Want to know what’s happening for Australia Day in Port Douglas?
From boat races to live music, we’ve rounded up all the best events going down across the Australia Day long weekend. And you’d better believe there’s a sausage sanga or two involved!
If you do choose to celebrate on January 26th, you’ll find something to suit in Port Douglas, Mossman & Daintree.
Australia Day Awards Ceremony & Citizenship Ceremony
Douglas Shire Council is kicking things off early, holding a ceremony on Friday, 24th January 2025 to announce and congratulate the Australia Day Award nominees and winners.
This is an opportunity to recognise and honour those incredible individuals who have made significant impacts through their dedication and service to the Douglas Shire community.
The awards recognise residents in various categories including:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year
- Senior Sports Award
- Junior Sports Award
- Environmental Achievement Award
- Arts & Cultural Award
A citizenship ceremony will also be held, formally welcoming our newest Australian citizens.
Where: Port Douglas Community Hall
When: Friday 24th January from 5.30pm, with a light supper to follow.
Learn More: Douglas Shire Council
PDYC Australia Day Port Douglas – Low Isles Launch Rally
Port Douglas’ longest-running Australia Day event is finally making its triumphant return!
After 10 years’ absence, Port Douglas Yacht Club has proudly announced the re-establishment of the (in)Famous Australia Day Port Douglas – Low Isles Launch Rally.
An annual fixture on the Port Douglas calendar, the famous race to Low Isles first commenced in 1962. A tradition which continued as a community event every year on Australia Day since that time – until 2014, that is. But it’s back, and in a big way!
The event is open to motor launches, motor yachts, and sailing yachts. So why not smarten up the yacht, rustle up a crew and get involved in this heritage event?
This isn’t just a race to the finish, this is all about having a good time. Prizes are up for grabs for Overall Winner, Best Dressed Crew, and Best Decorated Yacht.
Club members, local residents and visitors are invited to gather to celebrate Australia Day in true Port Douglas style.
The Yachty will be buzzing with activity & entertainment all day, including two live bands and games on the lawn. So whether you’re on the water or on land, this is one Australia Day event not to miss.
When: Sunday 26 January, bar open from 10am.
Where: Port Douglas Yacht Club, 1 Spinnaker Close, Port Douglas QLD
For more info: Contact PDYC on 0484 817 241
‘Straya Day at the Daintree Village Hotel
Head into the Daintree Village Hotel for an Australia Day that’s as Aussie as they come. If you love a good “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!” chant, you’ll be in fine company.
Perfect for all ages, it includes all the critical Aus Day ingredients: “A boogie, some good tucker and maybe a cheeky bev or two.”
Far North Queensland’s folk/reggae superstar Shannon Hunter will be providing the beats 1-4pm. When you’ve worked up an appetite on the dance floor, the kitchen has got you covered, pumping out all the good stuff and some extra-special Aus Day bites.
Where: Daintree Village Hotel, 1 Stewart St, Daintree QLD
When: Sunday 26th January
Australia Day Pool Party
Don your togs and get ready for a splashin’ good time that the little ones will love! Enjoy the sunshine and a fun, family-friendly Australia Day at Mossman Pool. Hosted in conjunction with Douglas Shire Council, the theme of the day is: Reflect, Respect. Celebrate.
With free entry, free sausage sizzle at 12pm and live music, this is sure to be a hit. Capacity is limited to 200 people, so arrive early to secure your spot!
Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap and leave the tinnies at home – this is an alcohol-free event.
Where: Mossman Pool, 1 Park Street, Mossman QLD
When: Sunday 26th January 10am-2pm
Aus Day at The Tav!
The locals’ favourite watering hole, the Barrier Reef Tavern, will be open on Austraila Day for some fair dinkum good times. We’d expect nothing less from the lads at the Tav.
Find your way to Four Mile for an action-packed arvo of Aussie classics, including live music, burgers and bangers on the barbie, raffles and lucky squares. The air con will be blasting and the beers will be flowing.
Kick back or groove along to live tunes by Dave Dusch from 3 – 6pm, and celebrate amongst mates as the sun goes down on another day in this epic part of the world.
If that isn’t a pearla of an Australia Day, we don’t know what is.
When: Sunday 26 January
Where: Barrier Reef Tavern, 35-37 Reef Street, Port Douglas QLD
Hook-A-Barra’s True Blue Fishin’ Party
What’s more Aussie than goin’ fishing on the weekend with your mates?
Join the Hook-A-Barra crew on Sunday, January 26 for a day filled with fun, fishing and festivities. Enjoy the thrill of catching our iconic barramundi and make memories that will last you a lot longer than the long weekend.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, you’ll be hooked on Hook-A-Barra, Queensland’s premier land-based barramundi fishing experience.
Also launching on Australia Day is the 2025 BIGGEST BARRA COMPETITION! Catch the biggest barra for the year and you could win free fishing for a year, or a top of the range rod and reel combo. REGISTER for the 2025 competition on Sunday January 26 and be in it to win it!
LONG WEEKEND SPECIAL: Locals can book direct by calling (07) 4098 7117 to get an extra 50% fishing time for free!
Where: Hook-A-Barra, Lot 3 Vixies Rd , Wonga, QLD
When: Sunday 26th January
Australia Day @ Dougies
Dougies Backpackers Resort knows how to throw a party so you know Australia Day is going to be a belter of a day. Get along and celebrate being in this beautiful country, whether you’re from near or far.
Aussie heritage not needed. Good vibes essential.
The fun kicks off from 2pm with games by the pool all day plus great drink specials all day and all night.
Get around the free BBQ from 3pm before DJ Pancho takes to the decks from 6pm.
DIY Aus Day Celebrations with San-ti Restaurant & Bar
Hosting your own Australia Day celebrations? Backyard, pool-side or by the beach, a mouthwatering hamper from San-ti Bar & Restaurant is just what you need to make the day a sizzling success.
All the hard work has been done for you. All you need to do is fire up the barbie, give the tongs a few test clicks, and grill up an instant feast.
Our Aussie Day faves are:
BBQ Hamper for $89 (serves 4). Includes beef sirloin steak x 4, pork loin x 4, lamb loin x 4, chicken skewers x 4, beef sausages x 4, BBQ spices, BBQ sauce, vegetable oil, salt & pepper.
Burger Hamper $36 (serves 2). Includes Angus beef patty x 2, bun x 2, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, vegetable oil, butter, sail & pepper, BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, mustard & mayo.
Best served alongside a few cold ones, a game of backyard cricket and a lammo or two to finish.
When: Sunday 26 January (or whenever you please). 24hrs notice required.
Where: Visit https://santiportdouglas.com.au/hamper-delivery to order and enjoy wherever you like!
Wherever you go, whatever you choose to do, remember to stay safe and stay respectful this Australia Day.
