From brunches by the barbie to pavlova making contests…

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 pavlova contests, there’s plenty to do.

Here are 6 Australia Day celebrations to get involved in. 

Barasti 

 

Barasti Beach is one of the best places to celebrate Australia Day in Dubai, and this year is no exception. Head down on Saturday January 26 for its huge annual beach BBQ, plenty of beer buckets and a live DJ to see you through to Sunday.

Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Saturday January 26, 10am to late, free entry (over 21s only on the beach). Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity’s popular Saturday Supernatural brunch is Aussie themed this Saturday in celebration of Australia Day. The unlimited beachside BBQ and buffet includes beef brisket, burgers and shrimps to chuck on the barbie, as well as chicken parmigiana and a selection of pies. Stick around for sunset and take advantage of their 2-for-1 happy hour deal from 5pm to 8pm on selected beverages.

Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina, noon to 5pm, Saturday January 26, Dhs249 for ladies, Dhs299 for gents. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

Girders Garden

 

The famous sports bar in the JA Ocean View hotel has a ‘Straya-themed treat for you on Friday and Saturday this weekend. From 12.30pm to 3.30pm both days, there will be a full Australian BBQ complete with steaks, burgers, snags (sausages) and chicken. There are Aussie-themed activities happening in the garden, as well as a fancy dress competition, plus a pavlova making contest, with prizes such as hotel stay vouchers on offer. Children are welcome.

Girders Garden, JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Friday January 25 and Saturday January 26, from Dhs159. Tel: (04) 814 5590. jaresortshotels.com

Qwerty 

A huge Aussie barbie at Media One’s Qwerty this weekend, served up alongside happy hour prices on beer and wine. The BBQ includes unlimited servings of Aussie sliders, beef, lamb, halloumi and tzatziki. Plus, there’ll be giant Jenga, beer pong, and popular Aussie radio station Triple J playing the hottest 100 hits.

Qwerty, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Saturday January 26, 1pm to 7pm, from Dhs125. Tel: (04) 427 1000. mediaonehotel.com

Yalumba

 

You can expect four days of Australia Day celebrations at famed Australian spot Yalumba from January 23 to 26. It kicks off on Wednesday January 23 with a themed dinner and discounted beverages with buckets of hops from Dhs99 and pints from Dhs25, followed by an ‘Aussie Queen’s’ ladies’ night on January 24 with 20 per cent off beverages all night. Brunchology goes ‘Down Under’ on Friday with an all-you-can-eat BBQ priced at Dhs389 with house beverages, and it’s a family-friendly alfresco affair on Saturday, with a meaty all-you-can-eat feast priced at Dhs119.

Yalumba, Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud, 7pm to 11pm, Friday brunch 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Wednesday January 23 to Saturday January 26, prices vary. Tel: (04) 702 2328. yalumbadubai.com

Manzil Downtown

 

Manzil Downtown’s Backyard Brunch, swaps Levantine cuisine for a Down Under theme. Think, grilled Australian prawns, the ‘Aussie Burger’, meat pies, chicken parmigiana, and pavlova, will all be added to the menu. You’ll also find beef ribs, grilled prawns and hotdogs available.

The Backyard Brunch, The Courtyard, Manzil Downtown, Downtown Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Friday January 25, from Dhs265. Tel: (04) 8883444. manzildowntown.com

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