How to spend your public holiday on January 26
However you observe your day off, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that are staying open. After a crazy few years, it's worth showing your local some support.
Published 24 January 2023
The national public holiday – officially known as Australia Day – will be marked on Friday, 26 January 2023. We struggle every year to work out how to get this one right. We know how much local businesses need a boost but we also know that for many people, this is not a day of celebration. We haven’t got this one perfect, we know.
However you observe your day off, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that are staying open. After a crazy few years, it's worth showing your local some support.
Here are some ideas:
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Gumbi Gumbi Gardens Walk & Talk
Grab a hat and join this informative session on native Australian bushfood, medicinal plants and wildlife. Learn their important role in our environment and the ways we can conserve these valuable florae. The talk will be led by biodiversity advocate Kemp Killerby from Flora 4 Fauna.
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Take a day trip
There’s a whole lot to love in South-East Queensland – with winding country roads and old school pubs just waiting to be discovered. And with the warm weather and school holidays gracing us, there’s never been a better time to round up the family and jump in the car to discover this beautiful country.
Here are some of our ideas for easy local day trips.
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enjoy a picnic in the park
Weather depending, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy a midweek picnic. Plan ahead and compile a basket full of local produce – visit the weekend markets to start stocking up - then complement with some fresh goodies from The Baker’s Duck (open until 2pm). Cafe Valetta, Ground Up & Quarter Acre are also open for breakfast Here is our round-up of beautiful picnic spots in Toowoomba.
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australia day parties & EVENTS
Bodega is hosting their (night before) Aussie Icon’s Party and The Tatts their Aus Day Eve - Glow Party. Fitzy’s is hosting live entertainment at their Aussie Aussie Aussie Party. Rink 46 is throwing a family fun-day with brews & barbie on the Greens with live music, rides and a bucking-bull; as is Bracknell Lodge with an array of kids entertainment including a massively oversized slip-n-slide.
Highfields Pioneer Village is holding a family friendly open day including whip wracking, blacksmithing, ‘Aussie tucker’ family games and baby animals. Jondaryn Woolshed is reopening for a massive 3 day event starting January 26, with sheep shearing, sheep dog trials, machinery and vintage car displays, blacksmithing, heavy horses, tea and damper. There’ll be a mini rail and animal nursery for the kids, as well as market stalls and food vans. Camping is also available, but it does need to be booked ahead.
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Choose your own adventure
Council has devised a heritage self-drive tour, embracing Toowoomba's past and our Indigenous beginnings. They also have nine historic walk itineraries that take in historic interest points – think of the beautiful architecture of Mort Estate or the Drayton Cemetery.
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go for a hike
There’s so much diversity and scenery in the Darling Downs – from rainforests to bushland – and so we rounded up some natural excursions to see more of it. Remember to wear protective shoes, wear sunscreen and bring water (and snacks, obvi). Here is our round-up of incredible hikes in the region. Of course if you’re looking for some company, you could always join a hiking social group, such as Happy Hikers Toowoomba, who have a hike planned for Thursday morning at Glen Lomond Park.
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support a local indigenous artist
The local talent in our region never fails to amaze us, but this week we wanted to shine a special light on a handful of Indigenous business owners who share their passion and culture through their work.
Here is our list of six local Indigenous-owned businesses you can support.
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TAKE IN A FILM SCREENING
Nomad pictures is hosting a special screening of 'The Whale' at the beautiful Strand Cinemas: the story of a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. Starring Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink. Tickets can be purchased here.
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HEAD TO THE POOL
It’s gearing up to be an absolute scorcer of a day, somewhere in in vincinty of 34-degrees. If you are looking to take to the water, both the Milne Bay and Highfields Aquatic Centres are open. Highfields is holding an open-to-all aqua class at 9:15am and Milne Bay has waterslides and inflatables from 11:00am - 2:00pm.
