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.
In short: what you need to know about Australia Day celebrations in Hobart
Australia Day fireworks: Hobart doesn’t hold Australia Day fireworks.
Annual Australia Day events: The Australia Day Address, Australia Day Awards and Australian citizenship ceremony.
Top Australia Day celebrations and events in Hobart
Image: Clarence Arts and Events
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 big Aussie 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, double decker buses and swimming races - 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
Tasman Regatta and Peninsula Feast
Australia Day isn't complete without a baller regatta.
The celebrations continue on to 27 January this year with the annual Tasman Regatta and Peninsula Feast finding its place on the calendar on Saturday.
Held in Nubeena, which is 1.5 hours east of Hobart, this sleepy coastal town comes alive in celebration of its marine ties with a fishing competition, crab racing, kayaking and bay swimming as well as more Australian-inspired activities such as gumboot throwing.
For more info: Tasman Regatta and Peninsula Feast
Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical
Chase a kite and and spend your Australia Day in a practically perfect way at the theatre.
While Mary Poppins might not be a true blue Aussie production, this performance certainly is. Presented by Hobart's community theatre The Show Company Tasmania, Australia Day marks its premiere on the local stage where it'll run for 15 shows.
For more info: Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical
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 barbecues 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-5pm
- One City Centre: Times vary.
- Northgate Shopping Centre: Open from 9am-8pm.
Feature image: Tasmania Australia Day
