There are plenty of activities on offer across the Hunter Region for those wanting to embrace the spirit of Australia Day.
In Newcastle, celebrations are getting underway early, with the annual Newcastle Harbour Swim Classic. Later at 9am, a citizenship ceremony will take place at City Hall, while and as part of Honeysuckle’s Summer in the City program – a range of free activities will be on offer. Details HERE
Further north in Maitland, revellers can head out without their wallet, with a number of free options on offer including pool entry, rides and interactive games at Maitland Park. An Australia Day awards ceremony will take place at 10am with performances from the Maitland Choir and Maitland City Brass Band. Details HERE
In Lake Macqaurie, Aussie rock icon Richard Clapton will lead a massive line-up of entertainment at this year’s Lake Mac Festival at Speers Point Park. The event will begin at noon with a screening of the family movie Paper Planes on the big screen, a video games van, face painting, and CALM’s Splash Down Stress Free zone. The annual Scouts Canoe Race will be held at 4pm, and there will be live music from local artists from 1.30-5.30pm. Details HERE
In Port Stephens, celebrations will centre around Riverside Park in Raymond Terrace and Victoria Parade in Nelson Bay– there’s a free great Aussie breakfast in the morning as well as presentations, displays of vintage cars, activities and markets happening later in the day. Details HERE
In Dungog Australia Day activities will commence at 7am. Australia Day awards will be presented later on at James Theatre in Brown Street. Details HERE
Singleton Council is turning it on for the national day, with a lots of free activities including thong throwing, a tug o war and official Australia Day ceremony. Details HERE
In the Upper Hunter, council is putting on a host of activities across the region for the day, including parades, markets and free activities. Murrurundi, Aberdeen, Merriwa and Scone will welcome new citizens in special ceremonies. Details HERE
