As backyard cricket games spring into life, sports fans bunker down in front of the gogglebox to watch the tennis, or families just chill at the beach – there’s only one thing on everyone’s mind! Australia Day is here again, that means temporary tattoos, flags on cars, food and fireworks.
For many new Australians, it is also the day to celebrate their citizenship at council ceremonies around the country – followed by an obligatory vegemite sandwich and lamington. In 2018-19, more than 127,000 people from at least 200 countries became Aussies – India had the largest number, closely followed by the United Kingdom.
That’s what makes this country such a diverse, cultural wonderland. Wherever you are from, however, you became an Australian… enjoy our national day of celebration!
Here’s our pick of 12 drool-worthy restaurants to gather at with
family and friends come January 26.
Burnt carrots with green tahini yoghurt, basil oil and linseed cracker at Miss Moneypenny's Broadbeach.
Celebrate Australia Day in Broadbeach and Everton Park:
Soak up the Gold Coast sun this Australia Day on the deck at Miss Moneypenny’s on Surf Parade in Broadbeach. Cutting edge style and atmosphere-driven dining are on the plate at this recently opened eatery, taking inspiration from the original Noosa venue of the same name and delivering modern Mediterranean coastal ambience with casual sophistication.
Live music from Jamie Porteous, special spritzers and
cocktails, along with a la carte choices, bar bites and more will keep everyone
entertained on Sunday, January 26. Expect to graze on dishes like suckling pig
spring rolls with caramelised apple and onion emulsion or share slow-cooked
lamb shoulder with spicy chermoula, burnt lemon, chilli oil and watercress.
Celebrate at room81 with their signature 8-course lunch special for $81pp, including a beverage package and live music. Bookings essential.
Discover a slice of France this Australia Day at Broadbeach’s only French lounge and brasserie room81, nestled on the ground floor of the Sofitel Gold Coast hotel. Enjoy l’experience gastronomique, where elegant and flavourful French cuisine combines with a colourful, chic ambience to take diners on a gastronomical journey to the roots of Parisian culture and heritage.
Delve into a signature eight-course lunch special to celebrate our national day with family and friends, including a drinks package. Room81’s a la carte menu is not available for this event and bookings are essential.
Good food, great coffee and Australia Day come together at Toasted Café on South Pine Road in Everton Park. This fun and funky caffeine stop resonates with the buzz of lively conversation in surrounds of whitewashed walls adorned with local artwork, blackboards with tempting specials and a display cabinet full of sweet treats.
Drop by on January 25 or 26 and wrap your hands around one the Chef’s sizzling specials such as sausage on damper with native spiced dukkah and house relish; or saltbush lamb on damper with lemon myrtle tzatziki and salad washed down by an iced latte.
Australia Day Long Weekend in Darwin:
Escape Northern Territory humidity and head to Hotel Darwin on Mitchell Street for a refreshing beverage and meal over the Australia Day long weekend. This iconic Darwin watering hole dates back to 1940 continuing a long tradition of providing icy beers with 20 labels on tap, as well as cocktails and a wide selection of wines by the glass.
There’s free pool, meat tray raffles, a chicken nugget eating competition and food specials, such as $18 pork ribs and sirloin steak, on offer for those celebrating in the Top End from Saturday, January 25 to Monday, January 27. All proceeds from the raffles will go directly to the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal.
Seared scallops with pine nuts and pumpkin, caponata and parsnip creme at Entrata.
Glenhaven and Circular Quay Australia Day Celebrations:
Plating up fare from the roots of old Italy with a modern twist, Entrata on Glenhaven Road in Glenhaven is all rustic charm with exposed coloured brick walls, pale green velvet bench seats and dark wood furniture creating an ambient dining experience. Stop by on Australia Day for live music on the lawn, best enjoyed while sipping an Aperol Spritz and delving into a bucket of prawns.
Oysters and buckets of beer are also available for those
looking to celebrate accordingly, while 10% of all sales on the day will be
donated to the Rural Fire Service and NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and
Education Service. 
A Tropicool punch for the whole gang at Hyde Hacienda Sydney.
