As January 26th approaches, the excitement for Australia Day starts to build. It’s a day brimming with national pride, cultural festivities, and an array of activities that capture the vibrant spirit of Australia.
Whether you’re a local or an international admirer of the Land Down Under, celebrating Australia Day can be a wonderfully enriching experience. In this blog, we’re excited to share five fun and unique tips to help you celebrate Australia Day in style. From traditional activities to creative ideas you might not have considered when booking a trip to Australia, our Downunder Travel team has got you covered.
So, grab your sun hat and let’s dive into the heart of Australian culture and festivities, making sure this Australia Day is one to remember!
1. Create and Eat Traditional Australian Cuisine
From barbecue snags and Anzac biscuits to Cherry Ripe chocolate bars and meat pies, Australian cuisine is both unique and delicious! Moreover, there are many authentic Australian goodies to bake, eat, and share that’ll last for days (this tip is probably among the most patriotic, so be sure not to skip it!).
2. Hold an Australian Movie Marathon
With the cold days here in Canada during this national event, it makes sense to stay in and build a watchlist of Australian shows and movies! An Aussie movie marathon is the perfect way to celebrate Australia Day. Find the best films made in Australia that star Aussie actors or were written/directed by Australians. Some of our Aussie movie suggestions to queue up on your streaming services include:
- Mad Max (1979) – The film is set in a post-apocalyptic Australia
- Crocodile Dundee (1986) – The movie is about an American reporter visiting the Australian outback to meet a famous but eccentric bushman.
- The Castle (1997) – A film about a Melbourne family fighting city hall after being advised to vacate their cherished family home for infrastructural development.
- Moulin Rouge! (2001) – The movie was filmed in different regions within New South Wales, Australia, and stars Australian actress Nicole Kidman
- Australia (2008) – An epic adventure drama film, this Aussie-inspired movie stars A-listers such as Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
- The Sapphires (2012) – a musical comedy based on a real life Australian story of a 1960s girl group.
- Light Between Oceans (2016) – The movie is set on an island off of Western Australia but was partially filmed in Tasmania.
- Back to the Outback (2021) – Follow the journey of a few misunderstood but very cuddly and sweet animals as they attempt to find their way home (animated film).
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) – Two drag performers and a transgender woman travel across the Australian Outback desert to perform their unique style of cabaret.
3. Read Australian Novels
Gather your reading group and suggest novels that discuss Australia’s rich history and aboriginal culture. Additionally, you can recommend some fictional stories written by Australian-born authors. Some contemporary Australian authors we recommend include Jane Harper, well-known for her crime and mystery novels, and Liane Moriarty, with multiple fictional best sellers exploring stories on relationships and often presenting big plot twists.
If mystery and crime novels aren’t your preference, you can try a more classic Australian novel, such as The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. Also, if you prefer an easy, light read, Bill Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country is fantastic!
4. Embark on a Virtual Tour Around Australia
From Museums to art galleries and even the Northern Territory’s stunning and rugged outback, you can experience a virtual tour of these magnificent locations from the comfort of your couch! Conveniently explore this nation’s grandness from your own home!
5. Escape the Winter and Take a Trip to Australia!
On January 26th, we’ll have the opportunity to pay homage to the Land Down Under and the people who make it so special. Of course, there’s no better way to celebrate than by booking a trip to Australia – the land of fantastic scenery, wildlife, and experiences.
If you’re thinking of escaping the cold and paying tribute in person, we’ve got you covered with our Australia Winter Escape vacation package. Our travel specialists are also here to help create a custom itinerary to tour Australia your way.
Get in touch with us soon to book your trip to Australia!
