As the Hunter Region prepares to celebrate Australia Day on Monday, January 26, residents and visitors have a wealth of activities to enjoy across the long weekend. From free pool access to harbour swims and vibrant market days, there is something for everyone to mark the national holiday.
Newcastle Celebrations
Newcastle offers a packed schedule of events starting with the Newcastle Beach 5s Australia Day Weekend Festival at Nobby's beach from Saturday to Monday. Sports enthusiasts can head to the NEWFM Australia Day Long Weekend Legends Race Day on Saturday at 11am at Newcastle Racecourse.
On Sunday evening, Ngarrama will take place from 7pm to 9pm at King Edward Park, providing a cultural experience. For those seeking adventure, the Australia Day Newcastle Harbour Swim is scheduled for Monday with a single crossing at 10am and a double crossing at 11am from Stockton ferry wharf.
History buffs can visit Australia Day At Fort Scratchley on Monday from 10am to 4pm on Nobby's Road, Newcastle East. The event features Australian armed forces re-enactments, morse code demonstrations, military vehicles, and performances by the Newcastle RSL Pipe Band.
Families can enjoy free pool entry before 1pm at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresefield, Stockton, and Mayfield Pools, with extended hours at Lambton waterside until 5pm. Additionally, the Newcastle Museum hosts a free event with three days of fun on the water, including live sailing circuits, docking demonstrations, tugboats, and steam-period displays.
Lake Macquarie Activities
Lake Macquarie residents have several options to celebrate. The Aussie Night Markets will be held on Monday from 12pm to 10pm at Morisset Showgrounds, culminating in fireworks at 9pm. The Valentine Lions Club Australia Day event runs on Monday from 9am to 12pm at Bennett Park, Valentine, with family-friendly activities, morning tea, and music.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Australia Day at Club Macquarie starts at 7am on Monday on Lake Road, Argenton, offering raffles, Australian-themed cocktails, and happy hour prices from 10am to 6pm. Similarly, Australia Day at the Swansea Workers Club is on Monday from 11am to 8pm on Rawson Street, Swansea, featuring all-day happy hour, free pool, and BBQ sausages from 12pm.
On Sunday, the Australia Day Celebrations at Warners Bay Sports Club include live music from 4pm and free barefoot bowls from 4pm to 7pm.
Hunter Region Events
Across the Hunter, communities are hosting various free and family-oriented events. On Monday, Free Pool Day from 10am to 4pm at Cessnock and Branxton pools offers free entry, a sausage sizzle, family activities, DJs, roving entertainers, and games.
Maitland Park will host a Free Community Breakfast on Monday from 7.30am to 12.30pm, complete with entertainment, classic cars, a petting zoo, kids' craft, and games. Free pool entry is also available on Monday from 10am to 4pm at Maitland Aquatic Centre and East Maitland Aquatic Centre, with a Dive In Cinema at 5pm at Maitland Aquatic Centre screening Moana 2 (PG) and Lilo & Stitch (PG).
In Cessnock, the Australia Day Awards will be presented on Monday at the Performing Arts Culture Centre. Singleton celebrates with an Australia Day event on Monday at 8am at Singleton Civic Centre, including an awards ceremony and traditional BBQ breakfast. The night before, Australia Day Eve in Singleton on Sunday from 6pm to 9.30pm at Townhead Park features an outdoor cinema screening, food trucks, a jumping castle, and a silent disco.
Boat enthusiasts can attend Boat Fest on Monday from 8am at the Classic Boatshed in Rathmines, with boats on display and for sale, sausage sandwiches, and drinks.
Port Stephens Festivities
Port Stephens offers a range of celebrations. Australia Day at Raymond Terrace on Monday from 8am to 2pm at Riverside Park includes a free breakfast, Citizenship Ceremony, a RAAF fly past, ice skating, water slides, all-day markets, and live music.
At Fly Point Park, Australia Day at Nelson Bay runs on Monday from 9.30am to 3.45pm, featuring live music, vintage and classic cars, children's activities, and sheep shearing. Australia Day at Karuah starts at 12pm on Monday at Karuah RSL Club, with an amateur produce competition, thong throwing competition, and fireworks at 9pm.
The Lemon Jam Australia Day Community Celebration is on Monday from 1pm to 5pm at Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage. Additionally, the Australia Day Boat Raffle Draw with Marine Rescue Port Stephens will be held at Fly Point Park from 8am to 3.30pm, accompanied by a sausage sizzle and raffle draw.
For early weekend fun, Pool Parties on Saturday from 10am to 3pm at Lakeside Leisure Centre and Tomaree Aquatic Centre offer free entry, inflatables, water slides, and a sausage sizzle.
With so many events planned, the Hunter Region is set to deliver a memorable Australia Day weekend filled with community spirit, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
