Today celebrates the multicultural country we call home, acknowledging its ethnic diversity, customs and religions. It celebrates the making of Australia as a rich and vibrant country since the federation.
Australia Day marks the First Fleet’s arrival in Sydney’s Lane Cove in 1788. The young country has a rich history dating back to the original custodians of the land approximately 50,000-65,000 years ago.
The day holds mixed feelings and interpretations as to how it should be celebrated or protested. Depending on how one would like to approach the day and with which intentions, the possibilities are bountifully endless.Â
The ‘Invasion Day’ Rally March
The annual event marks 234 years since the British colonists’ arrival, declaring British rule over the continent. This peaceful protest debates against unjust racism and systematic deaths in custody. A group of campaigners meet at 10:30 am at Town Hall, silently march along Elizabeth street, and culminate at the Yabun Festival in Victoria Park. This Festival provides the opportunity for people to experience and celebrate the long-standing cultural traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Basking In the Sun
Locals and tourists are dotted along Sydney’s beaches soaking up the sun. Sydney’s beaches are a famous location, from Coogee, Clovelly, Bronte, Tamarama, and Bondi Beach. Gordon’s Bay sits between Coogee and Clovelly and is a hidden gem. The surrounding rocks are usually full of groups of sunbathers. You’ll see colorful towels and inflatable lilos in the picturesque, Mediterranean-like water. There isn’t a patch of sand to spare on Australia Day.
Coastal Walks
Immerse yourself in Australia’s vast scenery and explore what it has to offer through its countless walking tracks and spectacular views. From coastal walks with the fresh ocean breeze, to bush-hikes. Some popular options include the Hermitage Foreshore walk (1.8km) which overlooks the harbor and is a popular picnic destination. Manly to Spit walk (10km), featuring numerous sightings of historical Aboriginal rock carvings. The Coogee to Bondi Beach coastal walk (6km). Lake Parramatta (4.2km), Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk (2km return), Aboriginal Heritage Walk/ Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (4.4km). Or for a more challenging hike, the ‘Great West Walk’ greatly challenges a hikers endurance on a 65km adventure.
A Movie Under the Stars
Moonlight Cinema and Open Air Cinema are very popular destinations to enjoy the evening, picnicking with selections of cheese and fresh fruits, popping open a bottle of Brown Brothers Prosecco or a Moet Chandan, and sinking into your seat under the stars watching a movie on the big screen to escape reality. The popular sites include the Flickfest and Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Parklands which is featuring ‘West Side Story’ at 8:30 pm. The Westpac Open Air Cinema at Mrs. Macquarie Point is screening ‘The Matrix Resurrection’ at 6 pm and has a spectacular picturesque view of the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House.Â
Depending on how one approaches the 26th of January, 2022, immerse yourself into one or many of the bountifully countless ways to spend the day. With happiness, love, appreciation and peace.
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