Still deciding where to celebrate Australia Day? Let us help!

No sooner have we recovered from our New Year’s Eve hangovers, and all too quickly given up on those ‘way too ambitious‘ resolutions of becoming a skinny, gym-obsessed, sober dude or dudette (or is that just me?) and we’re busting out the eskies and cheese platters again, setting the out of office notification and heading somewhere with friends to celebrate our national day.

Australia Day happens each year on the 26th of January and is a time to pay homage to our natures gifts, our beauty rich and rare, and of course that ‘girt-ful’ sea. It is a time to come together to celebrate our multiculturalism, our freedom and to unite as peaceful citizens of this great land.

It’s also the day when it is perfectly acceptable to get as Aussie as possible. Thongs, zinc cream, cork-hats and bikini’s are the traditional dress for the occasion and if all else fails just wrap yourself in the national flag and you can’t fail.

So that’s your outfit sorted, now where to go?

This year you are spoilt for choice with so many suburbs going all out to entertain their ratepayers and the kids for FREE.

So, if heading into the city for the major event doesn’t float your boat, then fear not, because Tweet Perth have been on the case to find out what’s happening all over the metro area.

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We put a call out to all the local government authorities to find out what’s happening in their hood.

No need to thank us, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve done all the leg work, all you need to do is choose your destination, kick back, relax and remember, don’t be an idiot, drink and behave as if your grandma is watching you.

THE MAIN EVENT

City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks

The City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks is the largest event of its kind in Australia drawing an annual crowd of 300,000 people.

The day starts early with the Australia Day citizenship ceremony held at Council House, then from 3pm to 7.30pm the Langley Park Entertainment Zone will again be packed with dozens of free family activities, rides and entertainment. Attractions include the Animal Kingdom with whip-cracking outback show, camel and pony rides, freestyle motocross and BMX demonstrations and a bigger and better Water Playground featuring for the first time, a 60-metre water slide.

On the Ozone Reserve the Survival concert will begin at 3pm. This annual concert celebrating our Aboriginal culture will feature headline act, The Merindas along with Gina

Williams and Guy Ghouse, Phil Walley-Stack and Jake & the Cowboys.

Be aware the the consumption of alcohol will be allowed only in BYO Picnic Zones on Langley Park and in part of Kings Park, between 6.30pm and 8.45pm, while all other areas and times remain alcohol-free.

If you are heading to the city don’t forget your radio so you can listen to the synchronised soundtrack put together by Mix94.5 and make sure you know where the torch function is on your phone, so you can be part of the traditional torch wave from your side of the river.

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A spectacular air and water show are always a highlight of the day leading up to the big event. The fireworks begin at 8pm and go for 30 minutes. Road closures will be in place so take your time walking back to the car, they may not open again until after 11pm or better still catch public transport.

For everything you need to know about the City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks check out the website.

Don’t forget to tag your photos and tweets to be part of social media feeds.

#jointheparty #Skyworks2016 #tweetperthOZday16

South Perth

The South Perth Celebration Zone is always a popular choice which also offers lots of free family activities and a great view of the city skyline.

Activities start from 3pm and include giant bouncy castles, water games, obstacle courses, folkloric games and fun challenges. NEW attractions include the Water War, the Downpour Derby and, for the first time in WA, the Giant Twister!

In the Art Zone kids can be inspired by what they love about Australia while decorating a kite or paper umbrella, making a memory bracelet, or creating an original sand art card or fridge magnet.

The Kids Theatre offers onstage entertainment with magicians, storytelling and dance.

Roving artists and mascots will add to the fun atmosphere and you can enjoy a free camel ride along the river.

Kings Park

Kings Park and Botanic Garden offers a vantage point from the approved lawn areas behind the safety tape.

Entry is by gold coin donation to the Friends of Kings Park.

Dogs are not allowed and the use of barbecues, sparklers or open flames is forbidden.

