Aussie, Aussie, Aussie... AUSTRALIA DAY 2024!

Last Call For Lights Spectacular

Christmas may be done and dusted – but the Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens still has some spark left until the switch is flicked on 28 January. Take the family along to enjoy the lights on Australia Day with all your favourite displays and plenty more. With a wondrous 4 million lights on display this year, there’s more illuminating attractions than ever before. Make memories to last a lifetime and explore over eight acres of breathtaking light displays, rides and performances, picnics, food, and drinks. It’s a guaranteed fabulous night out for anyone of any age!

Bottle Cap Flick World Championships

Yes, you read that correctly! Harrigan’s Irish Pub will host this prestigious event as part of their ‘something for everyone’ Australia Day Celebrations. You're guaranteed a good time with a reptile show, live music, magnetic fishing competitions, Aussie food and drink specials, and the main event – the bottle cap flick world championship! Don’t miss this fun event and the opportunity to celebrate our great country. For more information or to book, visit www.harriganshuntervalley.com.au

Make a splash at Maitland’s Dive-In Cinema

East Maitland Aquatic Centre is set to make waves this Australia Day when Maitland City Council unveils a special one-off edition of Dive in Cinema.

A popular event on Council's Make it Maitland This Summer events program, visitors can kick back, relax in or beside the pool, and enjoy an Aussie classics double feature of Paper Planes (G) and Red Dog (PG) on the big screen from 5pm.

“Whether you bring your floaties and swimmers or prefer a cosy spot poolside, what better way to enjoy an enchanting summer evening under the stars,’ says Tori Evans, Team Leader Events.

“Before the movies start, enjoy a lineup of family-friendly activities, including entertainment, tasty food options, free popcorn, lawn games and complimentary swim time.”

Tickets are available at Eventbrite and cost $5 per person for nonswimmers and $10 per person for an in-pool ticket. Maitland City Council’s full suite of Australia Day activities will include a free BBQ and live entertainment at Maitland Park from 7.30am and free entry to both Maitland and East Maitland Aquatic Centres between 10am and 4pm. Check our What’s On Calendar for more information.

Mo’s & Mullets Australia Day Eve Party

Get ready to unleash your inner Aussie Bogan at the Huntlee Tavern’s Mo’s & Mullets party on Thursday, 25 January at Huntlee Tavern. DJ Sonic will be on the decks, spinning the tunes that’ll have you dancing all night long into the early hours of Australia Day. Free entry, and the first 100 through the door will receive a free moustache to complete their look! Celebrate the true-blue Aussie spirit with a night of mullets, mo’s and mateship and then back it up by booking a table on Australia Day to enjoy the sounds of Mike Horbacz from 1.30pm until 4.30pm. Book your spot at www.huntleetavern.com.au

Twilight 2024 at Singleton

Roll out the picnic blanket on the green and celebrate Australia Day in true Singleton style with a night of free family fun and entertainment featuring food trucks, kids' activities, live music and more at Townhead Park, Singleton, on Thursday, 25 January, from 5.30pm until 9.30pm.

Celebrate being an Australian by kicking back and enjoying the sunset with family and friends in the Townhead Park precinct. Kids can enjoy rock climbing, face painting, virtual reality skateboarding, an inflatable obstacle course and slip 'n' slide, while adults can relax and enjoy food, drinks and live music.

The fun continues on Australia Day, January 26, with a traditional BBQ breakfast, followed by the Australia Day Citizen Award ceremony on the Civic Centre stage. For more information on the Australia Day awards ceremony, visit www.singleton.nsw.gov.au