Everybody loves a good party and this Australia Day there’s plenty of celebrations around town to commemorate the first fleet of European ships that set foot in Australia and of course all things great about Australia. So whether you’ve got the day off (or for the lucky ones, the whole weekend), here’s your ripper guide on what to do this Australia Day.
Australia Day Parade
One of Melbourne’s favourite Australia Day activities, the vibrant Australia Day Parade sees thousands of people line Swanston Street each year. A family friendly event, the parade will see more than 100 community and cultural groups come together for this spectacular annual event.
The Food Truck Festival
The Docklands will come alive for Australia Day events, activities, fun, food and fireworks throughout the afternoon and into the evening. 17 of Melbourne’s favourite food trucks, (includingStreet Feast, C’est Chick, Nem n Nem, White Guy Cooks Thai, Real Burgers, Chilli Express, Kurbside Cravings and many more) will be coming to the party cooking up everything from crepes and cakes through to burgers, bangers and Thai. To keep you refreshed there’ll also be a Cider Bar serving up ice-cold cider and craft beer, as well as live entertainment and designer markets.
To get you moving and shaking throughout the day, there’ll also be a huge lineup of home-gown talent with live performances from Tim Rogers and The Bamboos, The Getaway Plan, Passerine as well as The Voice Australia’s Scott Newnham and NOVA’s DJ Nath and Deano. B-boys, beat boxers and urban dance crews bringing their moves to the stage at 6pm before the grand finale fireworks at 9:45pm.
Welcome to Thornbury Hottest 100 Party
Open from 12pm this Australia Day, Welcome to Thornbury will becounting down the Triple J Hottest 100all day with ice-cold Australian themed Cocktails on offer and some classic Australiana dishes from the Food Trucks on-site! Best of all, it’s free entry!
Corner Hotel Hottest 100 Party
Cooking up a good old Aussie bbq The Corner Hotel will be throwing a Hottest 100 party in their sunny rooftop bar, celebrating local and international acts. Food and drinks kick off from midday and the Hottest 100 streaming through the venue all afternoon and into the evening.
Fatboy Slim Australia Day Beach BBQ
Fatboy Slim is back! Although it’s been 3 long years since Melbourne experienced a Fatboy Slim set, and even longer since he has performed in Melbourne outside of a touring festival, that is all set to change this coming Australia Day with the announcement that the legend himself will finally be playing an exclusive Melbourne headline set on the waterfront of Riva at St.Kilda Beach.
Trailer Park at the Village
Celebrating all things Australian, Trailer Park returns to the Garden for one day only. Eat your way through the best Aussie food trucks, drink specials & count down the Triple J Hottest 100 with the rest of the crowds. Runs from midday to 8pm.
Australian Open Festival
Spend the day watching all the action on the big screen as the best tennis players for the Grand Slam. Canadian Club will be serving up the drinks and food stalls include Mamasita, Combi, Mistress Estelle, Huxtaburger, Huxtable plus so much more. Best of all it’s free!
Moonlight Cinemas
Feel like something a bit more chill this Australia Day? Escape the parties and enjoy a movie and picnic under the stars at Moonlight Cinemas. Screening The Dressmaker, a movie about a glamorous woman who returns to her small town in rural Australia, this is the perfect way to spend a quiet, balmy summer evening.
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