Like ANZAC Day, Australia Day (January 26) is an important day in the Aussie calendar. Australia Day celebrates the hoisting of the flag at Botany Bay in Sydney by Governor Phillip in 1776. The bulk of Australia Day activities in far north Queensland take place in Cairns though most rural regions have their own local parties. In Cairns, the day kicks off with a family beach party/bbq in the morning at Trinity Beach. In City Place, at around midday, there is a multicultural festival, which includes a bunch of official activities such as the citizenship ceremony, cutting of the Australia Day cake, raising of the flag and presentation of the Australia Day Awards. Afterwards, you can join the pioneer train to Gordonvale, just south of Cairns. In Port Douglas, the annual Australia Day Boat Race, organised by the Port Douglas and District Combined Clubs, has acquired legendary status. The race started 38 years ago after a challenge by two skippers at the local Courthouse Hotel, as to whose vessel would go out to Low Isles and back, quicker. Since that first race, the event has grown in size and popularity and the 2000 race was changed to allow all vessels regardless of speed or size, an equal opportunity to claim line honors and handicap prizes. Year 2000 entrants included an outrigger canoe, sail boats, fishing boats and a jet ski. Australia Day Festivities in Port Douglas usually start at 1pm and include events such as tug-of-war, dinghy races and special events for the kiddies. Australia Day celebrations in Tropical North Queensland also reflect the multicultural nature of the population with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders holding their own activities and ceremonies at various locations.