From barbie-themed brunches to free Aussie punch…

Homesick Aussies needn’t feel like they’re missing out this Australia Day, as heaps of Dubai’s bars and restaurants are getting in on the ‘Straya Day fun. From unlimited drinks packages and fancy dress prizes to barbie-themed brunches and free punch, there’s plenty to do.

Here are 7 Australia Day celebrations to get involved in. 

Brunswick Sports Club

Brunswick Sports Club is taking its Australia Day celebrations so seriously, they’re extending it throughout the whole weekend. There will be a free glass of Aussie punch on arrival for all Aussies, prizes for the best ‘Straya Day-themed fancy dress, a limited-edition Oz burger made with the classics: beetroot and pineapple, and two-for-one offers on a selection of beers and wines all weekend.

Brunswick Sports Club, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, 12pm to 12am, Friday Jan 26 and Saturday Jan 27. Tel: (056) 404 0685. More info on website

Candypants

Designed for the hardcore party people, expect commercial hits, inflatable air guitars, and water guns spiked with drinks at this Australia Day-themed mega brunch. It’s got capacity for more than 800 brunchers, and afterwards, there’s free entry next door to XL for the after-party, where brunchers pile onto the dance floor with resident DJs spinning pop hits till late.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Friday January 26, afterparty from 4pm, house Dhs350, sparkling Dhs395. Tel:050 220 4638. More info on website

McGettigan’s

McGettigan’s is celebrating Australia Day on January 26 with a one-off menu special. For Dhs69, get an 8oz Australian wagyu beef burger topped with beetroot, sweet pickle, pineapple, bacon, cheese and a fried egg in a brioche bun and a pint of selected beer. The offer is available at McGettigan’s JLT, DWTC and Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

McGettigan’s JLT, DWTC and Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Friday January 26, Dhs69. More info on website

Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera

While originally British, Sean Connolly has paved out his culinary career in the Southern Hemisphere. With an ode to that, his Dubai restaurant, in the rooftop of the Dubai Opera, is putting on a barbie in the secret garden. Expect dishes such as Kinkawooka mussels, Oysters on the BBQ and Australian lamb alongside a four-hour drinks package. Take along the little ones – kids eat for free from the kids’ menu.

Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera, Opera District, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 4pm Dhs390 soft, Dhs500 house, Dhs610 sparkling. Tel: (04) 362 7312. More info on website

West 14th Steakhouse

This contemporary steakhouse on The Palm will be serving up an Australia Day-themed Friday brunch this weekend, with packages from Dhs265. Can’t make it during the day? Head down for an a la carte dinner and enjoy 50 per cent off selected Australian steaks and beverages.

West 14th, Oceana beach club, Palm Jumeirah, brunch 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs265, dinner 6pm to 11pm, Friday Jan 26. Tel: (04) 447 7601. More info on website

Yalumba

Australians in Dubai can mark Australia Day with two days of celebrations at Yalumba, Le Meridien Dubai. There’s an unlimited drinks package on Thursday for Dhs249 for house or Dhs499 for premium drinks. Then on Friday, there’s an Aussie theme to the Friday brunchology. It’ll be finished off with a game of cricket.

Yalumba, Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud. 7pm onwards Thursday Jan 25, Dhs149 soft, Dhs249 house, Dhs499 premium, 12.30pm to 3.30pm Friday Jan 26, Dhs389 house, Dhs529 sparkling. Tel: (04) 702 2455. More info on website

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity’s new Friday brunch, Ritual, is getting an Australia Day theme this week. The BBQ brunch will feature Aussie favourites on top of the usual food and drink stations, pool and beach access and international DJ sets. This week, the beach club welcomes Leftwing & Kody to the afterparty, which is free-entry after 5pm.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 5pm, Friday January 26, Dhs295 ladies, Dhs315 gents Tel: (04) 399 0009. More info on website

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.

Images: Facebook/ Supplied