Australia day revellers at Nelson Bay will be treated to a truly amazing experience to help celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary on Thursday, 26 January.

Along with the many and varied activities at Fly Point, this year will feature for the first time ever seen in the Bay a visit from the Australian Reptile Park.

If you have never smiled at a crocodile, well here is your opportunity.

Or you can pat an alligator, feel the scales of a python and photograph a lizard.

These are just some of the animals to be paraded throughout the day.

Nelson Bay’s Australia Day committee member Doug Cross said the extraordinary reptile show was just one of many attractions at this year’s anniversary celebrations.

“As in previous years, the day will kick off at 9am with a parade from Nelson Bay’s Laman Street to Fly Point, where the huge range of family friendly activities will proceed,” Mr Cross said.

“Throughout the day we will have entertainment and official proceedings on the stage, while the younger ones will be treated to fun times with free jumping castles, pony rides and giveaways.

“And of course not to be missed this year is the exclusive Reptile Show – all of which is free to the public.”

In addition to his welcome address, Port Mayor Bruce MacKenzie will perform a citizenship ceremony, and following on from the success of last year’s event, locals will be invited to reaffirm their allegiance to this great nation.

Port Stephens ambassador Leisl Tesch, a paralympian and gold medal winner from the 2012 Games, will give the Australia Day address.

The day’s activities will conclude at 4pm following the Robyn Yvette School of Dance grand finale.

A full program of events is available from the committee and there is plenty of parking at the top end of Neill Carroll Park for a gold coin donation.