What to do on Australia Day in Queensland

As Queensland officially welcomes thousands of new Australians in ceremonies across the state, many others will be celebrating with BBQ's, fireworks and cockroach races.

The famous Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane will hold their 36th annual cockroach races, with gates opening at 11am and races from midday.

With 14 races in all, including a steeple chase, the pub has set up dedicated stadium seating and are even offering corporate boxes for patrons.

Citizenship ceremonies will be held at major hubs including Brisbane City Hall, Jezzine Barracks in Townsville, the Atherton International Club near Cairns and the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Those wishing to celebrate their citizenship are welcome to an afterparty at the Pig'N'Whistle in King George Square next to Brisbane's City Hall.

South Bank Parklands will host a fireworks show from 7.30pm, with some companies offering cruises of the Brisbane River during the day and evening.

Given the ongoing discussion around the date Australia Day, the Arana Leagues Club in Brisbane is holding a racial discrimination forum from 1.30pm.

Hosted by former Senator Andrew Bartlett, the panel includes indigenous and Torres Straight Islander elders including Lesley Williams, Uncle Thomas Sebasio and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace.