Melburnians can celebrate Australia Day by shearing the rams, as depicted in one of the nation's most iconic images.
In the spirit of Tom Roberts' famous artwork, sheep shearers will invite city dwellers to try their hand at some old-fashioned country labour at the Alexandra Gardens between 11am and 4pm (AEDT) on Saturday.
Participants can get their fill beforehand with a feast of multicultural dishes at the RACV Big Brekkie, running in the gardens from 8am to 10am.
Official proceedings include a flag raising ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall at 10.30am with Victorian Governor Alex Chernov inspecting the Tri-Service Royal Guard of Honour and Premier Ted Baillieu leading the public in an Australia Day affirmation.
The Australia Day People's March will follow at 11am with participants representing the nation's diverse culture and heritage walking along Swanston Street to Kings Domain.
From midday, jazz man James Morrison will entertain the crowds at the Kings Domain Gardens before a 17-piece big band belt out soul tunes at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from 2pm.
Music fans can also catch a screening of hit Australian flick The Sapphires at 11am at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) before a live concert of independent artists at Federation Square in the afternoon.
There are also annual events such as the Big Day Out at Flemington Racecourse and tennis action at the Australian Open.
After some sweltering summer days, Melbourne will celebrate in cooler weather with a top of 23C forecast on Saturday.
A fireworks display will light up the sky at 9.40pm, as Australia Day begins to wind down for another year.
