Australia Day, the recognition of a nation
Every year on January 26, the great nation of Australia stops to celebrate life Down Under. In true-blue Aussie style, there are barbeques nationwide, the beaches are full and communities put on various events to reflect the diverse culture and history of the land. In the heat of summer, it is a fantastic time to experience Australia at its festive best.
A
car rental holiday makes it easy to get amongst the action, allowing you to go where you want, when you want, and drop in on whichever events take your fancy.
From
Brisbane down to
Hobart and across to
Perth, all cities and many towns will host their own public festivities. Airport Rentals has come up with a few hot-spots where you can truly get into the Australia Day spirit. Just choose your pick-up location and set off on an Aussie adventure!
Sydney Harbour car rental, compare brands
The action in the biggest city is centred around the picturesque Sydney Harbour.
Pick up your Sydney car hire and head straight to the seaside suburbs to see a raft of events including a tug and yacht ballet, Harbour Parade, Tall Ships race, a Ferrython, two decked-out
P&O cruise ships and the salute to Australia for a show of patriotism.
South Bank Parklands, Brisbane, great deals on Australia Day
This lovely green space, with trees to provide shade from the hot Queensland sun, plays host to the Australia Day Long Weekender. Seventy free music performances, interactive art, cultural shows and a spectacular fireworks show on Sunday the 25th make it the place to be in Brisbane.
Melbourne Showgrounds
Melbourne has always been known for a thriving dining scene and Australia Day is no exception. In 2015, the city is stepping it up for the long weekend. From January 25-26, an International Street Food Festival is taking place at Melbourne Showgrounds. Featuring food from around the world, rides and demonstrations, it will be a great way to celebrate and get a taste of this multicultural nation. Grab a
car hire from Melbourne Airport and check this event out.
Long Point Reserve, Hobart (Sandy Bay Regatta)
The Sandy Bay Regatta is one of the world’s longest-running regattas, having started in 1849. It is now the centrepoint of Hobart’s Australia Day celebrations and comprises activities both on and off the water at Long Point Reserve. It is a short drive from the central city, but there is plenty of parking with a gold coin donation - perfect for those
travelling in a Hobart car hire. The mix of events includes boat races, a life-saving carnival, sack races, scavenger hunt and more, with food stalls and a general festival atmosphere.
Fremantle, Perth
Head out of the sweltering Perth to the lovely seaside town of Fremantle to celebrate the national holiday. On the Esplanade Reserve is a free community event with live music, activities and competitions for children, a free sausage sizzle, a citizenship ceremony, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean from 8pm. “Freo” is a hidden gem on Australia’s west coast, and just a 30-minute drive from Perth Airport.