Penrith, it’s that time of year again when eating lamingtons for breakfast or having a Southern Cross face tattoo isn’t frowned upon.
This Sunday’s Australia Day festivities are set to be as vibrant as ever as residents celebrate heritage, diversity and traditions all over the region.
So put your thongs on, grab an esky and get ready for a fun-filled day for you, your mates and the whole family.
Penrith Council will be kicking off its celebrations this year at Cables Wake Park from 10am to 5pm.
Free wakeboarding, free entry into the inflatable Aqua Park and a range of fun water play activities for kids under six-years-old are on offer, however the aqua park and wakeboarding sessions are now fully booked.
Also featured on the day will be live music, food vendors and two on-water stunt shows at 12pm and 3pm.
“Cables Wake Park is one of Penrith’s favourite water sport parks and it is the perfect venue to escape the hot summer heat and make a splash with your family and friends,” Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler said.
But it’s not just Cables where Australia Day will come to life this year.
If you’re keen for a swim, you can dive into some fun at Ripples Leisure Centres with free entry to both Penrith and St Marys pools from 9am to 5pm.
Organised by Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation, the Cooee Festival will also be returning for the second year at Regatta Park in Emu Plains with a special Survival Day Festival.
From 4pm to 9pm, celebrate the survival of the oldest surviving culture in the world with live music, performances, reptile shows and stalls.
Plenty of local pubs and clubs are getting in the Australia Day spirit too with a huge carnival event planned at Panthers from 3pm to 9.30pm, with rides, food trucks and entertainment for the kids.
Some other events include the Australia Day Rock Party at Penrith RSL from 8pm to 1am and an Australia Day Party at The Bavarian Penrith from 4pm.
Nicola Barton
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.