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January 25, 2017 Events and Festivals, International

Australia Day 2017

What it means for Australians

Every year, Australia Day is celebrated by millions of Australians on the 26th of January. This special day has lots of meaning to Aussies and it’s a day when we come together as a nation and celebrate what’s awesome about Australia and being Australian. It’s more than just a public holiday, fireworks and barbeques – it allows us to express our pride in being Australian.

The date of Australia Day was chosen as the anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788. Despite this significant event, Australia Day celebrations have expanded to include much deeper meaning for Australians. For the Indigenous people of Australia, Australia Day marks the survival of their culture through all the years since European settlement. Each Australian will hold varying perspectives of Australia Day. However, looking back on how far Australia has come and shaped itself into a diverse society and made significant achievements, it is evident that Australia Day celebrates not just the past, but also the present and the future.

Australia Day Celebrations

On Australia Day, expect to see organized Australia Day events such as outdoor concerts, barbeques, sports competitions, festivals such as the Big Day Out, Triple J Hottest 100, the Australia Day Live Concert and fireworks. Lots of different communities often hold their own local celebrations for example you can see that there is a variety of Australia Day events such as the Australia Day in Newcastle. A sense of community is what fuels Australia Day. A very Australian thing to do on Australia Day is heading down to beaches such as Bondi and Cronulla for some fun in the sun.

There’s so much to do on the day. You can attend the Wugulora Indigenous Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve in NSW and celebrate the world’s oldest culture with dance and song! Come down to Darling Harbour in Sydney this year for fireworks at the Australia Day Spectacular and the Children’s Festival at Tumbalong Park which are both family-friendly events. There’s also the Australia Day 2017 concert that will be held at the Sydney Opera House on the night, with various celebrities lined up such as Guy Sebastian, Dami Im, and the Wiggles!

Not keen on heading out to the city or going anywhere? Get together with family & friends for a barbeque that includes snags, sangers, beef, pork, lamb and shrimp on the barbie. It’s a great time to relax and celebrate the national day of Australia. Have I mentioned barbeques yet? Aussies love the barbie. It’s also that time of the year when the MLA releases their annual Australia Day lamb ad, with this year’s one being extremely humorous but sending a strong multicultural message.

Australian of the Year Award

On the evening of Australia Day, the honorable title of Australian of the Year is announced. The winner of that award needs to have shown a “significant contribution to the Australian community and nation” and to be an “inspirational role model for the Australian community. It’s a great way to recognize achievements and contribution of Australians, inspiring more to challenge themselves to contribute to the positive growth of Australia.

For more info on Australia Day, please visit: https://www.australiaday.com.au/

*/A guest post by Olivia Bourke. /*

January 16, 2017 Events and Festivals, International

Top Five Things To Enjoy On Australia Day

Australia day is just a few sleeps away. It is considered as the official National Day of Australia and is celebrated annually every 26th of January. The said celebration marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and also the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.

Australia day is a day that is being looked forward to by Aussies and also foreigners that travel from different parts of the world to visit and witness the festivities of the country. Some also go not just to witness but to also experience the whole week of celebration by having a planned long getaway and vacation. If you are coming to Australia Day then here are the top five things you can enjoy on January 26, 2017:

Top 5 things to enjoy on AustraliaDay

PARTIES

Party time on Australia Day — (photo source: TNT Magazine)

Yes, you read that right. There are a lot of parties across the different cities of the beautiful country of Australia. Since it’s their biggest day, many establishments and villages are throwing a party where friends and family can mingle and gather together to celebrate the event.

You can join parties in different places in Australia and you can also throw your own and invite your loved ones! Most of the awaited parties are happening in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Gold Coast, and many more.

FIREWORKS

celebrations on Australia Day — (photo source: www.dailymotion.com)

Australia Day is just like celebrating the New Year! Although it is more personal since Aussies are celebrating a very historical event. Fireworks is something that you have to look forward in visiting Australia since they have a strong reputation of having the best fireworks displays in the world.

The best fireworks display can be seen at the bridge near the Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Get your cameras ready and pose as soon as the fireworks pop and crack in the beautiful sky of an equally beautiful and wonderful country, Australia. A lot of things are happening in Sydney Harbour and they are the following: ferry races, jet fighter displays, street performers and also a cruise ride in the waters for a better view of the tremendous fireworks.

