Australia’s national day is just around the corner and many venues across the Whitsundays have big plans in the works to help you mark the day.

Here’s what’s happening across Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Bowen on January 26:

Australia Day Awards

The council will host multiple award presentations and citizenship ceremonies across the Whitsundays on Australia Day.

The events will kick off in Collinsville in the morning, followed by an event in Bowen and then an event in Airlie Beach.

Collinsville:

What: Breakfast and Australia Day Awards Ceremony

Where: Collinsville Community Centre, 81 Garrick St

When: 7am

Cost: Free

Bowen:

What: Light lunch, Australia Day Awards Presentation and Citizenship Ceremony

Where: Bowen Golf Club, Golf Links Rd, Bowen

When: 11.45am

Cost: Free

Airlie Beach:

What: Afternoon tea, Australia Day Awards Presentation and Citizenship Ceremony

Where: Whitsunday PCYC, 2489 Shute Harbour Rd

When: 3.30pm

Cost: Free

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Australia Day Family Fun Day

The Whitsunday Sailing Club will host a family fun day in honour of Australia Day.

The event will include mini learn-to-sail courses for adults and children, a sailing expo, stalls, live music and activities for children such as backyard cricket.

Coastal Food Design will also take along a food truck and the club bar will be open.

Where: Front lawn at Whitsunday Sailing Club, 11 Ocean Rd, Airlie Beach.

When: 10am to 4pm

Cost: Free

Australia Day Long Weekend

Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill is getting into the spirit will a whole weekend of activities planned in the lead up to Australia Day.

It kicks off with a Triple J Hottest 100 beach party on Saturday and continues with live music and activities from Saturday to Monday.

On the big day on Tuesday, Bredl’s Wildlife Farm will pay a visit, there’ll be a thong throwing competition and you can entertain the children with face painting and activities.

There will also be live music from Kieran McCarthy from 1pm to 4pm.

Where: Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, 116 Pringle Rd, Airlie Beach.

When: Saturday noon to Tuesday 5pm

Cost: Free

Tribute Show

Airlie Beach Hotel will be rocked by three bands on January 26 paying tribute to The Angels, Midnight Oil and The Divinyls.

The event promises to be an epic afternoon of Aussie rock.

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel, 16 Airlie Esplanade.

When: Show starts at 2pm

Cost: Free

Big barbecue giveaway

The Jubilee Tavern is giving away three barbecues on Australia Day as well as $500 cash.

Members can enter by swiping their card any time they enter the venue and getting a ticket, which they then pop in a barrel to be drawn.

The Fox will play live music from 2pm to keep the crowd entertained throughout the afternoon.

Where: Jubilee Tavern, corner Shute Harbour Rd and Loop Rd

When: 2pm onwards

Cost: Free entry

Australia Day Pool Party

Take a tip in the pool and soak up the Whitsunday views on Australia Day at The Rocks.

A live DJ will keep you entertained with tunes during the day.

Where: The Rocks Restaurant, Bar and Pool Club, 25 Ocean View Ave, Airlie Beach

When: 1pm to 5.30pm

Cost: $20 pre-booked, $25 at the door subject to availability. Buy tickets here.

Australia Day 2021 at Paddy’s

Enjoy tunes into the night at Paddy’s Shenanigans this Australia Day.

Chris Baker will take to the stage when doors open at 7pm, followed by Spring Monkeys until late.

A free sausage sizzle is also up for grabs.

Where: Paddy’s Shenanigans, 352 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

When: 7pm to 3am

Cost: Free entry

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Crab racing at KC’s Chargrill and Bar

Live crab racing, live music from Lloyd Saunders and food specials are on offer at KC’s this Australia Day.

The crab races will also be for a good cause as they help support the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club.

Where: KC’s Bar and Grill, 382 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

When: Noon to midnight

Cost: Free entry

Long weekend at Reef Gateway Hotel

Celebrations will begin with a petting zoo from noon on Saturday and Sunday, then fill your ears with timeless Aussie Tracks on Tuesday.

Tribute band Prime Ministers of Australia will play all-time great hits from top artists such as Cold Chisel, Powderfinger and INXS.

There will also be a barbecue from 5pm

Where: Reef Gateway Hotel, 38 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

When: Tuesday 2.30pm onwards

Cost: Free entry

Live music at Sorrento

Enjoy live music from local artists on the beautiful Sorrento Deck.

Table bookings are recommended, phone 4946 7454.

Where: Sorrento Restaurant and Bar, 22 Shingley Dve, Airlie Beach.

When: 4pm to 7pm

Price: Free entry

Australia Day Golf

Tee off at Proserpine Golf Club and then enjoy a barbecue lunch to mark Australia Day.

Where: Proserpine Golf Club, Anzac Rd, Proserpine

When: From 10am

Cost: Free, but fee applies for golf club hire

Australia Day specials at the Grand View

Enjoy a day of entertainment at the Grand View Hotel in Bowen.

The full menu will be on offer but it’ll be embellished with Australia Day specials for lunch and dinner, like outback Aussie cheese friends with fried beef sausage and gravy.

Live music will also be played by Rebelquin between 2pm and 6pm.

Bookings are essential, phone 4786 4022.

Where: Grand View Hotel, 5 Herbert St, Bowen.

When: 10am to 11pm

Cost: Free entry