Tags
Australia Day, Clarence River, Iluka, Iluka Pub, northern rivers, NSW, Photography, Qld, travel
My family lives in a beautiful area on the north coast of NSW. This area is often called “God’s country” as it is just so unspoiled and lovely. It is the northern rivers area and is about a 3 hour drive south from my home in Brisbane. NSW is the state south of Qld where I live.
For this Australia day I chose to spend the long weekend with my family in this lovely area. It is tradition for families to get together for this special day. The day usually includes a good Aussie bbq with family and friends and if you live near the coast it often involves time at the beach. For me, I was lucky enough to have it all plus more.
We spent the Sunday out in the boat on the Clarence River which runs out in to the Pacific Ocean. The day was spectacular. We cruised up the river calling in to several beaches for many swims as we needed to cool off.
We tied the boat up in front of the local pub in Iluka and stopped for a couple of cold beers before enjoying our lunch of locally caught fish.
On the actual day, Monday 26th, friends and neighbours joined us for an Aussie bbq, Aussie beers and swims in the pool. The day was casual, very casual because that is what suits our climate and that is how Aussies like to have fun.
Australia Day is on January 26 and commemorates the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788. The First Fleet was led by Captain Arthur Philip. He established the Colony of New South Wales, the first penal colony in Australia.
Australia Day is a public holiday in all states and territories. All schools and most offices are closed. Stores are often open, but may have reduced opening hours. It is an opportunity for Australians to come together to celebrate their country and culture.
Many people have a day off work and use the day to picnic in a park, have a bbq with family and friends, go shopping or to play or to watch sports events.
In some towns and cities, citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day. These are ceremonies to welcome immigrants to the country who have been granted Australian citizenship. Although official, these ceremonies often have a festive atmosphere. In addition, the Australian of the Year Awards are presented. These are awards for Australians who have made an outstanding contribution to their country or community.
The locals enjoying their Australia Day lunch
Daphne Douglas said:
I so do agree with saying what a wonderful area of the coast to live in. Just Love it!! DD
Lyn said:
Thanks DD. It is beautiful and easy. We sure are lucky and as Donna says – let’s pray that it stays this way On 30/01/2015 8:43 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Donna said:
It certainly is God’s Country and what a wonderful way to spend our National Day.
Let’s hope and pray that others never change our way of life. xxx
Lyn said:
Yes Donna. Well said. Our way of life and beautiful country is why so many are happy to live here
Leah said:
What a beautiful blog:-) Such wonderful pictures. We had a fabulous Oz Day by the Rweed Mariner at the Ivory. We are blessed to live in this country. Xx
Lyn said:
Thanks Leah. Little reminders like this are good for us as yes we are blessed xx
gail gillespie said:
Aussie,Aussie,Aussie, oui, oui, oui !!!!!!!!!
Thanks Lyn great read xxGG
Lyn said:
Thanks Gail. Glad you enjoyed xx On 30/01/2015 9:56 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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timelessitaly said:
Love the kangaroos in your yard!! Looks like a fun time was had by all.
Lyn said:
Yes thanks Susan. It was a great weekend On 30/01/2015 2:34 PM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Linda m. said:
Wonderful photos and how Australia came to be — similar to the U.S. July 4. Loved seeing those ‘Roos!
Lyn said:
Thanks Linda. I thought of you when I was taking the photos of the roos. There were so many of them. When we were walking the dogs the roos were hopping across the road right in front of us. On 30/01/2015 7:14 PM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Mary B said:
A perfect way to spend Australia Day…barbie,cold beer and fun on the water 🏄 🍺 🚣
LBcruiseshipblogger said:
I love the locals.
Lyn said:
Yes even though we are very used to them they are still special On 31/01/2015 5:31 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Cheryl said:
Another great read loved the locals . Photos are excellent as always.
Lyn said:
Thanks Cheryl, great to hear from you Lyn
On Sat, Jan 31, 2015 at 8:09 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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Georgie Knaggs said:
What a great day! Had our first taste of Australia Day over a decade ago with young Aussie family in Germany – still in touch and still proud owners of small koala bear waving the Aussie flag. Sadly no beaches where we were.
Lyn said:
Thanks Georgie it really was a super day On 31/01/2015 8:52 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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kay stevenson said:
What a fabulous place & what a wonderful way to spend Australia Day. Sorry you got it wrong – W.A. is God’s Country!! Kay
Lyn said:
Thanks Kay. There can be more than one God’s country. It truly is beautiful there On 31/01/2015 9:35 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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CalabrianSunshine said:
Wow..so nice pictures! I especially love the sea and the parrots!!! Incredible that they are just livung there! I think Australia Day is kind of Ferragosto in Italy, isn’t it? Of course it is not an official holiday of the state but we also go for a BBQ with the whole family spending a great time together!
Have fun,
Julia
Lyn said:
Thanks Julia. Australia day is very special and lots of fun. We have an abundance of beautiful wild life. Birds and animals. And an abundance of unspoiled beaches and country side. I enjoy sharing it’s beauty sometimes on my blog