Free Ways to Celebrate Australia Day in Melbourne
You don’t need money to celebrate Australia Day in style and this year there is a huge variety of free events to choose from in Melbourne. These are just a few of the many fantastic free events that will be part of this year’s Australia Day celebrations.
Pop up Street Art
St. Paul’s Court in Federation Square will play host to one of Melbourne’s most creative Australia Day events this year. Pop up Street Art is part of the Thank You Australia initiative taking place in NSW, Queensland and Victoria and will go from 10am til 5pm. The Melbourne event will showcase street artist Gnashing Teeth who will be creating a human collage made up of the faces and messages of hundreds of Australians.
To get involved, simply turn up on the day or visit www.aussievault.com.au.
Government House Open Day
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If you’ve ever wanted to get a behind the scenes look at Government House, here is your big chance. Between 10am and 3pm on Australia Day you can tour the main House, its 19th Century kitchen and the adjoining Hopetoun Stables, all of which are usually off limits to the public. There will also be a free picnic in the grounds of Government House as well as live music, games and entertainment for kids.
For more information, go to www.governor.vic.gov.au.
Melbourne Now: Children’s Festival
Featuring the magnificent Flying Bookworm Theatre Company, the final weekend of the Melbourne Children’s Festival will be a huge Australia Day celebration. Have a go at designing your own flag, listen to the soothing sounds of the Australian Youth Choir or take part in the many games and activities. This family friendly celebration goes from 10am til 5pm and will take place on St. Kilda Road near the National Gallery of Victoria.
For more information, go to http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au.
Australia Day Parade
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This magnificent event has been running for the past 12 years, involves over 4000 participants and has become one of the city’s most popular Australia Day events. Starting at 11am at Melbourne Town Hall, the parade goes along Swanson Street to the King’s Domain Gardens and will involve more than 60 groups. The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Let Us Sing’ and the event will have a strong emphasis on music, song and dance.
For more information, go to ThatsMelbourne.
RACV Sounds of Australia Day
Music lovers of all ages should head to Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens this Australia Day, where there will be local musicians and choirs performing all day long. St. Kilda’s Eastern Service Lane will be transformed into a delicious food and beverage zone and the RACV will be on hand offering advice and handing out prizes throughout the day. The RACV Sounds of Australia Day event goes from Noon until 5pm.
Tidal Rhythms at the Bowl
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From 2:30 until 5pm on Australia Day Melbourne’s Myer Music Bowl will morph into a musical celebration of the beauty and diversity of the world’s largest island, Australia. Featuring the explosive Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Pans on Fire, the Asanti Dance Theatre, Massive FAM and more, this great event will be a music and culture spectacular. There will be plenty of space to relax on the grass and don’t forget to bring your best dance moves.
Destination Docklands
The Docklands will be the place to be this Australia Day during the afternoon and evening with a wide range of festivities starting at 4pm. There will be a huge sausage sizzle courtesy of Woolworths, an epic thong throwing competition, a DJ spinning the latest Aussie tunes and a vast array of games, activities and workshops. Be sure to stick around for the massive fireworks display which will light up the sky starting at 9:30pm; the best place to see it being anywhere around Victoria Harbour.
Make your Australia Day celebrations extra special this year by getting out and enjoying some of the amazing free events. To find out about all of the big events planned for this year’s celebrations contact your local city council or visit www.australiaday.vic.gov.au.