Newcastle City Council’s entertainment program began at 7am with the harbour swim from Stockton Ferry Wharf to Newcastle and grew to include live music and dancing, yacht races, an air show, circus workshops and firing the Fort Scratchley guns.

President of Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club Richard Hermens arrived at 7am to help set up his club’s barbecue, which was selling food to raise funds for its outreach programs and to build its new clubhouse.

His parents emigrated from The Netherlands and were drawn to the freedom and safety of Australia.

“They embraced Australia and made it their home and I’ve grown up very patriotic,” Mr Hermens said.

“Australia Day is a celebration of all the nations and cultures here in Australia, it’s about everybody coming together and being one.

“It’s such a great thing to see everyone out there, happy and smiling.”

Jess and Jarrod Morrell brought their daughters Scarlett, 5, and Mae, 2, to Honeysuckle to “soak up the atmosphere” and for Scarlett to participate in the circus workshops.

“Australia Day to me means time with family and feeling very grateful for what we have,” Mrs Morrell said.

“It’s days like this that you realise how blessed we are to live in this beautiful country and in these beautiful conditions.”

Rebecca Clydsdale from County Wicklow, Ireland, met her husband Cameron in Sydney in 2003.

He was the licensee of The Watershed Hotel in Darling Harbour, she was a backpacker looking for a job.

They stayed in touch and became a couple in 2008, after Mr Clydsdale travelled to Ireland.

They welcomed son Jackson to their family 18 months ago.

“I love the Australian lifestyle,” Mrs Clydsdale said.

“We love being outside and I love how Australian people are so laid back, approachable and easy to chat to.

“It’s important to celebrate Australia Day – my adopted family and friends are Australian and my son is too.

“It’s my New Years Resolution to get my citizenship and maybe be part of the ceremony next Australia Day.”

Andrew Cutten was in the army for 23 years and served in Malaysia and Vietnam.

He has inspired his granddaughter Hollie to consider joining the navy when she finishes high school.

Mr Cutten proudly wore a shirt covered with Australian slang that his wife bought for him.

“It’s my country of birth, it’s the country I served, it’s the best country in the world,” he said.

“Having seen a lot of the world, it’s always nice to come home.

“We know our roots are in the UK, but being here, well, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

Cathy McTaggart and her daughter Hannah Buist, 13, picked up matching Australia Day t-shirt dresses from Kmart for $10 early this morning.

They had henna art painted on their hands, ate Turkish food for lunch and also stopped to watch Maori dancers.

“Being Australian to me means freedom, safety, relaxation and friends,” Ms McTaggart said.

“Australia Day is about being thankful for what we have, I think everyday when we come into town from New Lambton how lucky we are to have this on our doorstep.”

Tony Gough was sporting his “once a year” Mambo button up shirt and his daughter Bella, 13, was wearing an Australian flag cape and singlet, which she said was about “spreading the spirit”.

“It’s a family day and we love getting out amongst it,” Mr Gough said.

“With everything else around the world, we’re so blessed to be here in Australia.

“We’ve been popping into everything along the foreshore today and are now on our way to the ocean baths, before we head home for a barbecue.”

Anne Treloar moved from Sydney to Gwandalan in September and was marking her first national day on the harbour.

Ms Treloar said she loved dressing up for Australia Day and was wearing a headband with attached flags, sunglasses, earrings, a watch, Dunlop volleys and shirt.

“Being Australian is about being proud and patriotic – and I’m true blue,” she said.

“I love Australia. Is it the best country on earth? Too right.”

Owner of IGA Honeysuckle Peppie Winkler said Australia Day was about remembering the nation’s history, spending time with family and friends and “making the most of the opportunities we have”.