Here are our top picks for things to do, eat and enjoy over the Australia Day long weekend!
Coogee Bay Hotel
Join Coogee Bay Hotel as they turn the Garden into an Aussie Extravaganza with ping pong, pop-ups, traditional Aussie treats and more!
Fri 25: Live music at SELINA’S
Sat 26: Australian Open Finals and live entertainment
Sun 27: Australian Open Finals and Triple J Hottest 100
Mon 28: Triple J Hottest 200
Website: https://coogeebayhotel.com.au/whats-on/
The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Rocks
You can’t get more Australian than The Australian Heritage Hotel. Join the team for the ultimate Aussie long weekend in the city. Saturday brings with it a Stone & Wood garden party with live music and then on Sunday, join in the countdown with Triple J’s Hottest 100 followed by live performances. The Aussie has recovery in mind with a Bloody Mary Bar on Monday to set you straight before starting the week. The team will be serving down under themed bites which can be washed down with a national drink paddle celebrating a beer from each state for $17.50.
Website: australianheritagehotel.com
The Ternary
The Ternary, together with Capi Sparkling and Patrón Tequila, presents the ultimate summer pop-up conveniently located on an outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour. Officially launching on Friday 25th January just in time for the Australia Day long weekend, the Ternary Terrace will be offering delicious tapas inspired bites, refreshing concoctions and chilled tunes.
The innovative cocktail menu offers 5 bespoke tequila-based recipes like the slightly sweet and sour It’s Bloody Tequila Time (19) or the Sultans Sip (19) featuring saffron & star anise infused Patrón Silver. To taste, the creative minds of the Ternary’s culinary team have crafted the perfect tapas inspired summer menu designed to be shared. Think BBQ chilli spiced chicken pieces with sesame (17), grilled corn with pecorino cheese and thyme dressing (15) in true summer style a ceviche of kingfish with cassava crackers (20) and jalapeno poppers stuffed with cream cheese (18).
Website: www.theternary.com.au
The Glenmore, The Rocks
Open-up a cold one and enjoy the Australia Day long weekend at The Glenmore. Kick off the celebrations with a rooftop party and the best view in the city before backing it up for day two for Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown party. There’s live music from The Bollinger Boys on Saturday from 4pm and DJ Danny Simms kicks off from 7pm on Sunday. The weekend brings with it face painting, and food and drink specials all weekend to get you into the party spirit before the team hosts a rooftop recovery on Monday.
Website: theglenmore.com.au
The Royal Leichhardt, Leichhardt
The Royal Leichhardt is celebrating Australia Day all weekend long with meal deals, entertainment and good vibes. Bring along a crew and enjoy a feast from the summer menu including Aussie classics such as bangers and mash with peas and onion gravy; chicken parmi with homemade tomato marinara, cheese, coleslaw and chips; or a steak. If the classics aren’t your style, treat yourself to the Australia Day burger and schooner special that will keep everyone going for karaoke, which kicks off in the main bar from 9.30pm. What’s an Aussie long weekend without Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown, which plays across the venue live and loud all Sunday long.
Website: theroyalleichhardt.com.au
The Argyle
The Argyle is turbocharging its long weekend celebrations by transforming its two floors, six bars and outdoor courtyard into an Australian-themed extravaganza. The Potbelleez kick-start the weekend festivities on Friday, 25 January, taking to the stage at midnight to play an all-star set of electronic-pop hits.
The fun continues on Australia Day – Saturday, 26 January – with a sizzling summer BBQ in The Argyle’s courtyard from 11am, featuring snags, burgers, prawn skewers and lamb chops. Bringing Saturday night to a close is Australia’s very own DJ Tigerlily, who is hitting the decks at midnight with a fusion of house, dance and electronic hits. Sign up for free entry before 9pm.
Partygoers can kick on with an outdoor courtyard party from 11am on Sunday, 27 January, featuring table tennis competitions, live music, DJ entertainment and $25 cocktail jugs. Additional information can be found here.
Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly
Celebrate the Australia Day weekend by the water at Manly Wharf Hotel. On Saturday, gather a squad and enjoy cocktails on the jetty before letting local DJs Alex Preston and Graham Mandroule have you dancing into the early hours. Come back for round two on Sunday with the Triple J Hottest 100 playing live before DJs Dollar Cub and Friendless taking over the decks to keep the party going afterwards. Enjoy the Aussie classic cheese and vegemite pizza or one of the summer menu items including the poke bowl; buddah bowl; fish and chips; or seafood platter.
Website: manlywharfhotel.com.au
Hacienda
Celebrate this Australia Day at one of Sydney’s most iconic venues, Hacienda Sydney. Overlooking the harbour and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, get the gang together for a celebration whilst tucking into an Australian-themed bar menu featuring a classic Aussie burger and bucket of prawns, washed down with a specially created ’Australia Day’ cocktail (Midori, Lemon, Apple Juice, Pineapple Juice and Sugar Syrup) from Hacienda’s mixology team.
Watch the action unfold from above Circular Quay, including the infamous 9pm firework display and dance until the small hours with Hacienda’s resident DJ. Special event offers include a bucket of the freshest Australian prawns served with a glass of house wine of beer for $50 (two people) / $95 (four people).
