Australia Day has the power to not only russle up nationalism in some Australians, but also to create star marketing opportunities. Here’s our top 10 for 2012.

10. Arnott’s Shapes

Now, rumour has it that things taste better when in the shape of your home country, and Arnott’s has thrown their hat in the ring with limited edition Aussie Meat Lover BBQ biscuits in the image of our great nation. Shame, however if you live in Tasmania… perhaps search the pack for a heart-shaped crumb.

9. STA Travel

Travel agents STA Travel have been quick to follow one of the big airlines, offering discounted flights on selected QANTAS international services. Nationalism only goes so far though, and domestic routes are excluded in the Australia Day promotion.

8. Cotton On

Just in time for the public holiday, retailer CottonOn has released a line of basics Designed in Australia. Now fashionistas can show their Aussie pride without donning a cork hat. Select stores will also be pimping themselves out with local DJs, photobooths and an all Australian bbq.

7. Mimco

Who could say no to a lux handbag on our nation’s holiday? Well Australian label Mimco agree and are offering all VIP members free shipping for their new precious.

6. Cue

Australian work wear brand Cue is offering an extra 25% off sale items on Australia Day for Cue card holders only; everyone else needs to wait until Friday. Select items in Cue's range are certified Made in Australia and by Ethical Clothing Australia.

5. Jetstar

What better a time to sell reduced flights to our beautiful capital cities than on our national holiday? Jetstar, complete with their mandatory “Star Jump” image, has invited all jetmail members to their exclusive sale through their ever-popular EDM. I mean, who doesn’t like a cheap flight? C’monnnn!

4. Coles

Major supermarket retailer Coles has never been one to miss a branding opportunity, this year not only releasing its only range of Australian flag clothing, footwear, towels and of course stubbie holders, but also by slapping an Australian flag on a number of well-known Australian (and Kiwi) products.

3. Crust

There’s nothing worse than spending your day off cooking for everyone else, let alone having someone else burn all the sausages to smithereens. And Crust has swooped in on this sentiment offering a free Australian pizza for all who indulge in their Upper Crust range. Now step away from the barbeque.

2. Vegemite

Vegemite might now be owned by an American conglomerate but at its heart it’s true blue Aussie. For Australia Day 2012, Vegemite rebranded as “Australia”; SMK covered it earlier here.

1.  Meat and Livestock Australia

The pièce de résistance (or should we say champion, mate) of Australia day must be the Meat and Livestock Australia campaign. They have reintroduced popular sports personality Sam Kekovich in their Lamb Australia Day videos where Kekovich laments the downfall of popular culture and sets out to remedy it with his own 'chopular culture'. The result is an alarming cover of Barbie Girl with Melissa Tkautz and Justice Crew.

Sam Kekovich's change of heart – video for Meat and Livestock Australia

Barbie Girl – Sam Kekovich video for Meat and Livestock Australia

Special Mention: Triple J Hottest 100

We couldn't leave out what is fast becoming an Australia Day institution – Triple J's Hottest 100. Voted by the public, the top 100 is played throughout Australia day and is the soundtrack of choice for many a bbq and picnic.