Socialise in style this Australia Day long weekend at Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge on Macquarie Street in Circular Quay. Rise above it all taking in stunning harbour views with a glass of wine in hand at this luxe, yet playful bar and lounge inside the Pullman Quay Grand Hotel, where quirky artefacts and hanging greenery set an oasis-like vibe inspired by Cuban and Miami architecture.
On Sunday, January 26, Hyde presents AIX on the Harbour so gather the crew together for a balmy afternoon of drinks, dancing and fun; indulge in flowing AIX Rosé, a delicious Summer seafood buffet and charcuterie station, while dancing into the night with a soundtrack of Balearic tunes.
Relax at Clover Hill Vineyard.
Tasmanian Australia Day Celebrations:
Enjoy your Australia Day long weekend with a wine and food experience at Clover Hill Vineyard on Clover Hill Road in Lebrina. Synonymous with elegance and refinement, Clover Hill is one of Australia’s very few premium sparkling wine producers in the traditional method and has a reputation for uncompromising quality.
Visit the cellar door on January 25-26 to take in
sensational views across the vines, sip your favourite Clover Hill wine
accompanied by a unique menu from Clover’s Kitchen, while a DJ keeps the beat
going. Special Australia Day wine offers will also be available across the
weekend; while those who want to stay over can sleep under the stars with
Clover’s two-night glamping experience.
Chill out in Bunker Bay at the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort.
Where to Celebrate Australia Day in Perth:
Experience true destination dining complemented by breathtaking vistas of the most romantic and secluded spot in Margaret River wine region – Bunker Bay – at Other Side of the Moon Restaurant & Bar, nestled in the luxurious Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in Naturaliste. Polished wood floors and a branching light feature create a refined vibe, while the olive tree surrounded outdoor terrace is an ideal perch for an Australia Day drink.
The talented kitchen team is cooking up a traditional Aussie
BBQ Buffet on January 26, expect to tuck into Spring Valley lamb chops, gourmet
sausages, marinated Black Angus eye fillet steak, fresh prawns, salad,
housemade lamingtons, pavlova and more; accompanied by cocktail and drink
specials and live entertainment by local musician Phil Strahan.
When the pavlova visited Peru! A stunning dessert of seasonal fruits, citrus, cream, coriander and chilli dust at UMA, Perth.
Enjoy high tea with a true blue twist on the Australia Day long weekend at Bar Uma on Adelaide Terrace in the heart of Perth’s CBD. This contemporary and innovative bar is the sister venue to Uma Restaurant also located in the Pan Pacific Hotel and on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 high tea will be served Aussie-style with vegemite and cheese twists, Tim Tam jaffa cake and lamingtons.
Expect to sip your Dilmah tea or percolated coffee from a Wedgewood China cup, perhaps pair your fare with a glass of sparkling wine; or opt for a cheeky cocktail such as a salted plum margarita with Cointreau, plum sake, Tapatio reposado, fresh lemon and Davidson plum. Those looking for dinner plans can book for a five-course meal at Uma Restaurant, with a Pisco Sour on arrival and canape around the pool.
Australia Day in South Yarra:
Combining the warmth of a local pub with the savvy city style Melbourne is renowned for, Temperance Hotel on bustling Chapel Street is the place to be in South Yarra come Australia Day. A stylish interior complements a casual vibe, where crowds of all ages gather for drinks and dining in suave surrounds.
Come down and say Happy Australia Day and if you’re quick
you might grab one of 100 free pints of Byron Bay Lager from 2pm until the keg
runs out. There’s live music in the afternoon, DJs to party the night away and
$7 drink specials all day, alongside share plates like southern fried chicken
with dill pickle and chipotle aioli.
Oysters and beer at BearBrass.
Perched on the banks of the Yarra River with spectacular Melbourne city views, BearBrass in Southgate is the place to be seen this Australia Day from breakfast to beer o’clock. Feel the river breeze alfresco while sipping a Squealing Pig Rose gin spritz and grazing on small plates such as fried calamari with chorizo, parsley, coriander, lime and firecracker aioli.
Going to the tennis? With the Australian Open underway at Melbourne Park, why not take advantage of BearBrass’s Eat, Drink and Water Taxi package – enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the venue and then take a return trip with Melbourne Water Taxis along the Yarra to the entertainment and sports precinct.
For more spots to party hardy come January 26, click here.