FOOD

Food on Australia Day — (photo source: Pinterest)

Food in Australia, especially during Australia Day, is something that you can’t ignore. There are many delicacies that you can eat and enjoy with your family and friends. Across the cities, there are restaurants where you can avail of local dishes like meat pies, Anzac biscuits, chips and fish, tim tams, beetroot and many more.

If you’re celebrating at home, you can try grilling BBQ in your backyard. That’s actually one of the Aussie ways to celebrate especially if you’re the laid back type of person. But if you are outgoing, you can go out and enjoy the food and festivities around the streets of Australia.

MEETING PEOPLE

meeting people on Australia Day — (photo source: Pinterest)

Meeting new people is something that you have to put in your bucket list. Aside from celebrating Australia day, you should also take into consideration the fact that making friends is one way to build connection and also gain new family members. It’s not about using them for your own sake and good, it’s about knowing how to deal with different kinds of people. Sometimes you need a friend to tag along in order to enjoy events like Australia Day. By making new friends, you get to know more about the culture of Australia especially if you are a tourist coming from another country.

5 FESTIVALS

Festivals on Australia Day — (photo source: jadiberita.com)

There are numerous festivals that are celebrating ‘Australia Day’ all over the country. Of course, we can’t deny the fact that the best ones are located in the heart of Australia which is Sydney. But, you have to try the small festivals that are celebrated in small towns especially if you are looking for a more authentic type of experience.

But if you really plan to just stay in major cities, there are festivals that you can enjoy: Melbourne Australia Day, Sydney Festival, Australia Day Stone Creek Festival and many more. If you are up to experience a very Aussie way of celebration, then you have to go to any of the festivals mentioned. Enjoy live music with people and savour every single moment!

These are the top things that you may enjoy if you come to Australia. There is really no formula to enjoy and have fun in a certain event, you just have to indulge yourself and explore more. Australia is frequented by a lot of people during January since that’s where the festivities starts to make waves for the very much-awaited day: AUSTRALIA DAY!

Author Bio:

Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta, a modern hotel in Parramatta Australia that provides exceptional service and care to their customers from all over the world. Mark also enjoys travelling to different places and he uses his experiences as inspiration for writing.

November 25, 2016 Events and Festivals, International, Round the world

5 Must-See Christmas destinations in Australia

5 Top Australian Christmas Destinations

Christmas destinations in Australia — New Year’s eve fireworks light up Sydney’s opera House

Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

Christmas Concerts, you say? You shouldn’t miss the annual Carols by Candlelight event held at Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.

The 79-year-old tradition reaches new heights as the event brings together classic Christmas carols performed by the best musicians and stars of the stage. Give your family a memorable Australian-inspired Christmas Eve as you sing carols in chorus with thousands of visitors and locals.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Enjoy the Australian summer as you take your family to a tropical escape in Bondi Beach. Since it’s considered as the most famous beach in Australia, expect massive crowd celebrating the hot Christmas season with you and your family. The beach is not for people seeking solitude but for those who seek liveliness with fun and outgoing strangers.

Experience walking into a warm sea, hearing shouts of “Happy Christmas.” With thousands of visitors during Christmas, Bondi Beach turns into a party scene with lively people, water sport and other beach activities, sumptuous food choices, huge music events, and a variety of entertainment continuing till dawn. Ready to get drunk at the beach? Sorry to tell you, though, but alcohol is not permitted here.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

This has been one of the most talked about yachting event in the globe. The spectacular sight of the Sydney Harbour includes hundreds of colorful maxi yachts and sailboats racing towards Hobart in Tasmania at tremendous speed. You can either get amongst the action by joining a harbour cruise or simply slack off at one of the restaurants, picnic groves, and hotels in Sydney with perfect harbour views.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

If you’re up for a uniquely Australian escape during the holidays, you can never go wrong with spending the rest of the Holiday season in Kangaroo island. Kangaroos, as we all know it, is an Australian icon, and you surely don’t want to leave the country without encountering these furries.

