WONG:

In many parts of the world a country's national day is a solemn day of pride and patriotism. But in Australia, it has a more relaxed and entertaining meaning. Our Sydney and Melbourne correspondants have more.

STORY:

About 300 years ago, British explorer Captain Cook first landed on Botany Bay. Little did he know that this would become a penal colony and later a free, multicultural country.

Through times of peace it prospered, through times of war it united. Nowadays Australians remember those lost in a more fun way.

[Garry Buttel, Jeep Owner]

"They are all privately owned, they were in the Australian army since World War Two. This was the first four wheel drive ever built in 1940. I think every man has got some sort of an interest in a jeep somewhere down the track. You always used to see them drive around back, well it would be great to own one of those. I've picked people off from the side of the road, and said yeah I wish I could go for a ride and I've said well jump in let's go, you know."

Some prefer to roll out their Harley Davidson, while others just like to get dressed up.

[Andrew Porter, Author]:

"I jumped out my garage and leapt out to spread my word about the book."

For a few, Australia Day has a more sombre meaning.

[John McGuiness, Rapper]:

"We call it Survival Day. It just basically means Aboriginals have survived the invasion of the white man so many years ago and we are still doing it today."

[Correspondent Crystal Wang]:

"We are in Hyde Park, a lush garden in Sydney. The atmosphere here is musical, colourful and vibrant. Australia Day is here for family and children to get together to celebrate the Australian festive culture."

[Garry Buttel, Jeep Owner]

"This is my celebration of Australia Day. It's great especially when you get the little kids in the slouch hat. There's nothing more Aussie than that."

[Andrew Porter, Author]:

"I normally sit down and have a good read of a book, an Australian book."

[Santino Sabato, Great Aussie BBQ chef]:

"Just family, being together and celebrating culture, especially your own. Mixing my Italian culture with Australian culture."

[Kurt Fearnley]:

"It's a day off number one, so we don't have to go to work, which is great. We get to enjoy the festivities of Australia, and to have a barbecue and go out and socialise with friends – just have a bit of fun really."

It just goes to show that although most Aussies aren't too nationalistic, they still know how to have a good time.

Guy Harvey for NTDTV Sydney and Melbourne.