The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority promotes a smoke-free, alcohol-free (BYO Picnic Zone excepted) and glass-free venue.

AROUND THE METRO AREA

Cockburn

A full morning of events start from 8am with a Free Aussie Day BBQ Brekkie with special guest MC Christine Morrissey followed by a carnival of events and entertainment until 12noon. Performers include Gina Williams, and the Easy Tigers, with a watermelon eating competition rounding off the event.

City of Cockburn team up with City of Fremantle for the Indian Ocean SkyShow at 8pm.

Fremantle

The City of Fremantle conducts a special Australia Day ceremony for new citizens at Esplanade Park each year. Following is the announcement of the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards.

Family entertainment starts at 4.00 pm and includes free entertainment and childrens activites.

The Indian Ocean Skyshow will once again be presented in partnership with the Cities of Fremantle and Cockburn and kicks off at 8.00 pm in Bathers Bay, Fremantle.

Best vantage points include Fishing Boat Harbour, Bathers Beach foreshore, the Round House, Esplanade Park, North Mole, Monument Hill and South Beach.

Mandurah

Mandurah celebrates all things great in the land down under with a big Aussie breakfast run by the Lions Club of Mandurah on the iconic Mandurah foreshore from 7am – 9am. This is followed by Mandurah’s annual Citizenship Ceremony and Premier’s Active Citizenship Awards.

A best dressed boat competition takes place on the estuary with the winner chosen by Mandurah Mayor, Marina Vergone.

* There are no fireworks in Mandurah on Australia Day.

Joondalup

City of Joondalup host a citizenship ceremony and Premiers Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards. These awards recognise outstanding individuals who are making a difference in the local community.

Mindarie

Celebrate this great country of ours in true Aussie style, by the ocean at the Mindarie Marina. The days starts with a big Aussie Breakfast at Dome Cafe at 6am with activities for the kids and free icy poles at midday.

Later in the afternoon listen to Dr Bogus from 3pm at the Boat Festivities and participate in the pie eating competition.

The Indi Festivities start at 1pm with a vegemite painting competition and the movie The Castle showing from 8pm.

Armadale

The City of Armadale will celebrate Australia Day 2016 with a jam-packed evening of fireworks and festivities in Minnawarra Park, Armadale. Arrive early to secure a spot and wear your Australian colours, bring a towel and enjoy the water fun and carnival style atmosphere in this family friendly, community celebration. A program of live music will continue through the evening with special guests the The Badloves as the headline act. Fireworks start at 8.30pm.

This is a smoke and alcohol free event, proudly sponsored by Lotterywest.

Bassendean

The Town of Bassendean will present its 12th annual Australia Day Celebrations complete with fireworks. This popular event is held at Ashfield Reserve in Ashfield from 5.00 – 9.00pm. This family friendly event includes live music from local bands Lights of Berlin and The Mondays, food and carnival rides. More details here.

Bayswater

City of Bayswater is proud to host a free Australia Day Community Barbeque for its residents.

The event was held at the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre for many years, this year however, the City is delighted to announce the City of Bayswater Civic Centre as the new site for the festivities.

There is so much to look forward on the day, including a flag-raising ceremony and the smooth acoustic melodies of James Wilson. There will also be lots on offer for the little ones, such as face painting and a bouncy castle.

The barbeque will start from 8.30am to 10.30am at the Civic Centre, 61 Broun Avenue, Embleton.

Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove and Mosman Park

The Shire of Peppermint Grove will host the annual Australia Day celebrations on behalf of the Town of Cottesloe, the Town of Mosman Park and the Shire of Peppermint Grove.

Celebrations include: the raising of the Australian flag; a Citizenship ceremony; and presentation of the Australia Day Awards, which recognise outstanding individuals or community groups in the categories of Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group or Event of the Year. The morning is rounded off by a free community barbeque breakfast. Residents and their families from Cottesloe, Mosman Park and Peppermint Grove are welcome.

NB: The Havianas Thong Challenge is no longer an Australia Day event, the 2015 event was the last one.

