There are a number of events planned across the Douglas Shire for Australia Day. We have put together some of the ways you could spend Tuesday’s public holiday.

A Big BBQ at Hemingway’s

Have a bevvy and a BBQ on the boardwalk overlooking the Marina at Hemingway’s Brewery Port Douglas.

Kicking off at 12:00pm, the day will feature creations from the BBQ smoker and grill, including lamb sliders, prawn skewers, and a brisket share plate for two.

And from the bar, get a taste of fresh local beers, beer slushies, local Aussie gins and spirits, gin slushies, and delicious cocktails creations.

All while sitting back and listening to an all-Aussie playlist.

An Aussie family pool party

If you’re looking to cool off, the Douglas Shire Council and Mossman Rotary Club are partnering to deliver a free Aussie family pool party featuring entertainment from local band, the Walker Brothers.

The Rotary Club will host a free sausage sizzle and lamingtons, with popcorn and slushies available for purchase.

Rotary Club of Mossman member, John Anich, said the club was particularly excited to be co-hosting the event.

“For over 100 years, Rotary in Australia has been bringing communities together, ‘he said.

“This year’s theme is Reflect, Respect, and Celebrate – We are all part of the story.”

The event will run from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

Free BBQ breakfast and civic ceremonies

Douglas Shire Council is hosting a free BBQ breakfast on Tuesday morning from 7:30am at the Port Douglas Community Hall. The Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre will be on the tongs, keeping everyone fed.

The free beaky will be followed by a citizenship ceremony that will see 28 new citizens become Australians at 9:30am.

Then at 11:00am the most outstanding residents from across the Shire will be recognised in the Australia Day Awards.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, both ceremonies will be restricted to award winners, new citizens and their families and friends.

Play a game of Golf

The Mossman Golf Club is hosting an Australia Day Ambrose Event.

Kicking off with at 11.30am Sausage Sizzle followed by a great day of fun and golf.

$10 Comp Fee. Family, friends and visitors welcome. $40 includes 18-hole green fees and shared motor buggy.

Or book a tee time at the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course for the Australia Day Stableford comp.

Aussie day at the Courty

Celebrate with great food and cold drinks while Sea Change rocks the stage from 2:00pm till 5:00pm

Rock out at the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge

Rock out with That Rockabilly Guy at the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge in Cape Tribulation from 3:00pm.

Stay Cool

If none of these events tickle your fence you could also cool off in one of the many creeks in the area, hit some stumps at the beach, cook a snag on the BBQ, or knock a few cold ones back at the pub.