STONE the crows and throw another snag on the barbie, 'coz it's Australia Day in Toowoomba and the celebrations are about to go off like a bucket of prawns in the sun (although they'll probably smell somewhat sweeter).

Every year on January 26, the nation stops to admire the red, white and blue of the flag; dust off the green and gold boardies and celebrate everything that makes us a true blue and uniquely dinky-di country.

In 2009, Toowoomba will come alive with a family-friendly party at the gorgeous Picnic Point.

Starting from 7am and continuing until 4pm, the family can come along for some traditional Australian fare, with damper and billy tea being served all day. Oh, and what's an Aussie party if you don't stay for a snag or two with sauce?

Kids will be kept entertained with loads of rides and there's heaps of music and entertainment for the bigger kids.

On a more serious side of things – the Picnic Point party will also hold the citizenship ceremony and local Australia Day awards presentation.

Apart from the main city's party, the surrounding region is also host to a plethora of activities. We have a list here, so all you need to do is pick and choose the place nearest to you and get ready to pack the esky for an awesome all-day party.

Chinchilla

Ready for an early morning? Then head to the Chinchilla Australia Day Breakfast at the Chinchilla Museum from 6am.
Hosted by the Dalby Regional Council, the Rotary Club of Chinchilla will cook up a storm for everyone to enjoy. So don't eat too much at Sunday dinner, because the brekkie is free.

With the brekkie continuing until 9am, you'll also be able to witness the official presentation of awards
at 7am, where locals will be honoured for their work in the community and their country.

What: Australia Day breakfast and awards presentation
Time: 6am-9am
Where: Chinchilla Museum, Villiers Street, Chinchilla
Ph: (07) 4662 7056

Clifton

What better way to celebrate the nation of Oz than by visiting Clifton for the raising of the flag?

Starting at 7am, people can pay homage to our national icon at Pioneer Park.

For rumbling tummies – never fear! The ceremony will be followed by a Great Aussie Breakfast cooked by the Clifton Lions Club, and there'll be heaps of great entertainment throughout the morning.

At 8.30am the Australia Day Awards presentation will take place, with the cutting of the Australia Day cake afterwards. Tea and damper will also be served.

What: Australia Day celebrations
Time: 7am-9am
Where: Pioneer Park, King Street, Clifton
Ph: (07) 4697 4222

Dalby

Food, fun and festivities is what the Dalby Regional Council has planned during their Australia Day Breakfast in the Park.

Starting at 6am with breakfast by the Rotary Club, the day's program offers something for everyone with food, entertainment, games and activities for all ages. Children will enjoy the Australia Day theme arts and crafts; while families can enter the Harvey Norman Family Fun Walk. Oh, and kids under 16 years of age go into the draw to win themselves a bike.

Entertainment includes market stalls, displays and musical pieces by the Dalby Silver Band and H4L who will be playing some toe-tapping country and western tunes.

From 10am there'll be a flag raising ceremony followed by the awards presentation.

What: Australia Day Breakfast In The Park
Time: 6am-11am
Where: Thomas Jack Park, Corner Condamine St and Warrego Highway, Dalby
Ph: (07) 4672 1184

Highfields

If you're after a jam-packed Australia Day, Highfields will give you a family fest that will leave you exhausted afterwards.

Their day of celebrations starts at 9.30am and continues through until 5pm at the Highfields Pioneer Village.

There's heaps of displays for the family to enjoy, with everything from artworks to bee keeping; whip cracking to cow milking and butter making.

At noon the lunchtime fiesta starts, with traditional lessons in making damper followed by a competition, more entertainment and most importantly – lunch.

The official ceremony starts at 2pm, with raising of the flag by the local Scouts and the singing of the National Anthem.

The citizenship ceremony and awards presentations follow, including the damper making competition prize winner being announced.

The ceremony ends around 2.30pm with the singing of Waltzing Matilda and a feast of damper, billy tea and a delicious sausage sizzle.

What: Australia Day Celebrations
Time: 9.30am-5pm
Where: Highfields Pioneer Village, 73 Wirraglen Road, Highfields
Ph: (07) 4696 6309

Want to know more?

Australia Day 2009

Australia Day on the Sunshine Coast 2009

Aussie Flag flies high over Picnic Point

Advance Australia Fair