Cambridge

The Town of Cambridge is celebrating in true Aussie style under the shady gum trees at Perry Lakes. There will be plenty of fantastic children’s entertainment provided on the day, together with a free breakfast generously supplied by the Lions Club of Floreat.

The event will be held at Perry Lakes Reserve, just off Perry Lakes Drive near Cambridge Scout Hall, Floreat from 8am – 12 noon.

Canning

Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Community Breakfast, starts at 7.30am at Ceremony Cannington Leisureplex, 233 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington Join them for a free community breakfast prior to the City holding the traditional Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony. Celebrate the new Australian Citizens who have come from around the world. Musical entertainment performed by the Canning City Brass Band.

Claremont

Town of Claremont will be hosting a bbq at Claremont pool from 8am to 11am. Free sausage sizzle and pool inflatables. Entry fees apply.

Gosnells

The Australia Day Big Breakfast at the Centennial Pioneer Park amphitheatre in Gosnells, is one of the City’s most popular events and will also include presentation of the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards, Safe City Awards and History and Heritage Awards.

City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle encouraged residents to join the fun at this free family-friendly event, which will be held from 8am to 11am.

This year’s event will feature bush tucker tastings, indigenous storytelling, mini golf, giant games and a bouncy castle, as well as an opportunity to have a photo with a koala or enjoy a circus show and workshop by Zap Circus.

Local band Foreign Architects will perform and for the children there will be a chance to meet and play with the Eco Fairies.

The Gosnells Rotary Club will serve cooked breakfast from 8am at $5.50 for kids, $7.50 for a regular serve or $10 for a big brekkie.

Kalamunda

Join in the Shire of Kalamunda for the Australia Day “Pool Party” at the Kalamunda Water Park from 9am to 6pm presented in partnership with YMCA WA.

The family-friendly event will include free entertainment, free barbeques and all the regular fun attractions of the Kalamunda Water Park so bring your family and friends and come and make a splash!

Kwinana

The City of Kwinana will continue the tradition this Australia Day with a morning full of family fun from 9am to 11.30am.

Residents are invited to gather the family, grab the picnic blanket, and head down to the Council Gardens on the corner of Gilmore Avenue and Sulphur Road to celebrate the great Australian spirit, Kwinana style.

After tucking into a free Aussie barbeque breakfast courtesy of the Kwinana Rotary Club, revellers can splash down the water slide, enjoy free children’s activities and witness the new Kwinana Residents become citizens.

Meville

Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held from 8.30am at John Creaney Reserve, corner Parry Avenue and Benningfield Road, Bull Creek. The Lions Club Bull Creek breakfast is available for a gold coin donation. For more info.

Mundaring

Managed by Shire of Mundaring, Lake Leschenaultia in Chidlow is a terrific place to spend this coming Australia Day with your friends and family. Paddle in the freshwater, swim out to the pontoon and enjoy a day surrounded by wildlife. There are canoes to hire and a 3km walk trail around the Lake. There are plenty of free gas BBQs available for use, or grab a refreshing snack from the kiosk. There are plenty of shaded lawn areas perfect for a picnic or ball games. Best of all, entry is free. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted. For more information visit www.mundaring.wa.gov.au

Rockingham

Celebrate Australia Day at Churchill Park, Rockingham Beach Rd! There will be live performances, a petting zoo, face painting, amusement rides, an Aussie craft corner, mega bubbles and giant games. This year’s celebration will begin at 3pm including an outdoor screening of the beloved Australian Movie, Red Dog (PG) showing from 8pm.

This is a family friendly, smoke and alcohol free event.

Wanneroo

For the third year running, the City of Wanneroo will host the largest Australia Day citizenship ceremony in the nation. More than 800 residents from 66 countries are set to participate in the ceremony, becoming Australian citizens on this iconic day. For ceremony details contact the City of Wanneroo.

From all of us at Tweet Perth, have a bonza Australia Day.