Celebrate Australia Day on the Gold Coast
Australia Day on the Gold Coast on 26 January 20201 has been synonymous with good times and safety for the last few years. This year things will look different thanks to Covid-19. Gold Coast City Council is hosting a series of smaller events, rather than throwing the usual party at Broadwater Parklands.
Locals and those visiting the Gold Coast usually get together to celebrate Australia Day with private and community events held around the city beaches and parks each year, including barbecues, ceremonies, parades, live entertainment and fireworks.
Here are three events and activities for Australia Day, do not miss out on #3. So grab your cricket bat and head to the beach with friends for an epic day of cricket, this is how the locals do Australia Day.
#1: Australia Day Pool Party
Get ready to cool off at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a traditional pool party, just a short stroll from the Parklands. This year’s pool party is scaled down to to 1,200 people. From 11am to 2pm with giant inflatables, competitions, music, games giveaways and much more.
Time: 11am – 2pm on Tuesday 26 January 2021
Cost: Normal admission charges to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre apply.
Venue: Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Marine Parade, Southport
Organiser: City of Gold Coast
#2: Free Movies at Broadwater Parklands
Head down to the Broadwater Parklands in Southport in the afternoon from 4pm to 8pm for an evening celebration for Australia Day and different options of entertainment for the family.
An outdoor cinema has been set up on the Great Lawn, which will air all the Aussie classics between now and the big day. The screenings are free to attend, but viewers will have to register to be there to ensure that COVID capacity restrictions are adhered to. The night will boast delicious food vendors. Bring your own water bottle and visit the free water refill station to stay hydrated!
Time: 7pm
Cost: Free event
- Tue, 19 January – Lion (PG)
- Wed, 20 January – The Sapphires (PG)
- Thu, 21 January – Kenny (M)
- Fri, 22 January – Red Dog (PG)
- Sat, 23 January – The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (M)
- Sun, 24 January – Muriel’s Wedding (M)
- Mon, 25 January – The Castle (M)
#3: Broadwater Fireworks
Whilst there is no Australia Day fireworks scheduled for this year, you can still catch free fireworks on Friday 22 January 2021 at the Broadwater Parklands Southport at 9pm, so make sure to plan in advance and give yourself enough time to be there on time and to pack your favourite picnic rug and/or outdoor chairs and find a place on the lawn to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of spectacular fireworks.
Date: Friday 22 January 2021
Time: 9pm
Venue: Broadwater Parklands Southport
Cost: Free event
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to the Broadwater Parklands is to catch the G:Link in Surfers Paradise, metres away from your apartment when you are staying at the Chevron Renaissance, Circle on Cavill or the H Residences building on Surfers Paradise Boulevard.
If you are self driving, give yourself plenty of time to find parking as parking space can be limited. Park along Gold Coast Highway, Gold Coast Aquatic Centre or Australia Fair Shopping Centre.
Where to Stay?
Gold Coast accommodation options are still available for a last minute getaway or a long weekend off with friends and family. Book online and stay in a self-contained holiday apartment strategically located in a central position on the Gold Coast. During Australia Day, popular options for family accommodation includes Sun City and Crown Towers, located a short walk to the G-Link.
