Australia Day in Queensland is something everyone should experience at least once. It’s time to break out the sunscreen, zinc, and your best Akubra hat because here are our top eight ideas for celebrating Australia Day in and around Coolangatta.
1. Beach cricket
Is it really Australia Day unless you’ve played a bit of cricket? Forget the backyard, grab your cricket bat and tennis ball and head down to Coolangatta Beach for a game of beach cricket. Gather together a group of family and friends, find a good spot along the sand, and see who can take the most wickets. The best part is, after you work up a sweat, you can jump in the water for a quick cool off.
2. Triple J Countdown
Another Australia Day tradition is the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown. Hear the best songs from 2017 while you chill out with your friends. It doesn’t matter where you are – whether you’re down by the water having a swim, hanging out at the park, or just in your backyard, there are so many picturesque spots around Coolangatta you can hang out and listen. Just pick yourself up a speaker and pump out the jams all day long.
3. Pub crawl
If you’re looking to get your drink on this Australia Day there are heaps of great spots around Coolangatta. Deck yourself out in your best Aussie outfits and start your day at the Cooly Hotel. Grab some lunch at The Eatery, before ordering a couple of jugs at the bar. Next, swing around the corner to Bar 72. This little tapas bar, with a lovely beach front view, has some great share plates to get your through the afternoon, as well as beers on tap and cocktails. Finish up the night at 1st on Wharf as we say farewell to Australia Day for the year. This sports bar and cocktail lounge has a great range of drink specials and dinner options.
4. Watch the sunrise
If you’re an early riser, you can catch a stunning sunrise from the Kirra lookout. What better way to start the Australia Day celebrations than to watch the sun rise over our beautiful country. You can take a stroll down Marine Parade afterwards to grab a coffee to kick start your day.
5. Host a BBQ
Another Aussie classic. The Gold Coast area is exploding with public BBQ areas across parks and reserves. Organise a family day out and head on down to the local supermarket to whip up a few snags and rolls for a barbie in the park. Queen Elizabeth Park and Kirra Beach Playground are both great spots with BBQ areas as well as climbing things and bike paths for the kids to enjoy. Make sure you get there early and claim a spot as it can get busy.
6. The Burleigh Pro
Surfing lovers rejoice – the 2018 Burleigh Pro brings some of the best surfers from around the world to Burleigh Heads to battle it out for the World Surf League Qualifying Series. The event run from the 25th till the 28th of January, so the Australia Day party doesn’t have to stop after the 26th! Burleigh Heads is a natural amphitheatre so it’s the perfect spot for catching all the surfing action and best of all, it’s free entry.
7. Broadwater fireworks
After a day out in Coolangatta, head up to Broadwater Parklands for the fireworks to see out Australia Day. In the past, Broadwater Parklands has seen food trucks, live music and plenty of kids activities for a family day out, before a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm.
8. Hire a stand up paddle board
Forget land activities, the water is the place to be on a warm summery Australia Day. Grab a surfboard or go for a swim in the water at Coolangatta Beach. Or why not hire a paddle board. Stand up paddle boarding is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy and you can hire boards from Endless Summer and head out on the Tweed River.
9. Barefoot bowls
Try your hand at barefoot bowls – it’s harder than it looks! The Tweed Heads Bowls Club usually has free barefoot bowls on Australia Day as well as live bands to dance along to. There are also dining and bar areas if you get a bit peckish or need to quench your thirst after working up a sweat at bowls.
Say cheers to being an Aussie
No matter what your idea of celebrating living in Australia is, there’s plenty to do in Coolangatta. Make this Australia Day the best yet with sun, drinks, and water activities in sunny Queensland.
