Once again I made my annual pilgrimage down to the northern rivers area of NSW to celebrate Australia day with my family. This part of northern NSW is about a 3 hour drive south from Brisbane.
Australia Day is our official National Day which is celebrated annually on January 26th. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first fleet of British ships into Port Jackson Sydney in 1788
In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year awards. It is an official public holiday in all states and territories and celebrated with festivals, concerts and ceremonies, large and small, in communities and cities around the nation.
For us, it is time with family.
The beginning of our day commenced with our early morning walk where we were watched by some of the the many locals. They are always so curious and usually only hop away when we start to get very close to them.
Then it was time to take the boat out on the Clarence River. Once again, we were blessed with glorious weather. We motored on down the river to where the mouth meets the Pacific Ocean, between the towns of Iluka and Yamba.
We visited a favourite local beach where a swim was a must. As usual it was “crowded” with about a handful of people from other boats.
Then we motored over to the local pub on the river in Iluka for nice cold beers which were enjoyed down at the water’s edge.
After enjoying our beers, we then walked over to the local Fisherman’s co-op to purchase our fish and chips and calamari for our very Aussie lunch at the beach on the river.

Fisherman’s Co-op Iluka
After a full and fabulous day out on the water we cruised back up the river to home.
Then, as evening approached, with neighbours joining us, we settled in for our very Aussie backyard bbq. An Aussie barbecue is a great Australian tradition and almost a most on Australia day.
A few more of the locals hopped over for a late afternoon feed.
Hey! Nth Rivers of NSW, Clarence is a favourite. A most beautiful part of this beautiful country. Daphne D
Thanks DD . It really is simply stunning and so unspoiled
Hi Lyn
Lovely place Iluka. Will be in Lucca from 13th August until 20th . Do you have any plans to be there around that time?
Thanks Christine. Lovely to hear from you. I have not made any plans for Italy this year. I am going to Vietnam next month but not sure where I will go later this year. Maybe Japan, maybe Hawaii, maybe Canada. So, we may meet another time in Lucca. Enjoy. It is a fabulous town.
Well sounds like you had a wonderful Australia Day. Really enjoyed reading your blog Thankyou. Xx
Thanks Leah. I sure did. I hope you did also xx
What a wonderful way to spend the day. Looks awesome xxx
It was awesome thanks Donna xx
What a perfect day! Would love to be at that very “crowded” beach right now!
Yes Mary, me too. I had many many swims while I was down there
Love those kangaroos! It must be a fairly common sight for you, similar to seeing deer around here. Swimming in those warm waters must have been heavenly!
It is more common to see the roos in the rural/country areas, but not so much in the cities. With our heat wave conditions at present, the water was magic
Love the way you celebrate Aussie Day!
Yes Linda, me too.
A perfect day out!
It certainly was my kind of perfect
Perfect! It sounds so relaxed :)
Thanks Georgie, it really was. I am a little girl when it comes to beach and sunshine
Wonderful – Loved the kangaroos – shame we don’t have them here in Kangaroo Gully Road anymore!
Hi Kay, they are probably still there, just hiding
Lovely post, would love to see a kangaroo up close like that and not in a zoo.
Come to Australia. We have plenty even close to the cities. Thanks for reading my blog and commenting
This was very fun to read and I loved the photos, especially as someone who’s never been to Australia! The kangaroos are so cute! 😊
Thanks Yvette. We love the kangaroos – they can be cute and they can be aggressive
gorgeous. looks amazing. aussie day is usually a blast isnt it
I love it especially spending it with my family. Thanks for reading my blog