There are always so many brilliant Australia Day events around the Northern Beaches: from BBQs, to bike rides and thong throwing to pool parties…
Whether you like a traditional sausage on the barbie with the family, a day in the park, going for a swim or just getting outdoors, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate Australia Day. If you’re looking for some ideas and want to get out and celebrate with the community, the Northern Beaches has lots of unique and fun ways to enjoy our special piece of this big country.
Here’s our roundup of some of the best community events happening around the Northern Beaches.
Celebrate Australia Food Truck Party
What better way to celebrate the multicultural nature of our country than by getting a whole pile of international cuisines in one place? Celebrate Australia Food Truck party is one big line up of some of the region’s finest multicultural food truck offerings.
It’s family friendly and there will be live entertainment to keep everyone entertained. The only hard part will be deciding what to eat!
When: Saturday 20 January
Time: 4pm – 9pm
Where: Lionel Watts Reserve, Frenchs Forest
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/celebrate-australia-food-truck-party
Australian Made Markets
Water views + live music + food + a showcase of some of our best local makers and creators = a great morning out.
Part of Northern Beaches Council’s Celebrate Australia program, the Australia Made Markets promise a leisurely Sunday of browsing and buying what some of our very talented local businesses have to offer.
When: Sunday 21 January
Time: 8am – 2pm
Where: Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australian-made-markets
Australia Day Eve Open Air Cinema
Nothing says summer evenings in Australia more than an outdoor cinema night with the family.
This Australia Day eve you can head down to Lakeside Park in North Narrabeen for a very special screening of the Australian film Blueback.
You can pack a picnic to enjoy with the family or take advantage of some of the yummy food trucks that will be on site.
The first 1000 people through the gate also receive a free bag of popcorn!
When: Thursday 25 January
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm (movie commences at 6:30pm)
Where: Lakeside Park, North Narrabeen
Cost: Free but bookings required. Tickets available via https://events.humanitix.com/australia-day-eve-open-air-cinema-lakeside-park-narrabeen-thursday-25-january-2024
For more information visit https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australia-day-eve-open-air-cinema
Bike Ride with Aboriginal Peoples
This popular annual event welcomes all to participate in a friendly, social ride with local Aboriginal people whilst simultaneously acknowledging the fact that not everyone views the day in the same light.
The ride will commence with a ceremony before heading off for either a full 24km, or take the option to do one of the 3 smaller legs that make up the entire circuit.
A lovely way to get outdoors, meet people and acknowledge and celebrate the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of our local area.
When: Friday 26 January
Time: 7am ceremony, ride departs at 7:30am
Where: West Esplanade, Manly
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/936725174460775/
Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach
When: Friday 26 January
Time: 7:30am – 11:30am
Where: Bert Payne Reserve, Newport Beach
There is possibly no more traditional way of celebrating Australia Day than a good old fashioned cooked breakky on the beach.
Northern Beaches Council is throwing a fantastic spread of bacon and eggs, sausages and pancakes to celebrate the day and there’ll also be the opportunity to support some fantastic local community groups in the process.
This is one for the whole family, with rides and games for the kids, live music and, of course, a throng throwing competition.
For more information visit https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australia-day-breakfast-newport-beach
Pool Party at Manly Aquatic Centre
This one is bound to make the whole family smile. Manly Aquatic Centre will throw open their doors for a whole morning of splashy fun, including a large pool inflatable, DJ and face painting.
Pack your cozzies and beat the heat!
When: Friday 26 January
Time: 9am – 12pm
Where: Manly Aquatic Centre
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/manly-aquatic-centre-australia-day-pool-party
Pool Party at Warringah Aquatic Centre
Just like the Manly Aquatic Centre, Warringah Aquatic Centre will also be holding an Australia Day Pool Party.
Warringah’s event will also feature a large pool inflatable and a DJ, as well as access to the diving boards and a glitter tattoo artist.
When: Friday 26 January
Time: 9am – 12pm
Where: Warringah Aquatic Centre
Cost: Free
For more information visit https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/warringah-aquatic-centre-australia-day-pool-party-0
Beachside Activities and Entertainment – Manly, Dee Why and Collaroy
Our beaches form such a huge part of our identity as Australians, so what better way to celebrate the day than to get out and enjoy a day with the family by the beach.
Northern Beaches Council will be running roving entertainment and live music at Manly, Dee Why and Collaroy Beaches. Pack a picnic blanket and grab some food from one of our fantastic local cafes and enjoy the day!
When: Friday 26 January
Time: 10am – 2pm
Dee Why https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australia-day-2024-dee-why
Manly https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/australia-day-2024-manly
Are you holding an Australia Day event? Get in touch and we’ll add it to the list! northernbeaches@thelivingcollective.com.au
Images: Northern Beaches Council
