Five fun ways to spend Australia Day

Yet another public holiday is fast approaching here in Oz and the last thing you wanna do is find yourself strapped for plans on Australia Day this Wednesday (January 26).

So in the spirit of marking Aussie day with an automotive bent, we’ve rustled up a few family (and pandemic) friendly ideas to celebrate our country and its people – whatever that looks like to you.

If you’ve been on one too many camping trips in recent times and the greenery is getting a bit old, it might be time to switch out the bush for the beach.

You don’t need a super hard-core off-roader to get your tyres sandy – all you need is a tent, a little know-how and a vehicle with an all-wheel drive system.

Check out some of our favourite beach camping spots here and be sure to do your research before you get there, so you’ve got everything you need (ahem, a portable toilet perhaps).

You also want to make sure your vehicle can manage the terrain, so check out the entry and exit paths too, because you’ve gotta get to the beach before you can camp on it.

Oh, and don’t forget the essentials when it comes to driving on sand.

Don’t have a 4x4 or simply don’t fancy leaving the house?

Well, the good news – for gamers, at least – is that the 12th instalment of Forza is officially on sale Down Under.

Based in Mexico, Forza 5 brings vast new scenery to explore (complete with changing seasons and life-like weather events) to the open-world driving game, which offers a host of new events and challenges to keep players entertained all day long.

If you’ve never been to the drive-in movies, what are you waiting for!? There’s still at least one in just about every major city across Australia.

Popcorn and choc-tops from the comfort of your car and in your PJs (optional) – what could be better?

If you don’t have a car, look for a pop-up open-air cinema in your area like the ones that are currently operating in Sydney and Melbourne. (There's sure to be one wherever you are in Australia)

With borders re-opening and restrictions easing (except in WA…), it’s time to get back to exploring Australia’s beautiful patches of bitumen again.

Whether you choose to stay close to home, or venture a little further out, there’s much to be said for the sense of freedom and peace an open road (and preferably some winding mountain roads) can offer.

If you’ve already got a destination in mind, we highly recommend checking if any of these gorgeous scenic detours are on the way.

Looking for a journey instead? Here are some of our favourite roads in Oz.

Be sure to check your state or territory rules and regulations before setting off.

Another option for those stuck at home this Australia Day is to build a car.

It’s much more affordable (and safer) than you might think too, with LEGO.

As a creative alternative to building an actual race car, we encourage you to give it a go, even if you don’t think small plastic building blocks are your ‘thing’.

Much like a jigsaw puzzle, LEGO can be a relaxing and interesting way to spend your time, and a good way to improve the dexterity of young kids, for who LEGO is still a thing these days.

There’s also a huge range of options to pique the interest of car enthusiasts and motorsport lovers alike.