ledge Point Country Club after. Contact Sheryl Dempster on 0408 947 548.
MANDURAH
City of Mandurah Australia Day Celebrations Mandurah’s largest largest annual citizenship ceremony will take place on Australia Day. Starting with a breakfast cooked by the Lions Club of Mandurah between 7am and 9am ($6 per person), the event features live music, the annual best dressed flotilla award and an official ceremony that concludes at 11am. Click here for information.
MINDARIE
Meat Pies With Music Nothing is more Australian than hanging out with friends by the ocean enjoying food, drink and entertainment. Mindarie Marina visitors will be treated to live music at the Indian Ocean Brewing Co, an acoustic act by The X Factor’s Tyler Fisher at The Boat and a DJ will get a pool party started at the Cabana. There will be free entertainment for the children at the kids’ zone. Foodies will get the chance to eat as many Jesters meat pies as they can as part of an eating competition at The Boat from 4pm. Details: Friday, January 26, with festivities starting at noon at Mindarie Ocean Falls Boulevard in Mindarie.
In Tribute Songs by the iconic Australian band Powderfinger will be played by a tribute act in Mindarie on Friday night. The band will play tunes from albums such Double Allergic, the acclaimed Internationalist and the Aria award-winning Odyssey No. 5, through to its greatest hits featured on Footprints. Entry to The Boat is free. Details: January 27, 9.30pm at The Boat, Mindarie Marina, Ocean Falls Boulevard.
MORLEY
Australia Day BBQ The City of Bayswater is hosting a free barbecue event that includes free food, live music, face painting, a bouncy castle and camel rides. The event takes place at the City of Bayswater Civic Centre, 61 Broun Avenue, Morley on Australia Day from 8.30am.
MOSMAN PARK
Combined Mosman Park, Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove councils’ Australia Day event at Mosman Park Council, Memorial Gardens, Bay View Terrace, Mosman Park from 8am. The event is an Australian Citizenship Ceremony and presentation of the Citizen of the Year awards, followed by a free barbecue breakfast from the Rotary Club of Mosman Park-Cottesloe.
MT HAWTHORN
Australia Day at Hawaiian’s Mezz 5pm – 7pm Live music in The Laneway – enjoy smooth tunes with Mira and Rory while you grab a bite in The Laneway. Magna Pizza, Academy, Missy Moos Gourmet Burger Bar, Mount Hawthorn Fish & Chips and Gourmet Seafood will all be open with takeaway available if you wish to bring your food up on to the rooftop. Plus, if you’re craving something sweet Affogato will also be popping up with a gelato cart in The Laneway. From 7pm to 9pm, head on up to the family friendly chill out zone on the roof to enjoy the Skyshow and an Aussie barbecue without the crowds.
MT LAWLEY
Perth Folk and Roots Club event Music from Steve Tallis and the Smith and Mathews Duet. Call Perth Folk and Roots Club on 0409 676 380. When: January 28, 5pm-8pm. Where: Inglewood Bowling and Sports Club, 1 Stancliffe Street, Mt Lawley.
NOLLAMARA
Lions Club of Stirling Breakfast Celebrate Australia Day with a relaxed breakfast, live music and free children’s activities including rides, bubble soccer and cuddly animal farm. A cooked Aussie breakfast is available at $5 for adults and $2 for children. This event is supported by the City of Stirling through the cultural development fund and takes place at Des Penman Reserve, Nollamara, from 8am to 11am on Australia Day.
PARKERVILLE
Head for Hills on Australia Day Parkerville Tavern will have a big line-up of live, local music. When: January 26, 4pm-7pm. Where: Parkerville Tavern, 6 Owen Road, Parkerville.
PEPPERMINT GROVE
Combined Mosman Park, Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove councils’ Australia Day event at Mosman Park Council, Memorial Gardens, Bay View Terrace, Mosman Park from 8am. The event is an Australian Citizenship Ceremony and presentation of the Citizen of the Year awards, followed by a free barbecue breakfast from the Rotary Club of Mosman Park-Cottesloe.
PERTH CBD
City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks Enjoy the largest Australia Day festivities in the country by celebrating the 34th year of City of Perth Skyworks. Head down with family or close friends and enjoy a picnic while reveling at the beauty of the Perth skyline. Full of music, dance, art and food, the Birak Concert celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities. Then as the night closes in secure your spot on the foreshore to watch the spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks will commence at 8pm for 30 minutes, finishing at 8.30pm. Click here for information.
Fringe World Fringe World kicks off during the City of Perth’s Australia Day Long Weekend. Absolutely everyone is invited to celebrate the start of Fringe with a huge range of ticketed and free events all over the City of Perth. The Pleasure Garden transforms into children’s playground Little Pleasures on Saturday and Sunday from 3pm-5pm with a free and fun program of events to keep the kiddies entertained, plus there’s loads of shady spots to enjoy a cool beverage and relax. At the Urban Orchard, The Showman’s Fair is the best place to watch the Australia Day fireworks and chill out with a beverage and outdoor dining experience unlike anything else on offer in Perth. Click here for full details on all Fringe World events over the weekend.
