Get in the Aussie spirit and celebrate our national day, as heaps of events are being held all over and around Cairns.

Whether you’re looking for the biggest way to party out with your mates or in need of a relaxing time with the family, you’re sure to find it here in the Hit guide to the Australia Day long weekend.

IF IT’S A PARTY TIME YOU’RE AFTER (SATURDAY):

• BellaVista at the Marina

With heaps of cool free stuff to give away and the Hottest 100 Countdown from 11am, BellaVista’s got a lot to offer. “Old school” is the name of the game they’re playing, with a plan to bring shandies back into fashion, table tennis tournaments and barbecue plates, as well as featuring DJ's Manil and Josh Leach after the countdown.

• Gilligan’s

Open from midday with JJJ's Hottest 100 live, Gilligan’s is set to go off with a big Aussie barbecue and pool games. Ladies can take their chances to win $500 cash in the Little Aussie Cozzie (Bikini Comp) from 9pm, while Sydney legends Ben Morris and MC Losty will rock the evening crowd alongside their residents DMH and Rupheo. Meanwhile at The Attic, Cairns favourite Jono Fernandez will be kickin’ the beats.

• PJ O’Brien’s

It’s time for a beach party at PJ’s, with no entry fee on the door and beachwear encouraged and prizes for best dressed. Local live band Dirty Sanchez will play from 10.30pm to late, with the partying to continue until 5am.

• Sugar Hut

Doors open from 7pm for the Australia Day weekend at Sugar Hut, with free entry before 10pm. The fun includes the Little Town Celebrity Big Aussie Pie Challenge, featuring DJ JRoll, Chris the Breadman Baker, Ross the Man MacFarlane and special guest.

IF LAID-BACK AND EASY IS PREFERABLE (SATURDAY):

• Reef Hotel Casino
  

Plenty to do at the Reef Hotel Casino during their week of Aussie Wave Week-long Australia Day events. Plenty of live music, including former Taxiride front-man Jason Singh, up until Monday evening when it all wraps up.

• Salt House

Get in as the fun kicks off at 12pm with Triple J's Hottest 100 playing all the way through till number 1 and the first 50 people in the door will receive a free Bacardi gift. The Hottest 100 will be followed by the Frontear Duo on the deck and Flavour in the front bar from 9pm. Pull out your best set of pluggers and your green and golds as there will also be prizes for best dressed Bazza and Shazza.

• Society Bar

Kicking the day off in true Aussie fashion with an Aussie Day Sports Trivia and Auction, Society Bar will also use it to raise money for Cairns Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association. Test your sports trivia from 12 - 3pm in teams of five at $20 per person (includes welcome drinks and barbecue lunch). Come dressed in your Aussie colours or as your favourite sports icon, with free general entry all day.

IF A FAMILY DAY IS MORE YOUR STYLE (SATURDAY):

• Cairns Surf Lifesaving Club

Get into a Family Fun event on the beach in front of the Palm Cove Surf Club from 7.30am. There’s a fun run of either a 2km or 4km beach course at a cost of $5 to enter and registration on the day from 7am. Novelty beach events featured include the classic egg and spoon race, three-legged race, tug-o-war and sack race. Also enjoy a barbecue breakfast and sausage sizzle, with all proceeds from the day going to their Miss Surf Girl Entrant Kaitlin Paterson. Contact Tania Paterson on 0419 037 063 and Marilyn Woods on 0448 294 733 for more information.

• The Esplanade

From noon enjoy a barbecue by the lagoon, shoot hoops with the Cairns Taipans and win great prizes in the annual Zoolander Thong Throwing Competition. Get your face painted, have a go on the jumping castle or at sand art and even hold a baby croc. From 3pm Cooked in Cairns presents live and local entertainment including Carinda Christie and 4 in a Groove. From 7pm get settled in under the big marquee for a special screening of the Aussie family favourite Red Dog (PG).

IF RECOVERY IS WHAT YOU SEEK (SUNDAY):

• The Jack

Enjoy summer at this special Australia Day Weekend Recovery Beach Party and catch the grand final of the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Swimsuit Model Search (pictured). There will be non-stop entertainment with DJ JRoll, live bands, crazy summer games, the Corona Splash Pools, summer cocktails and daquiris plus a free Aussie barbecue.

• Sugar Hut

More to come from Sugar Hut’s Australia Day weekend with doors open from 7pm and a live band, DJ JRoll from 11pm and a casual dress code of thongs and singlets.

• The Esplanade, Fogarty Park

Roz Pappalardo, Eddie Skiba, Hot Ice and more plays the Esplanade for a bit of laid-back and free Aussie Day recovery from 11.30am.

• BellaVista at the Marina

With their Sunday sesh, BellaVista will keep the long weekend vibe going with DJ Sammy from 3pm, followed by The Doctor & Fred Cuz til late.

• Reef Hotel Casino
  

Plenty to do at the Reef Hotel Casino during their week of Aussie Wave Week-long Australia Day events. Plenty of live music, including former Taxiride front-man Jason Singh, up until Monday evening when it all wraps up.

• Salt House

Be part of the Salt House’s first Family Fun Brekky for 2013, including entertainment for the kids from 8am to 11am. $49 per family of four, with a full breakfast platter including all the usual big brekky items (except drinks). There is also individual pricing for a smaller or bigger family - $15 per adult, $10 per child. Book in between 7am and 11am on 4041 7733.

 

 

 

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