365 things to do in Wagga #26 – Australia Day Celebrations
What to do on Australia Day… an annual conundrum many Aussies face. Here in Wagga Wagga there are plenty of things happening to celebrate our national day (we love wagga!), so if you’re one of the many facing such a conundrum, read on to find your answer.
CELEBRATE EARLY – January 25, 2011
If you want to get in early and start your celebrations today, then you should consider “Picnic at the Oasis”. Entry is free between 5pm and 7pm tonight, so pack your picnic and make your way there to enjoy dinner by the poolside. In true Aussie style, there will be snags available with a fundraising barbeque organised by the Oasis, plus an abundance of games and giveaways.
AUSTRALIA DAY – January 26, 2012
Set to be a balmy 33 degrees with a little cloud cover late afternoon, Australia Day is sure to be a cracker of a day. Make sure you slip, slop, slap though, for UV rays are predicted to be extreme.
7.00am – 8.30am: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Civic Theatre precinct with Wagga’s annual ‘Free Community Breakfast’. Local muso’s Tin Shed Rattlers will keep you entertained as you chow down. Note: this is an alcohol and glass free event.
8.15am – 10.30am: The official Australia Day ceremony will kick off at 8.15am in the Victory Memorial Gardens and will include the announcement of the 2012 Wagga Wagga Australia Day Awards. Featuring the Australian Army Band Kapooka, there will also be children’s rides, free tattoos and of course flag wavers. Note: this is an alcohol and glass free event.
12.00pm: The Turf Club’s annual Australia Day races begin at 12 noon when the gates open to the public. With six local races, plus water-slides and a jumping castle for the kids, it’s sure to be a great day out. And what would Australia Day be without some creative costumes? Great prizes will be on offer for the best Aussie outfit. Admittance is just $10, and there’ll be free courtesy buses into town after the races have finished.
Also at 12 noon is the beginning of Triple J’s Hottest 100 Countdown. If you’re not having your own countdown party, then you can tune in at Romano’s or The Union who’ll be broadcasting this uninterrupted all day long.
1.00pm – 4.00pm: The annual Australia day talent quest will kick off at 1pm in the Civic Theatre. This year’s entrants are sure to have some interesting talents.
4.30pm – 8.30pm: The “Live in the Park” open air concert featuring local Aussie rock band “The Convicts” will commence at 4.30pm in the Victory Memorial gardens. Supported by the Wagga Waggles, there will be a fundraising barbeque, with water and sunscreen available. Note: this is an alcohol and glass free event.
8.00pm: If you’ve spent the day at the races, then you’ll be all set for the after-party. Make your way to the Vic Hotel for Crash and Marky Megakaraoke and the reopening of NV nightclub featuring a new dancefloor and KristianK. Or head to Rom’s for live band action from 9.00pm and the smooth sounds of a DJ from midnight.
Whatever you choose to do, happy Australia Day!
Aussie, aussie, aussie. Oi, oi, oi.
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