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January 26 is Australia Day and a holiday celebrated across the country with outdoor barbeques, family picnics or a day at the beach. In Perth, Western Australia, the annual Australia Day Skyshow is a massive event, attracting up to 250,000 visitors to see the spectacular fireworks display.
The Perth Skyshow is so popular that the day starts early as many people arrive before noon to set up camp in the best viewing spots. Many bring supplies of food and drink as well as tents, Australian flags, beach chairs and all manner of comforts. Alcohol is not allowed but this ruling is largely ignored with many bringing large "eskies" full of beer.
By mid afternoon the crowds are pouring into the city and surrounds and many local roads are closed to cope with the traffic clogging the streets. Aircraft, skydivers and assorted live acts put on shows to entertain the crowds.
The event is organised by a local FM radio station and the Lottery Commission. Entry is free. To keep the crowds happy, facilities such as food and drink stalls, public toilets and hordes of first aid volunteers operate throughout the day. Extra trains and buses are provided to help everyone get home afterwards.
The fireworks display commences shortly after sunset and is choreographed to music broadcast on the radio. The show begins with a mixture of popular local and international sings and gradually increases to a crescendo of light and sound.
To change the tempo, at certain points of the show the crowds are invited to switch on torches (flashlights) en masse. This is done in sections so you can see Kings Park light up, then the southern and northern sections of foreshore, in turn. As far as crowd participation goes this is really impressive!
The real fun of course is the fireworks and the overhead shells are complemented with pyrotechnic displays launched from the top of skyscrapers. The grand finale of the show is a massive display of cascading multi colored explosions which light up the entire sky.
If you are visiting Perth on Australia Day and wish to attend it is recommended you arrange accommodation in Perth's CBD or across the river in South Perth. This will help you to avoid the after-show traffic jams, which can last for many hours.
Read our review of the 2006 skyshow here.
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