If you want to run, swim, sculpt, slide, dance, laugh, chuckle, sing, eat, watch or fly a kite there is an event at Wollongong’s Australia Day for you.
Australia Day 26 January 2012 – with the aid of major sponsor Endeavour Energy – will kick off with the popular Illawarra Aquathon from 8am. The Aquathon is a simple splash [a swim], a dash [a run] and loads of fun. Participants can do it on their own, or buddy up and enter as a tag team across ages six years to 60 years plus, in the junior, open, masters, corporate and even parent and child teams.
On the Harbour there will be yacht sailing, thong throwing, water fun, sand sculpture surf life saving demonstrations and indigenous dances prior to the culmination with the spectacular Wollongong Fireworks at 9pm.
The fireworks, sponsored by Endeavour Energy, attract up to 50,000 people from throughout the city and afar.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said the day will bring the community together to enjoy an event in a safe and family friendly, alcohol free event.
“We are blessed with one of the most spectacular harbour and headland on the NSW coast. What better way to enjoy a relaxing Australia Day than at Belmore Basin or one of the adjoining parks with the family and friends,” Cr Bradbery said.
“There will be plenty of events and performances for everyone especially young families as well as free train rides, Gun Battery march and a re-enactment of the firing of the cannons. There also will be the fun Wollongong Rotaract Hospital Bed run.
“This is a day when you can also enjoy a diverse mix of music and dance in Lang Park and then finish off the day with the magnificent fireworks spectacular. What better way to celebrate being Australian than a day at Belmore Basin.”
In the McDonald’s Osborne Park, there will be a children’s stage with performances by dancers, clowns, Lilli Pilli, Vietnamese Dancers, and a live reptile show.
At the main stage in Telstra Lang Park, there will be flamenco fusion and dance, choirs, a jazz band, and the Wongawilli Bush Band. The day will also feature a buskers’ corner in Telstra Lang Park, and wood chopping and sheep shearing demonstrations.
Flagstaff Hill will host joy flights with Touchdown Helicopters. You can view a kite demonstration or fly your own kite, or make one at the kite workshop.
Access
Leave your car at JJ Kelly Park and Vikings Oval and catch the free Gujarat NRE Park and Ride bus into the basin. Buses operate every 15 minutes from 12 noon to 11pm.
You can leave your car at Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow and catch the Gong Shuttle Bus. Buses operate every 10 minutes from 6am to 11pm.
Or if you catch a train you can travel to Fairy Meadow, North Wollongong, or Wollongong stations and catch the Gong Shuttle bus.
There will also be a number of road closures on the day. Visit Council’s website for details.
For more details of the festivities and program of events for Belmore Basin, McDonald’s Osborne Park or Telstra Lang Park, visit Council’s website.