Looking for some true blue Australia Day events in Sydney?
Forget throwing a shrimp prawn on the barbie, debating who made the pavlova first (Australia obviously) and forget listening to Australia’s Triple J’s Hottest 100 – you know you’ll be utterly disappointed.
This Australia Day 2020, Sydney will be sizzling up with an array of events. From vegemite infused desserts, bottomless brunches, prawn peeling competitions and even a thong throwing test, Sydney’s got it all this Australia Day long weekend.
The Rook
Looking for a Bogan inspired brunch? Say no more. To start off your Australia Day festivities head to The Rook’s rooftop on Saturday 25 January to indulge in a Bogan Brunch. Starting from $49 per person, visitors can enjoy a BBQ menu featuring the likes of party pies, sausages in bread with onion, fries, prawn skewers, coleslaw, potato salad and even lamingtons to finish. Of course the event will also include two hours of bottomless rosé or you can upgrade to French rosé for $69 per person. In true Australian form, guests can sit back and listen their way through the Triple J Hottest 100.
Opera Bar
Boasting undisturbed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, over the long weekend Opera Bar will be offering Aussie-inspired food and drink options, live music and even giant Jenga. Partnering with a range of Australian spirits and breweries, guests can expect a range of cocktails and brews available. Plus, to ease your hunger, feast your eyes on the Aussie Beef Burger ($22) or a Classic Fisherman’s Basket with prawns, calamari, beer-battered fish and chips ($30). For those with a sweet tooth, Opera Bar will also be merging Aussie classics to create the Salted Caramel Vegemite Slice with all proceeds directly donated to WIRES. For Australia Day, pre-purchase your Opera Bar viewing spot with private bar access and a chance to score an Opera Bar gift.
Kogarah Clubhouse
Kogarah RSL opened their doors almost 60 years ago. After a massive refurbishment, the iconic Railway Parade venue reopened their doors once more as Kogarah Clubhouse. This Australia Day long weekend Kogarah Clubhouse will be a foodies delight with their food and drink specials all weekend long. Start your day with the Aussie Breakfast ($22) featuring bacon, roasted tomato, roasted mushroom, hash brown, home-style beans, eggs and sausage. For a breather, enter in the weekend-long raffle for a chance to win a $200 hamper with all proceeds donated to the Bushfire Appeal. Finally, end your experience on a tasty note with the Clubhouse’s limited-edition Tim Tam Cocktail ($14) infused with Frangelico, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Tia Maria, Licor 43 and Tim Tams.
The Australian Heritage Hotel
You had us at $2 tinnies. Yes. That’s right, $2 beers. Starting Saturday, The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks will be hosting an Australian Day party like no other, better yet all weekend long. Enjoy Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown whilst sipping Pimm’s available on tap alongside Australian themed bites including Crocodile San Choy Bow, a Kanga Sanga and a Caramello Koala Chocolate Cheesecake to finish. Plus, enjoy an Australian beer tasting paddle for $17.50 or race to the bar for $2 tinnies once you hear the bell ring. Partied too hard too soon? Set yourself up with The Australian Heritage Hotel’s Bloody Mary Bar on Monday.
Seabreeze Beach Hotel
Things are about to get fishy. Heading up north this Australia Day long weekend? Then don’t look past a visit to Seabreeze Beach Hotel found in the heart of South West Rocks. Forget throwing a shrimp on the barbie, this Sunday Seabreeze Beach Hotel will be starting Australia Day festivities with a prawn peeling competition at 1:30pm followed by a crab racing tournament at 2pm. Plus on the day there’ll be an Aussie Works burger to sink your teeth into. Pair that with live entertainment from 3pm, coastal vibes and a jug of Seabreeze’s Long Island Iced Tea and your Australia Day will be complete.
Q Dining
Overlooking Sydney’s iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge sits one of the city’s favourite modern Australian restaurants, Q Dining. This Australia Day, Q Dining’s executive chef, Steven Hartert will be designing an exclusive menu taking inspiration from rare artisan ingredients from Aboriginal communities. On the day, diners can enjoy a three-course lunch menu infused with native, sustainably, ethically and locally sourced produce. Expect everything from Scallops Ceviche, Roasted Red Snapper, Lamb Rump, Strawberry Cream and Caramelised White Chocolate Parfait – all accompanied with a glass of beer or wine of course. Bookings essential.
The Butler
What better way to celebrate Australia Day than at The Butler in Potts Point. On Sunday 26 January, The Butler will be offering guests an indulgent two-hour Bottomless Long Lunch. The day will see guests treated to an eight-course Ibero-American shared lunch feast featuring the likes of Cobia Ceviche, Petuna Ocean Trout, Achiote Red Rice, Mexican Pan Dulce and a selection of local and imported cheeses all paired with bottomless bubbles. Of course, if you prefer a cocktail, The Butler has partnered with the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery donating $5 from each Watermelon Spritz cocktail tippled with Absolut Vodka, Zaptung Prosecco, lemon, watermelon and soda.
The Squire’s Landing
With front-row views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, this Australia Day, The Squire’s Landing is the perfect place to celebrate. Available until 4pm or until sold out, The Squire’s Landing will be releasing a specially designed Australia Day BBQ Lunch menu featuring the likes of BBQ Prawn Skewers ($26), Wood Fired Lamb Carved Off the Spit ($19) and their speciality, James Squire Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($31) to name a few. Plus, whilst you’re feasting, there’ll be James Squire brews on tap, an Australian reptile show plus live music.
Bungalow 8
Australians can throw a lot of things. They can throw a shrimp on a barbie. Heck, they can even throw on a pair of budgie smugglers. But never would we have thought to throw a thong. Until now. Come Australia Day your dreams will finally come true at Bungalow 8 as they host their annual Thong Throwing Competition. But if sandals are more to your taste, Bungalow 8 will also have a Mystery Tinnie Dip as well as a classic Aussie BBQ to dig into whilst enjoying live music overlooking Cockle Bay.
Cruise Bar
Since welcoming their newest addition, Cruise Bar Rooftop, Cruise Bar will be opening their doors for Australia Day festivities from the 26th. Be swept away by the mesmerising panoramic views of Sydney Harbour to watch the famous ferry race or prepare to be amazed by the evening fireworks starting at 9pm. Tickets to Cruise Bar include a complimentary beverage upon arrival to enjoy alongside either a Pulled Lamb Burger with Vegemite mayonnaise or BBQ Prawns with Warrigal green salsa. For a more relaxed, family-friendly option, Level 1 is open from 12 pm with free entry.
Feature image: Sydney Harbour. Photographed by April Pethybridge. Image via Unsplash
