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Australia Day Ideas To Suit Your New Year's Resolution

Australia Day Ideas To Suit Your New Year's Resolution
Aerial view of Wattamolla, Royal National Park, New South Wales, Australia
PETER HARRISON via Getty Images
Aerial view of Wattamolla, Royal National Park, New South Wales, Australia

If your New Year’s resolution happens to fall under the budget, diet or staying sober umbrella -- January 26 can throw a spanner in the works.

For most of us, the day revolves around barbecues, beers and the Australian Open -- with many only properly returning to work after the public holiday (we sure make the most of our four weeks).

Which is why choosing something totally different that actually aligns with your resolution makes perfect sense. You’ll dodge the pressure (“what do you MEEEEAN you’re not drinking?!”) and have an Australia Day to remember. Here, alternative options aplenty to suit every New Year’s resolution this public holiday.

Resolution: Be more active

Get involved in the final ocean swim of the Great Australian Swim Series -- a unforgettable event that sees people from all ages participate in a 2.2-kilometre open water swim in Sydney. For those just starting out, you can opt for the 750-metre course or for the kids, there’s a 300-metre option where they’ll swim alongside some of Australia’s best ocean swimmers and sports stars.

Resolution: Get spiritual

Celebrate Australia’s traditional landowners during the Wugulora Indigenous Ceremony in Sydney. The ceremony will feature a symbolic raising of the Aboriginal flag together with the Australian flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Resolution: Be more adventurous

The interactive exhibition at the Australian Museum, Trailblazers: Australia’s 50 Greatest Explorers is a surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping (and unleash your inner history nerd). Featuring over 360 objects from historic explorers, including Captain Cook and Sir Douglas Mawson, through to modern day adventurers Jessica Watson and Tim Jarvis, Trailblazers lets visitors explore through time and across the globe.

Resolution: Improve your core strength

There’s a reason you keep seeing people stand-up paddle boarding -- not only is it a brilliant workout for your arms and core -- but you get to take in spectacular ocean views while gliding along the glassy water. For lessons or hire in Melbourne head to supd.com.au; Sydney, bondisup.com.au and Adelaide, standuppaddlesa.com.

Resolution: Spend less money

If you’re in Sydney, pack a picnic and discover a new local swimming hole. Wattamolla, just 50 minutes south of Sydney CBD has something for everyone, with a large lagoon, a waterfall and a beach. Prefer to stay city-bound? Take a free walking tour through the city’s Royal Botanic Gardens which leaves daily at 10.30am, no booking required. For Melbournites, why not kick off the day with a pilgrimage walk, the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in Upper Ferntree Gully is a must-see.

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