Australia Day 2013

Australia is a nation that has produced many a great thing; from Crocodile Dundee and Shane Warne’s right arm to Miranda Kerr’s bangin’ body and of course Melbourne.

So celebrate our nation’s greatest achievements with a barbie, an Australia-shaped BBQ Shape of one of these events this long lazy weekend.

U-NITE for Australia Day
Since its formation in 2004, Melbourne Victory Football Club has been an industry leader in its dedication to uniting people of all cultures, ages and backgrounds. Come help celebrate the fourth birthday of the club’s U-NITE program, which delivers football clinics to disadvantaged schools in Victoria, with an Australia Day Grudge Match between the Victory and Sydney FC. Australia Day will also be a special day for 70 new Australians, who will take part in a citizenship ceremony on AAMI Park. The new citizens will be invited onto the pitch just before kick-off to make their pledge in front of a capacity stadium.
AAMI Park, 5.30pm. Tickets from $30
footballaustralia.com.au

Cider Fest at Brunswick Street Cider House
The Brunswick Street Cider House is using our nation’s holiday as an excuse to wheel out a range of cider not normally seen on our girt by sea island home. At the Cider Fest there’ll be 22 ciders on tap, including five limited releases made specifically for the big day. These include hand pumped cider, ciders from a French oak barrel and infused ciders from 30 Australian producers include  Kelly Bros, Napoleon and Co, Henry of Harcourt and Seven Oaks. And there’s food to wash down all that citrus-y goodness. Roast pork, coleslaw and gravy rolls and hot apple pie with pear cider custard, plus live music all night.
The Cider Festival runs from 12pm till late. $25 will get you 20 samples of cider.
Tickets can be pre-purchased at the venue or on the day if not sold out.

The Havaianas 2013 Australia Day Challenge
Always wanted to be in the Guinness Book of Records? Well here’s your chance to flip flop your way into the record books with the Havaianas Australia Day Challenge. Hitting five beaches across the nation, including Torquay, our favourite thong company is attempting to set a new world record for the longest line of giant inflatable Havaianas thongs joined in the water. And this run’s not all about a shiny trophy, with $10 from each registration going to the local Nippers club at each state’s beach.
Registrations at 8am, from $25
havaianasthongchallenge.com.au

Bowled Over at the St Kilda Bowling Club
Combine the Australian love of sport with the nation’s greatest countdown, Triple J’s Hottest 100, this Saturday with a day on the greens at Bowled Over at the St Kilda Bowling Club. Enjoy the grass between your toes while sipping on chilled ales, feasting on barbequed delights and betting with your friends as to whether your favourite tracks will be in the top five. Lucky door prizes will be up for grabs thanks to the people at Converse and you’ll also be treated to live sets from local acts such as Royston Vasie, Crooked Saint and the Tone Deaf DJs.
fitzroystreetstkilda.com.au

RACV Big Brekkie
Early riser? Then hop on your bike and cruise your way down to the Alexandra Gardens by the Yarra River for the RACV Big Brekkie. Feast on delicacies that reflect the multicultural nature that makes Melbourne wonderful, all while relaxing to some great live music. With a full belly you can then go and check out the best of the Aussie bush with sheep shearing demonstrations, participate in knitting activities or have you mug shot taken in the Australian Unity photo booth.
Free event, from 8am-10am
facebook.com/events