With Australia Day fast approaching, we’ve put together a few simple ways to mark Australia’s national day from wherever you are. And the best part? With family and friends, we can take part in the celebrations, concerts, and live events!
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.
- 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).
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. Host a Karaoke Night
Put together an Australian music playlist using Spotify or YouTube (here’s a list of the top Australian songs of all time to get things started) and round up your relatives and friends for an interactive live singing competition. The person with the most cheers wins the karaoke contest! Keep your game night strong with Australian decor and Australian-themed selfie photo booth props.
5. 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 these magnificent locations from the comfort of your couch! Conveniently explore this nation’s grandness from your own home!
Paying Homage to the Land Down Under
Australia is a land of fantastic scenery, wildlife, and experiences. And on January 26th, we’ll have the opportunity to pay homage to the Land Down Under and the people who make it so special. And if you’re thinking of escaping the cold to pay tribute in person, we’ve got you covered!
Downunder Travel offers numerous Australia vacation packages for a getaway you’ll never forget! Contact us today to book your escape to Australia!
