Trains, trivia and yabby races… A quick look at Australia Day around the Central West

Wondering how to spend your Australia Day? 

We’ve taken the burden off you, and compiled a list of events to choose from in Orange and around our wonderful surrounding villages to help you get the most out of your public holiday.

Australia Day Award ceremonies will be conducted in most towns around the area, it’s our annual opportunity to shine a light on the many unsung heroes in our local community. 

In Orange, the official Australia Day festivities kick off in Cook Park from 8am with a barbecue breakfast, followed by the official award ceremony at 9am. 

Stick around and enjoy the live music, good food, and market stalls.

Blayney will hold celebrations at Heritage Park from 8am with a free barbecue breakfast from Blayney Rotary and then the award ceremony kicks off at 8.30am.

Club Millthorpe will be celebrating the day with live music from the Millthumpers from 1pm, yabby races and free social bowls all day. Get there at 12pm to enjoy a barbecue lunch.

Molong’s Australia Day celebrations centre around the Dr. Ross Memorial Park where there will be a damper competition, children’s activities and entertainment, lunch and an afternoon of cricket. Or just up the road at the Freemasons Hotel you can try your luck at the yabby races.

Enjoy a day of fun and excitement with the Lachlan Valley Railway and travel at a leisurely pace from Orange to the small town of Manildra on one of their historic trains. During your visit to the “Gem of the West” stop by the famous Amusu Theatre for the showing of a classic Aussie short film or enjoy lunch at The Royal Hotel.

Australia Day award ceremonies will also be held in Borenore, Cargo, Canowindra, Cumnock, Cudal, Eugowra, Manildra, Molong, Mullion Creek, and Yeoval.

Don’t forget to get in quick and nominate the people you believe deserve to be recognised for their efforts.

At Cumnock, the party gets underway a day early on January 25 with an Australian-themed dress-up trivia night at the Cumnock Bowling Club. Prizes will be given for best dressed, as well as the trivia champions.

Whatever your interests are, there’s an event for everyone. So grab your families, get out and enjoy this beautiful country of ours!