Australia Day is just around the corner and there's plenty to do to celebrate what’s great about our nation at events throughout the region.

At Douglas United Football Club’s Cassowary grounds, a Family Fun Day will include a free water slide, jumping castle, barbecue lunch and entertainment from local band Fashion Tips For Tractors from 11.30am until 5.30pm.

A “Battle of the Footy Codes” will provoke some friendly rivalry for the afternoon.

A number of Port Douglas resorts will be getting into the spirit of the day with QT's Estilo kicking off its free entertainment from midday, and Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa offering a delicous buffet lunch.

The annual Blessing of the Fleet and Australia Day Boat Race will kick off from 8am on Saturday at the Port Douglas Combined Club Pontoon.

Pictured: 2012 Blessing of the Fleet.

On Friday night the Port Douglas Mudcrabs Cricket Club will be holding social junior and senior cricket matches at Port Douglas Sports Complex from 3.30pm.
 
The club is inviting you to wear your club shirt and whites and bring your cricket gear to join the fun, but if you don't have any that's no excuse, the Club will be happy to lend you some.
 
A free sausage sizzle and soft drinks will be available for dinner at around 6pm followed by a combined Muddies Seniors 20/20 match held under lights from 6.30pm.  A licensed bar will also be available.

Send in your Australia Day celebration photos to editor@thenewsport.com.au
 
In Cairns the Esplanade will host a full weekend of activities and entertainment.

The action kicks off at midday on Saturday with live entertainment, children’s activities and the chance to win some great prizes in the annual Thong Throwing Competition.

The Cairns Taipans will be on hand to shoot some hoops with youngsters, who can also hold a real snake or baby croc at the wildlife display.

A full program of local bands on stage will take the event into the evening, when the big screen will take over with a free showing of Aussie favourite Red Dog under the marquee from 7pm.

On Sunday, bring a picnic blanket for a relaxing day of music in Fogarty Park from 11.30am until 3pm. A free family concert will feature a host of local talent, including the Eddie Skiba Band, Hot Ice, Roz Pappalardo, The Range and Lucky Phil.

An Australia Day breakfast will be held on Trinity Beach and will come served with live entertainment from the Snake Gully Bush Band and Bop Stars, a Harley Davidson motorcycle display, face painting, a treasure hunt, jumping castle and Fire Brigade visit.

Families can even test out their sand-sculpting skills in the sand castle competition.

A barbecue breakfast will be available from 7.30am in return for a gold coin donation to Cairns Rotary and activities will wrap up at 10.30am.

Of course, many a backyard BBQ will be held with the sound of Triple J's Hottest 100 songs of 2012 filling the air - a tradition for many music lovers.

Meanwhile, the Cairns region will gain 99 new Australian citizens this Saturday as residents from throughout the world commit to their new home on Australia Day. The 99 new citizens hail from 30 different countries of origin.

Send in your Australia Day celebration photos to editor@thenewsport.com.au