Top 5 Things to do on Australia Day

Looking for ways to celebrate Australia Day? Look no further than these our top picks that define our Aussie culture.

1. Host a Barberoo

This Australia Day, you could put a shrimp on the barbie, but we all know that’s a) last century, b) it’s been done to death for Americans and c) we call them prawns. Instead, invite some friends over and host a barberoo. Now putting our national emblem on the barbie may seem sacrilege to some but kangaroo meat is lean meat, high in protein, dietary zinc, B-vitamins iron and has a unique flavour that lends itself to cooking on high heat for a rare-medium finish.

Roll a kangaroo fillet in native bush spice mix and cook until pink. Slap a roo burger or a Kanga Banga on the BBQ until cooked through. You’ll find a range of roo meat by Macro Meats Gourmet Game at leading supermarkets. Now you can make Australia Day RooDay.

Barberoo

2. Wear Thongs with Pride

Hit the beach in your best thongs for the Havaianas Australia Day Thong Challenge. The event will be taking place at five beaches nationwide on Australia Day with the Guinness world record attempt for the longest line of giant inflatable Havaianas joined in the water up for grabs. Sydney-siders, pop down to Bondi Beach for a spectacular event that is now in its ninth year.

3. Eat and Drink Aussie

Did you know there’s an Australia Day lamb sausage? The Lamb Merguez snag is a collaboration between Haverick Meats and chef John Pyne and has an earthy and spicy flavour. You can find it at Haverick Meats on Saturday 26 January and on barbeque at the Watsons Bay Hotel from 11 am on Sunday.

On Australia Day, put away your French wine, bottles of champagne, six packs of Coronas and bring out that Aussie spirit. Whether it’s a sparkling wine from the Prosecco Road in King Valley, a locally-brewed cider or any of our craft beer, you’ll find something as refreshing as a gin and tonic made with Aussie gin.

Alternatively, try making Sails in the Sunset, an Australia Day cocktail that we’ve created.

4. Sydney’s Backyard BBQ at Opera Bar

Not keen on hosting a BBQ? Have it in someone else’s backyard. Head over to Sydney’s Backyard at the Opera Bar for BBQ Bites, spiked lemonades, James Squire’s 100 Lashes beer and fun for the kids.

5. Bloody Un-Australian Things Bartenders Do

It doesn’t get more Australian than pointing out the bloody un-Australian faults of others, according to this awesome video. Bloody Un-Australian Things Bartenders Do is from the same people who brought you S#!t People Say To Aussie Bartenders. Take a good look, you might even recognise one or a few industry peeps you know.