Port Douglas 26 Jan - Tuesday

It poured down last night, a real tropical storm with thunder and lightning. Its still raining slightly this morning. Everywhere is obviously wet with quite a few branches on the ground. Below is a photo from our balcony of some wild. It looks like a small Cassowary to me, similiar to the one we were shown in the rainforest yesterday. But I'm not an ornitholigist.

Today is Australia Day, the official National Day of Australia, similiar to a Bank Holiday at home. It is celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of 11 British Convict Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.

It is a big celebration all over Australia.  

Australia Day in Port Douglas - Program of events. 

Red Smeal Park is on the shore of the Coral Sea

Lots of activity during the morning

Dorothy & Liz having a minute, waiting for their boat to come in.

Looks like their in luck, 6 boats to choose from.

Unfortunately its part of the Australia Day celebrations. Better luck next tine.

Lots of food and drink for all.

Liz and Dorothy were quick to show the locals what real pie eaters can do.

You can take the girl out of Wigan but you can't take Wigan (pie eater) out of the girl

Pat was a little slow getting her pie, as her foot slowed her down. But don't worry, she got her pie later. 

The Main Stage had some very good groups on.

A bit of rock

And a bit of soul

While over on the Oz Day Stage they had a pie eating competition for kids.

Where were the professional pie eaters from Wigan?

Then they had a Tug Of War competition, 6 teams. The winning team of 8 were called the tuggers, that's all I know

Then there was a Ukulele group on, who were also very entertaining.

Over, the entertainment food and drink at Port Douglas Austrailia Day was great.

The weather, although not as hot as earlier in the week. It was very humid and everyone was soaked with sweat, So we had a beer on the way back to the appartment, then showered before tea. Early night tonight, as we are stating early tomorrow, for our flight to Sydney.