For something a little more substantial, guests can also enjoy any dish from the specially created menu and a drink of choice (includes cocktails) for only $50 (kids offering with a non-alcoholic beverage $29).
Website: Haciendasydney.com.au
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is staging its annual Australia Day party overlooking one of the best harbour views in Sydney, and this year the hotel teams up with the hip Aussie brand synonymous with summer – Soda Shades.Together Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel and Soda Shades are celebrating all things Straya with a daytime event featuring a hip crowd of partygoers, back-to-back DJ sets and competitions with prizes including sunnies and cocktails.
The Soda Shades crew will be bringing their clique of friends and new shades to Australia Day at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel and curating the music lineup with some of their favourite DJs. Actress-turned-turntable queen Dena Amy, TV presenter Danny Clayton and New Zealand talent Sam Evans will be behind the decks from 2pm – 7pm, and guests will also have the chance to submit anthems to the Soda Shades Australia Day playlist which will be pumped out during the day.
Ticket holders will have the opportunity to grab themselves a complimentary Soda Shades bumbag (RRP $24.95) to carry their party essentials and competitions will be running throughout the day via the Soda Shades SMS number (0488 824 754). Saturday 26 January 2019, second release tickets priced $25.00 + bf
Tayim
Spend Australia Day in The Rocks at the historic precinct’s newest restaurant, Tayim. The expert team of mixologists from the Middle-Eastern influenced restaurant have created ‘Anna’s Passion’, an exclusive cocktail for Australia Day which will be available throughout the public holiday weekend.
Anna’s Passion, named so in honour of Russian ballerina and namesake of the Pavlova, Anna Pavlova. Anna’s Passion is inspired by the iconic Australian dessert with the ingredients of vodka, vanilla liquor, lemon, fresh passionfruit, and egg all shaken together to create a delicious meringue like taste – the cocktail is then finished with a fresh spritz of rose aroma.
Enjoy a cocktail on the restaurant’s front terrace or visit for a spot of lunch or dinner with family and friends.
Website: Tayim.com.au
Munich Brauhaus, The Bavarian and The Bavarian
Munich Brauhaus, The Bavarian and The Bavarian Beerhaüs are kicking off the Australia Day long weekend on Friday, 25 January with happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. Craft beers, spirits and house wines are all $5, with $1 chicken wings also on offer. Guests at The Bavarian Beerhaüs can indulge in a selection of free royal snacks, including buffalo wings, loaded fries and bratwurst rolls.
A limited-edition Australia Day loaded schnitzel is also available all weekend for $25, featuring a classic chicken schnitty smothered, covered and loaded with authentic Aussie toppings of beetroot, pineapple, bacon, egg and cheese.
Endeavour Tap Rooms
Endeavour Tap Rooms will open early on Australia Day, welcoming patrons from 10am with meaty-menu specials, including the almighty Steak Sarnie served on rye bread with caramelized onion and rocket with fries ($24) and Pulled Pork Burger with slaw, bacon crumb, pickles, mustard mayo and fries ($22).
$8 tinnies of Endeavour Beer Citrus Ale will also be available throughout the day.
Website: Taprooms.com.au
Gelatissimo Bundaberg Ginger Beer gelato + FREE Gelato
Gelatissimo has partnered with beloved Aussie brand, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks to create a refreshing flavour that encapsulates the Aussie summer. The Bundaberg Ginger Beer Gelato is a limited edition thirst-quenching gelato made with Australia’s favourite craft brewed Ginger Beer and is available in all stores now.
To celebrate the partnership, Gelatissimo will be kicking off the long weekend with everyone’s favourite festivity, free gelato. Sydneysiders can head down to Bondi Pavilion Forecourt on Friday 25 January from 2pm to get their hands on a free mini gelato cone or Gelatissimo beach ball. Made with Bundaberg Ginger Beer poured straight from the bottle, each mini cone has a slight fizz and the familiar tang of Ginger Beer, guaranteed to add zest to beach-goers’ afternoons.
Australia Day Picnic or BBQ
If you are planning on having a picnic or BBQ with family and/or friends over the long weekend here are some BBQing and picnic must haves.
Thermos® Natural Style 2 Bottle Wine Cooler Bag – Blue/Grey
Foil-lined and insulated cooler compartment suitable for two standard wine bottles. This set includes: Bottle opener x 1 PCS; Plastic wine glasses x 2 PCS; Bottle stopper x 1 PCS; Cotton napkin x 2 PCS. Available Here
alfi® Premium 36 Can Shopper/Cooler Bag – Chevron
- 2 Coolers in 1 – includes inner cooler bag that can be separated
- Isotec™ premium closed cell insulation
- Heat sealed PEVA lining
- Wide operating for easy access
- Extra light & comfortable padded grip handle
- Available here
Thermos® Natural Style 4 Person Picnic Trolley Bag
- Large foil-lined and insulated cooler compartment
- Collapsible trolley handle and side carry handles for added portability
- Quick access lid panel
- Full place setting for 4 people
- BPA-free
- Available here
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