Aussie, Aussie, Aussie: Oi, Oi, Oi!

Thursday January 26 marks Australia Day, and although it’s now mostly celebrated with things like barbecues, hops, thongs and board shorts – the day isn’t without historical significance (and controversy). Australia Day marks the establishment of the first European settlement of the continent at Port Jackson, which is now part of Sydney, in 1788.

So grab your thongs, budgie smugglers and beware of drop bears – here are the best venues in town to celebrate Australia Day in Dubai (and not just on the day itself)…

Barasti: Saturday January 28 

barasti parking

One of the city’s best-loved beach bars will be celebrating everything Aussie, with a patriotic BBQ (shrimp and all), live entertainment from a band and DJ, as well as activities for the kids and hops for the adults. If you love a famous(ish) face, the event is set to be hosted by the Aussie duo Harry and Pricey from Dubai 92.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina. Free entry. 12pm onwards. Tel: (04) 3993333. More info on website. 

Bidi Bondi: Thursday January 26 

bidi bondi

The Aussie hotspot on the Palm Shoreline will be offering up two-for-one on Aussie hops, with a BBQ to keep you fed throughout. Live music from 6pm will keep things moving as you groove around in your thongs – the feet kind, that is. Before that, they’ll be streaming Triple J’s Hot 100 (classic).

Bidi Bondi, Clubhouse Al Manhal, Shoreline Apartments, Palm Jumeirah. 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4270515. More info on Facebook.

Brunswick: Thursday January 26

brunswick

Inside Mall of the Emirates’ hippest hangout comes a classic ‘Aussie backyard party’. Think beer pong, boat races and snapbacks a-plenty. Brunswick will be offering up ‘mates rates’, with deals including two-for-one on VB. Buckets are Dhs100, and there’ll also be punch (it’s a backyard party, of course there’s punch).

Brunswick Sports Bar, Sheraton Hotel, Mall of the Emirates. 7pm to late. Tel: (056) 4040685. More info on website. 

Yalumba: Friday January 27

Yalumba Restaurant

This is the original Aussie spot in the city, and it will be celebrating Australia Day with a Dubai classic, brunch. Think brews, meats, pies and live entertainment. Expect live cooking stations, cheeky drink stations and drinks deals with a DJ.

Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud. 12.30pm to 3.30pm for brunch, and then happy hour from 3.30pm to 7pm. Dhs499 per person inclusive of drinks and bubbly. Tel: (04) 7022455. More info on website.

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