Contrary to what its name implies, Kangaroo island isn’t limited to kangaroos, for it’s also a home to wild sea lions, koalas, and diverse bird species. Apart from rich wildlife, Kangaroo island is also a nature reserve that boasts its native bushland, pristine beaches with fresh seafood, and local wineries perfect for your scenic adventures and gastronomic journey.

Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

What’s the first scenery that comes to mind when you hear Australia? Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge resting on the beautiful Sydney Harbor, I bet. Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney Australia and one of the modern time’s most distinctive buildings.

Before flying back home, don’t forget to visit the iconic destination on New Year’s Eve. Every year, breathtaking fireworks display light up the dark sky above the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Since this is a sought-after event, try to arrive earlier than 5 pm before the crowds start to swell. You may also lodge into one of the well-located hotels and restaurants near which offer stunning views of the Harbour.

Carmina Natividad is a writer who has always been passionate about giving in to her wanderlust and collecting mementoes from different places. She also enjoys writing for Holiday Inn, a modern hotel in Western Sydney known for their exceptional accommodation, service, and location, which appeals to travellers in Australia.

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Top 5 Christmas Traditions in Australia

You may like to read Top 5 Christmas traditions in Australia

November 23, 2016 Events and Festivals, International

Top 5 Christmas Traditions in Australia

When we think of Christmas, the first things that come to mind are snow-filled Christmas trees with shiny ornaments, warm fireplace, and gifts brought by the fat old man in a red suit and hat. It is not unusual to associate Christmas with white, winter snow – unless you’re in Australia.

I find it awkward to sing “Let it Snow” or “White Christmas” in Australia, for Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere takes place during summer. Australian’s Christmas is when we watch Santa surfing in the best of beaches and the traditional hot roast dinner by the fireplace is replaced with cold turkey and “Barbie” by the beach.

Aussies’ Christmas may not be as cold as the holiday season of the rest of the world, but the need for warmth from the presence of families, friends, and other fun and outgoing personalities remain.

If you are visiting Australia for a warm, unconventional Holiday season, here are special Australian traditions and destinations you shouldn’t miss.

Australian Christmas Traditions

Christmas traditions in Australia-Christmas carols by candlelight — Christmas carols by candlelight Image credit

Carols by Candlelight

Carols by Candlelight is a Christmas event unique to Australia. It’s a wonderful time of the Christmas Eve when people come out of their homes, gather outdoors, and sing and listen to beautiful harmonies of classic Christmas carols while holding candles.

The tradition of the Australian Christmas Eve carol service lit by candle lights began in 1937 in Melbourne. Today, it has spread far and wide. Carols by Candlelight today ranges from the smaller local community and church events to huge gatherings which are aired live throughout the country.

Christmas ornaments

Aside from hanging wreaths and decorating with Christmas trees and Christmas light displays, families adorn their homes with ferns, evergreens, palm leaves, and summer blooms such as Christmas bush and Christmas bellflower.

Aussie’s Christmas Food

Unlike most countries whose holiday feasts take place at night, Aussies’ highlight of the day is the holiday midday dinner. Families gather during lunch time to share a traditional British Christmas dinner of roast ham or turkey as well as rich plum pudding doused in brandy.

Other families head to their backyards, beaches, and country sides to grill their meals. Aussies call it “barbie”, or the Australian slang for the barbecue, often comprised of meat and fresh seafood. Some families also prefer a cold Christmas dinner of cold turkey or ham, and salad.

Boxing day

Gift giving doesn’t stop after Christmas. Australia celebrates “Boxing Day” every December 26 to honor the country’s hardworking servants and tradesmen. These workers traditionally receive gifts not only from their masters and employers but also from their customers. The gifts (Christmas Boxes), which may include tips, are presented as a way of thanking them for their labor in the past year.

Aussie-inspired Father Christmas

“Father Christmas” is the traditional English name for the personification of Christmas – and the whole world calls this big, bearded bringer of presents in red suit “Santa Claus.”

Since Aussies celebrate Christmas in summer, which is the opposite of the rest of the world’s cold and snowy Christmas season, it’s not unusual for Father Christmas to show up in shorts and flip-flops. During Christmas time, men dressed in Aussie-inspired Santa Claus costumes greet children at the beach, wearing slippers, red trunks, and red signature hat.

You may like to read Top Australian Christmas Destinations