Australia Day in Sydney

words by josh ives

Ah, January! It’s a good month, isn’t it? It marks the return to normality as we get back into the swing of things from Christmas and New Year. We go back to work feeling recharged, if not a little uncomfortable as the ‘relaxed fit’ belt seems just a little too tight now. Never mind though, because that new gym membership you purchased as part of the “New You” resolutions will fix all that! Yep, we start off 2017 with a fresh spring in our step, ready to take on the challenges and leave em tapping out by the end of the first round.

And let’s not forget that most inaugural of celebrations coming up fast: Australia Day!

It’s also about remembering to bring the stumps, as backyards across the country become mini SCG’s, both in style and in intensity. It may be fun and games from the outside, but the age-old tradition of Backyard Cricket is as serious as it gets.

It’s safe to say, ‘Straya Day means a whole lot to a whole lotta people, and everyone has their own unique way of celebrating! Whether it’s a backyard Barbie, a trip to the beach, a day of exploring with the fam or just a day at the pub, there’s no right or wrong way of celebrating our big day! I’ve decided to compose a little list of what’s happening for around Sydney on #ausday2017 – Have a quick gander, cobber:

Goat Island
You ready to turn it up, cus I ain’t talking about a peaceful stroll about nature here, folks. I’m talking about heading over to Goat Island in Sydney Harbour National Park for a day-long party with some of Australia’s hottest artists! Ready to hear the line-up? Following on from her sold-out shows and killer performance at Splendour, the electric and soulful Ngaiire will be rocking out. Feeling a more electronic house vibe? Easy. Check out hot acts like Basenji and Kuren who will be sure to keep heads banging and basses dropping during their sets. I’m not finished! Not even close! Check out the full line-up HERE.
Grab a feed at the local hot-spots, Butter and Thievery, and grab a few bevvies to cool off at the Mountain Goat bar! Jam out to your favourite acts on the Harbour, or simply chill on the Green with some Aussie-Day garden games whilst you tune in to find out whether your banger of a song has made the countdown.

Bondi Beach
No Australia Day list can be complete without throwing this baby in there for consideration! Our world famous stretch of beach is a must-go for Aussie Day antics. Whatever your jam is, Bondi always has it covered! Grab your mates and cruise in donning your shortest swimmers and fair dinkum hats! You’ve got so much to do – feel like a coastal walk? Take the hike from Bondi to Coogee! Need a swim? You’re at a beach, mate! Get there early, though, this place is a haven for Aussies looking for a great day out, and it’s first in, best dressed for a sweet spot!

Barangaroo Reserve
Feel like a quieter, more respectable day out? Why not head on down to the beautiful Barangaroo Reserve at 8am to watch Indigenous performers celebrate the oldest living culture in the world at the incredible Wugulora Morning Ceremony. Whilst you watch the show, make sure to cast your eyes to the Harbour Bridge, where they will be raising the Australian and Aboriginal flags, side-by-side.

Whatever floats ya boat. We at QT Sydney hope you have a ripper of an Australia Day! G’Day!