Your guide to the best parties, events and activities in Hobart on Australia Day.
Complete your holiday break with a day out in Hobart to commemorate the nation’s founding. On top of your flagship occasions such as the flag raising and Australian citizenship ceremonies, there’s a swag-full of events going on throughout the city.
We’ve pulled the best out for you to get stuck into. Now all you need to do is slip on your thongs and get out there.
Top Australia Day events in Hobart
Image: Discover Tasmania
Australia Day on the Bellerive Boardwalk
Tantalise your earbuds to the tune of Tasmania’s up and coming musicians as you congratulate the works of Australia’s finest
Up your Australia Day game and crack out the flags, thongs and Aussie salute at this Aussie gathering. Held at Bellerive Boardwalk on 26 January, it includes the traditional lion’s breakfast and the Clarence Australia Day Awards and Citizenship ceremonies as well as live entertainment by emerging Aussie talents.
For more info: Clarence Arts and Events
Image: A Day On the Beach
A Day on the Beach
A Day On The Beach is chock full of water sports, fun in the sun, good times and thongs
Pack the kids in the car and drive to Kingston, just east of Hobart, for an action-packed day on the beach. Over 12,000 excited Aussies (and visitors) hone in on this beachfront every Australia Day to partake in activities and sports such as treasure hunts, sandcastle competitions and beach cricket - all of which are organised by the community's surf clubs.
As you can imagine, the event’s TDT inflatable thong race goes down a storm, too.
For more info: A Day On The Beach
Australia Day True Blue Sale
Buy local in the 2nd annual Australia Day True Blue Sale
On Australia Day the whole nation comes together to celebrate what it is to call yourself Australian - and if you're a true blue Aussie you'll agree that one thing we do great is support one another in our endeavours.
To help you do that is the Australia Day True Blue Sale. It's a 48-hour online shopping event that brings some of the best Aussie retailers together to showcase and sell their wares. It all starts at 5pm on Australia Day eve and this year will feature offers from retailers like Marie Claire, SABA, Cellarmasters and UGG.
For more info: Australia Day True Blue Sale
Sandy Bay Regatta
Australia Day in Hobart isn’t complete without the annual Sandy Bay Regatta
Now in its 168th year, the Sandy Bay Regatta is an iconic display of Hobart’s marine heritage. Over the course of the day, water, beach and sand events are held in honour of traditional regatta events.
Recent additions to the programme that the public can partake in include a Nippers lifesaving carnival, kayak challenge, windsurfing race, tug-o-war, sack races, scavenger hunt and pie eating competition. Bring on that four-and-twenty!
For more info: Sandy Bay Regatta
The Cat Empire and Xavier Rudd
Treat yourself to an exceptional green and gold experience with two of Australia’s best musical acts
We doubt it’s a coincidence that The Cat Empire and Xavier Rudd have decided to kick off their 2017 tour on Australia Day. The place to be? St David’s Park in Hobart.
Moments from the city’s famous Salamanca Markets, it’s a unique outdoor venue for this unique Australia Day concert.
For more info: Zaccaria Concerts
TAS Beer Lovers Week
Guilty. This isn’t solely an Australia Day event… but fair dinkum, you can’t have Australia Day without knocking back a cold one.
Liquid gold will be flowing from 20-27 January and we can think of no better excuse to chug it down than Australia Day. Stacks of local pubs are on the bill to host beer swilling events on the 26th in celebration of our nation, including Preachers in Battery Point and Republic Bar and Beer Garden in North Hobart.
Both bars will have Aussie brews and and barbequed meats up for grabs on the day.
For more info: TAS Beer Lovers Week
Top free things to do on Australia Day in Hobart
- Swim at Seven Mile Beach: If the thought of having to channel your inner sardine at Kingston Beach between bronzed Aussies and their lidos makes you want to stay under the blankets this Australia Day, just try another beach. Seven Mile Beach for example is further out and offers a longer stretch of sand that will likely feel less crowded.
- Picnic at Waterworks Reserve: Open daily, even on Christmas Day, Waterworks Reserve is a relaxing park on the slopes of Mount Wellington. It features picnic grounds, open gas barbeques and a network of walking trails.
- Explore the Royal National Botanic Gardens: With school holidays nearly over, make your Australia Day an ultra relaxed one by spending it wandering through the tranquil surrounds of Hobart’s botanic gardens.
Are stores open on Australia Day in Hobart?
The major shopping centres that will open for Australia Day and their trading hours.
- Centrepoint Hobart: Open from 9:30am-4pm
- Eastlands: Open from 10am-4pm
- One City Centre: Times vary.
- Northgate Shopping Centre: Open from 9am-5:30pm.
You can also spend this public holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home. We're throwing a True Blue sale, celebrating Australian retailers, were you can save big on your favourite Aussie brands. Check it out here!
Feature image: Tasmania Australia Day
