By Hollie Harris
It’s that great time of year again; it comes around so fast after Chrissy. Time to buy up on snags, lamb chops and lamingtons, clean out the esky and plan a day of fun, Aussie style. Yep, Australia Day is upon us and if you’re not cranking up the barbie at home, or drumming up a wheelie bin cricket match with the neighbours, then you’ll want to celebrate all the good stuff our blessed country has to offer while you and the family kick back and relax by the river.
The Australia Day Festival on the Noosa River has it all covered mate, so pop the Pav in the fridge for desert and head to Noosaville for a day of celebrations.
On Thursday 26 January, the river will come alive all day long with live music, children’s fun, pony rides, sailing and great Aussie food.
Organised by the good folk of Tewantin Noosa Lions Club and Rotary Club of Noosa Heads the festival kicks off at 7am with Rotary’s Big BBQ brekky.
Live music on the park stage from 8.30am-3pm includes electronic didgeridoo from AzUR, Mark Moroney, Andrea Kirwin, Sharon Brooks and Pocketlove , and headliners the Ryan Giles Band who return to the festival this year.
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club member Jacqui Nichols said the Noosa Australia Day Festival would be fun for everyone while raising money to help local homeless men, women and children.
“It will be a big family festival on the river, and we’ve got an amazing program of events all day so we’d love to see everyone come and celebrate Australia Day, join in the fun and help the community,” Jacqui said.
“It’s a great day to sit by the beautiful Noosa River under the big marquee, catch the river breezes and be entertained by some fantastic Aussie talent.”
Entertainment includes pony rides around the park, Nickleby the Magician who is the festival MC, cooking demonstrations with Noosa chef Woody Theuerl from Peter Kuruvita Noosa Beach House Restaurant, rock climbing wall, hair fairy, classic cars, face painting, balloon twisting and TupperTotTent activities for the children.
“You can’t get more Australian than Luke’s Interactive Reptile Shows – cuddle a python, get up close with turtles and lizards, and don’t forget the kids-size saltwater croc. These will all make for some memorable photos,” Jaqui said.
Kids and adults can also have a crack at sailing on the river with crews from Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club.
Don’t forget to dress up in your best Aussie outfits on the day and make sure you leave some room after the bacon and egg brekky for the home-baked goodies from the amazing CWA ladies.
The Tewantin Noosa Lions club food vans will also serve up some tasty tucker until 3pm. If its raining cats and dogs, the festival will still go ahead, so head to the river on Thursday 26 January, from 7am-3pm (entertainment from 8.30am) at the Lions Park, Gympie Terrace.
Parking is at Chaplin Park, next to Lions Park (off Mill Street) – follow the signs and the event is free.
