The Ultimate Traveller's Guide to Australia Day

Every year on January 26, we get together and celebrate the things that makes our country great. Aussies normally do something special for Australia Day, so read on for all the do's and don't's for this day.

Do’s

Have a barbie

The humble BBQ is one of the most Australian things ever and we can guarantee that in backyards and parks all across the nation, BBQs will be fired up. If you’re at YHA on Australia Day, check with the staff if they’re throwing a barbie! They probs will be, tbh.

Stuff yo’ face with some Aussie sweets and treats

There’s pavlova, lamingtons, Iced Vovos, fairy bread, Tim Tams, Wagon Wheels, Golden Gaytimes and now we’re getting a sugar rush just thinking about them. But trust us, if you haven’t tried them, you need to eat them all. Now.

Hit the beach

From Manly to Cottesloe and everywhere other beach in between, there’ll be a patch of sand for you to relax on this Australia Day.

Play a game of cricket

Playing cricket in the park, in your backyard or at the beach is a time honoured tradition on Australia Day, so if your Aussie (or Kiwi, British or Indian) mates pull out the bat and ball, give it a go - you may become a devotee. Plus it’s actually really funny. Who would have thought a sport would have terms like 'googly', 'silly point' and 'automatic wickie'?

Learn the history of Indigenous Australia

Australia Day isn't all cases of VB and the chance to get a killer tan, it's also a time to recognise the over 500 Indigenous nations in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been taking care of this country for centuries and are one of the world's longest living cultures. There are smoking ceremonies and vigils held in most major cities, the perfect opportunity to learn more about our First Nations peoples.

Don’t's

Forget the sunscreen

Just because you never got sunburnt in South East Asia/Europe/the US doesn’t mean you won’t here. There’s a hole in the ozone layer above Australia so the sun’s rays are super strong here and sunburn HURTS. Slather on the SPF 50+.

Overdo the Aussie flag

Too many Aussie flags is kinda tacky. One or two is fine but remember the mantra "less is more". Be classy on Australia Day by keeping the Aussie flags to a minimum.

Drink way too much booze

You’re outside in the sun, it’s super-hot because it’s January in Australia and you’ve been drinking booze all day – these are all the puzzle pieces you need to get full on wasted and not the fun kind. This is the heat stroke, regretting your life decisions and passing out kind of wasted, which really isn't how you want to spend Australia Day.

Whether you're finishing your Australia Day with a bit of a headache or surrounded by new friends, celebrating what an incredible country you're in... we've got a bed for you once the sun goes down. Book direct and save on beds across the country, so get to it mate!

Additional Image Credits - Destination NSW