PICKERING BROOK
Divinyls tribute for Oz Day Celebrate Australia Day at the Pickering Brook Sports Club with two of Perth’s best cover bands playing Aussie classics, including Divinyls tribute band Amph/ett at 3pm. The free event includes children’s bouncy castle, food and a surprise for the kids, so get them to bring their bathers. Cost is a gold coin donation. When: January 26. Where: Pickering Brook Sports Club, 11am-11pm.
PINJARRA
Shire of Murray Australia Day Celebration The Shire of Murray’s citizenship ceremony begins at 7am with breakfast served up by the Pinjarra Lions Club for $5 a head. Live entertainment will be provided by Lionel Morris. The event at Edenvale Homestead ends at 9.30am.
ROCKINGHAM
City of Rockingham Foreshore Celebration The event, at the Rockingham Foreshore, starts at 5pm and includes free children’s activities, live entertainment, food vans, market stalls and a spectacular fireworks display at 8.30pm. The event is suitable for children aged 6-11-years-old, adults and seniors.
SCARBOROUGH
Sunset Veranda Watch the sun go down on Australia Day at the Summerset Arts Festival’s Sunset Veranda pop-up bar at Brighton Reserve in Scarborough. There will be food and drinks to buy, live music and free entry from 5pm to 10pm.
Scarborough Sportsmen’s Club Breakfast and Triathlon Take on the club’s triathlon of lawn bowls, pools and darts following an Australia Day breakfast. Flag raising starts at 8.20am, followed by breakfast and the triathlon at 10am. Wear your favourite Aussie hat or loud shirt. Spectators welcome. For bookings and payment, call 0427 042 751.
SHELLEY
City of Canning’s Australia Day celebration Australia Day celebrations will be held on January 26 with a $12 breakfast from 7.30am to 11am at the Shelley Foreshore on Riverton Drive. The breakfast by the Rossmoyne Rotary Club will include eggs, sausages, toast, tomatoes and more. The morning includes an array of stall, kids activities and rides, face painting and car displays, as well as live music and a raffle. A citizenship ceremony will begin at 9am.
SOUTH PERTH
South Perth Foreshore Celebrate Australia Day on the beautiful and iconic South Perth foreshore. From 8-9.30am, join in welcoming the City of South Perth’s newest Australian citizens at a special Citizenship Ceremony, which includes a raising of the Australian flag, presentation of the Australia Day WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards and the Ted Maslen Memorial University Exhibition Award. After the formalities, stick around to enjoy the Great Aussie Breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Como. For $5, enjoy a barbecue breakfast with your choice of fruit, plus a tea, coffee or juice. All proceeds go back into supporting local community initiatives. Check out the City’s Celebration Zone complete with activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, before settling in to watch the City of Perth’s 34th Skywork show at 8pm. The Celebration Zone is a smoke and alcohol-free area.
Boat Collective Cruise Join the Boat Collective for its 3.5 hour Australia Day Swan River cruise on January 27, from 2-5.30pm. Bring your friends. listen to the tail end of the Triple J Hottest 100 and find out who was voted number 1 in 2017. The cruise includes a complimentary glass of beer, wine or sparkling on arrival. Food is available for purchase on board. Tickets are $45.00 per person. Visit www.boatcollective.com.au.
TWO ROCKS
Free Breakfast Australia Day celebrations will include a free breakfast hosted by the Yanchep Two Rocks Community Recreation Association. President Julie Otremba said the annual event would start with a flag raising and national anthem before breakfast, with the community awards presented afterwards. “It’s a free community breakfast to celebrate Australia Day. The association has held the breakfast since 1991, which started as a sausage sizzle in the park and then progressed to the present format of a fully cooked breakfast served by volunteers,” she said. The January 26 event at the Phil Renkin Recreation Centre on Lisford Avenue, Two Rocks, starts 8am, with the kitchen open until 10.30am. There will also be music and entertainment for children.
WANNEROO
Hit The Green With a few extra days off school and work to enjoy this Australia Day long weekend, entertain the family by heading to the Botanical Gardens mini golf in Wanneroo. Enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant Leapfrogs or experience the gardens while playing 36 holes of mini golf, with tickets starting from $4 for spectators and $14 for children. For information, call 9405 1475. Open all weekend at 25 Drovers Place, Wanneroo.
City of Wanneroo Australia Day Celebration Wanneroo Scouts will serve an Australia Day breakfast at Wanneroo Showground ahead of the City of Wanneroo’s citizenship and awards ceremony. The barbecue breakfast starts 7.30am, with the ceremony from 9am.
WHITEMAN PARK
Whiteman Park picnic Have a picnic with your family and friends this Australia Day long weekend at Whiteman Park. Celebrate what it means to be Australian in the rural surrounds, native animals and water park. Time: 8.30am to 6pm every day. Cost: free.
YANCHEP
Follow The Trail Get active outdoors with the family by heading to one of many trails such as The Pines in Wanneroo or Cockatoo Walk Trail in Yanchep. From trail bike areas to bush walks and hikes, the wide open spaces WA has on offer can’t be taken for granted or forgotten. Take a picnic, the bikes and a football to enjoy free family fun in many of the national parks and trails this long weekend.