Australia Day celebrations on the Gold Coast as revellers enjoy the sun ... trends now
Revellers have let their hair down and celebrated Australia Day in style by getting out and soaking up some of the gorgeous sun, sand and surf the country has to offer.
Despite endless debate surrounding keeping January 26 as our national day and rowdy Invasion Day demonstrations attracting thousands in all capital cities, millions opted for parties not protests - taking the public holiday as a chance to relax and enjoy some picture-perfect weather.
Partygoers on the Gold Coast weren't going to miss the opportunity to have a little fun on Thursday as they caught up with friends and celebrated what makes us The Lucky Country.
Some Australians put the divisive debate over the nation's history to one side to enjoy some sun, sand and surf on the public holiday (pictured)
Partygoers were out in droves on the Gold Coast where the temperature reached above 30C
Aussie flags - an increasingly rare site in Australia Day celebrations - were proudly on display
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Photos show Aussies enjoying the scorching 32C weather on the Gold Coast in their beach gear - most capital cities were in the high 20s except nearby Brisbane which also had a scorcher.
Peaceful beachside barbecues, boat rides and even out-of-vogue Aussie flags were in abundance.
It was a stark contrast to Melbourne where barley any Australian flag could be seen in the CBD.
Greens Senator Thorpe headlined an Invasion Day protest on the steps of the Victorian Parliament and took to the stage clutching a war stick to loud cheers from the huge crowd in the midday heat.
The star of Melbourne's treaty movement inflamed emotions with her declaration that Australia in 2023 was in a 'war' with Indigenous people.
In Sydney, there was no Australia Day parade throughout the city for the third year running, while thousands of people flocked to the streets to stand in solidarity with First Nations people.
The sails of the Sydney Opera House were lit up with Indigenous artwork by proud Kamilaroi woman and artist, Rhonda Sampson, to celebrate First Nations women around the water of Sydney Harbour.
Australia Day BBQs were once an unquestionable tradition as people caught up with friends though it seems protests are now becoming what they day is known for
Soaking up the sunshine: Revellers on the Gold Coast were in the party spirit
The majority of young Australian adults want to keep Australia Day on January 26 or are undecided, according to one recent poll
Get the sunscreen: temperatures soared across the country on Australia Day
The day
