Everyone knows there ain’t no party like an Australia Day party. And this year, it’s all about stepping away from the Barbie and letting someone else bring the long weekend vibes.
From demolishing the shrimp on the barbie at a waterside hotspot (#Sydney) to having more than a few frothies with your mates in a beer garden, we have got you covered. Here is everything happening in Sydney this Australia Day.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Watsons Bay
Do yourself a favour and spend the day at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel this Australia Day—because if there’s one thing they know about, it’s how to throw a public holiday party. Not only will you have a seat by the water, but their infamous Beach Club will be in full party mode with DJ's spinning Aussie classics well into the evening. There’ll also be epic national eats flying out of the kitchen like lamb shank pie with chips plus prawn and lobster linguine. More details here.
When: 26 January from 9am Cost: Entry is free
The Royal Paddington
Paddington
Paddington’s Royal Hotel is hosting an Australia Day bonanza that will carry you from dawn till dusk. Kick off the big day with an Aussiefied bottomless brunch on the Veranda Level, which will see damper, pavlova, lamingtons and vegemite scrolls magically appearing on your table. After the sun goes down, head up the rooftop to the open-air dancefloor where we can already see you busting a move. Cocktails are mandatory, especially when they are only $12 so grab the squad and head to The Royal for Australia Day this year.
When: 26 January from midday Cost: Bottomless Brunch: $75, Rooftop: Entry is free
The Glenmore Rooftop
The Rocks
Celebrating Australia Day on a rooftop pretty much guarantees you a good time and as far as rooftops go in Sydney, they don’t get much better than The Glenmore. Jugs of beer and Pimm’s will be on offer all day long so get there early to nab a front row seat and take in the sweeping views of your favourite harbour.
When: 26 January Cost: Entry is free
Australia Day @ The Farm
Bella Vista
If you want to go full ‘Straya it’s time to head for The Hills. Bella Vista Farm Park is hosting an Australia Day celebration like no other with sheep shearing, blacksmithing, whip cracking as well as working dog demonstrations and live entertainment. All your favourite food trucks will be stopping by but not before you hit the sausage sizzle.
When: 26 January from 10am Cost: Entry is free
The Woollahra
Woollahra
Australia Day and house parties are pretty much a match made in celebration heaven—you know we’re right. Lucky for you The Woollahra Hotel is throwing one hell of a backyard BBQ this year so you don’t need to worry about the clean up at your place this year. This true blue backyard bash has all of the necessary things to make your day the best it possibly can be. We’re talking about lamb on the spit, Pimm’s and beer towers (!!), backyard cricket and DJs from 4pm.
When: January 26th from midday Where: The Woollahra Hotel Cost: Entry is free
Level Seven
CBD
Rooftop views, $6 beers and meat pies—just try to name a better combo. No really, we’ll wait. The team at Level Seven is hosting an epic party this Australia Day long weekend, complete with all the classic Aussie eat. Think pork and fennel sausage rolls and enough bevs to fill up Darling Harbour; there will be no excuses for not having an absolute blast. Grab your swimmers and unwind with a rosé spritz this weekend, we dare you.
When: Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 January Where: Level Seven, Hotel Primus Sydney Cost: Free entry
Q Dining
Circular Quay
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated Australia Day, listen in. Q Dining is putting on an Aussie-inspired three-course meal, with a complimentary glass of wine or beer, because would it really be Australia Day without a little tipple? The answer is no. You’ll dig in to a Flinders Island lamb rack with lemon myrtle, fennel and baby carrots while looking out over our way-too-pretty harbour.
When: 26 January from 6pm Cost: $109 per person
The Star Sydney
Pyrmont
Your fave long weekend of the year is already here and The Star Sydney wants to make sure you’re doing it right, by bringing Tim Omaji. With free entry for everyone, you’re guaranteed good times–by that we mean you’ll stuff yourself silly with vegemite chicken wings at 24/7 Sports Bar, or take down the all-Australia-everything buffet at Harvest Buffet (we’re talking pies, barramundi and lamingtons, people!). Get all the deets here.
When: Friday 26 January – Sunday 28 January Where: The Star Sydney Cost: Get all the deets here
Cruise Bar
Darling Habour
Head to Cruise Bar for a 10/10 view of the brand new Circular Quay fireworks this Australia Day. It’s the first time The Quay has put on a musical fireworks display so where else would you want sit back and soak up the all Aussie vibes? The cricket will be on the big screen and there’ll be live entertainment from midday. On the food front, you can expect a BBQ and lamingtons, because it’s unacceptable to eat anything other than these on Australia Day #fact. Be sure to arrive early and park yourself in prime position.
When: 26 January from 11am Cost: Free Entry
Endeavour Tap Rooms
The Rocks
Rise and shine this Australia Day team. Endeavour Tap Rooms is throwing an epic Oz Day feast—starting with the Aussie burger which is piled high with all the classic. Yeah, we’re talking about a runny fried egg, beetroot, sweet, sweet bacon, melted cheese, tomato, crispy lettuce, pickled onion, tomato relish, mustard and mayonnaise. It’s condiment city and we’re loving it. Wash it all down with their Australian Brew which is made with lemon myrtle, Davidson's Plum and zingy finger lime. Just get there.
When: 26 January, from 10am Cost: Free entry
The Butler
Potts Point
Operating per usual, this is perf spot to gather the squad and watch the day pass. Jugs of rosé sangria will definitely be on our table plus all of the share plates we can get our hands on. Kick off the day with a plate of rock oysters with pickled cucumber, lime and Guajillo oil—it’s a must.
When: 26 January Cost: Free entry
Hacienda
Circular Quay
Sitting smack bang in the middle of all the Australia Day action (AKA Darling Harbour), Hacienda has one of the best views of the Aussie Day fireworks. Live the luxe life as you look out of The Quay and have more than a couple cheeky cocktails. Our pick of the lot is the the chairman’s plane, made with Chairman’s Reserve spiced rum, Aperol, pink grapefruit and lime juice. We’ll take four, thanks.
When: 26 January, 10am – 10pm Cost: minimum $100 spend for table bookings
The Botanist
Kirribilli
The Botanist will be open all Australia Day long weekend with every delish thing you love about them on offer. They’ll be serving up delish eats all day long and they’ve even thrown a few specials on the menu especially (hint: one of them involves kangaroo). Plus, did we mention cocktail jugs? They’ll have those too.
When: 26 January Cost: Free entry
Coogee Pavilion
Coogee
As we said, Australia Day on a rooftop is obviously a no-brainer and you know Coogee Pav has the goods. They’re slinging prawn sandwiches with potato scallops, leamington ice cream sandwiches and $10 glasses of Chandon.
When: 26 January Cost: Free entry
The Newport
Newport
If you’re wanting #ultimatesydneygoals this Friday then kick it all off with yoga at The Newport (9.30am - 10.30am), SUP! Fridays from 10.30am - 11.30am and later in the evening (AKA after 4pm) there’ll be live entertainment. You’re already there, aren’t you?
When: 26 January, alllllll day long Cost: Free entry
Prefer to spend your weekend on the couch? Check out this month's must-watch.
Image credit: Coogee Pavilion