Ok, so while some of us have been scheming this holiday since Jan 2nd, others have been a little slack on the planning front (ahhhm me!)

With so many cheeky Aussies taking a sickie today (and the rest of us not working as hard as usual), I know you’ll enjoy a last minute guide landing on your lap.

We all know the beach is the place to be, with some cricket and beers and the obligatory blown up oversize Havaiana floatie! But if you’re looking for something a bit different to head to this Australia Day then grab your bestie and head to one of these bad boys.

Bowled Over
If you want an Aussie As way to spend Australia Day you need to get Bowled Over. The event has some cracking headline acts including Harts, Grenadiers and IV League, and of course the hottest 100 throughout the day. They have Young Henry’s Bar and as Fireball Whisky Cocktail Bar to keep your whistle wet (and on fire) all day and a picnic park with foodie options to soak up the booze.

If you’re a bit competitive or gals if you really just want to ditch the heels, then have a go at barefoot bowls. The lanes are open all day for a bit of social or competitive fun!

Plus they won me over with the idea of a secret garden with deck chairs, umbrellas and bean bags, that just says ‘mega chilled’ to me, which is exactly what I want to be on Australia Day.

Heineken Live Stage at the Aus Open
The Heineken Beer Garden has been the place to kick back for the whole Aus Open, but what makes it an even better place to down the brews on Aus Day is that the Rubens will be performing. Access is free with your ground pass, so grab one and get in there (super early is our recommendation…it PACKS out).

 

Craft Cider Fest

For the 4th year running the guys from the Brunswick Street Cider House have your whole Aussie Day covered. Hand over $28 and you shall receive a full stein of any cider or beer on tap, pulled pork, gravy & coleslaw baguette & apple crumble w/ custard & vanilla ice cream. Plus they’re cracking the hottest 100 all day and have a stunning outdoor area to lap up the sunshine. Super chilled option this Australia Day.

 

Munich Brauhaus does Aus Day
These guys have a heap of things going on at the moment that we can play with on Australia Day. Firstly they’ve brought out their first craft beer range including the Munich Lager, Butcher’s Bride Pale Ale, a wheat and barley blend called Hop Dock and the low carb Blonde Moment (just in case you wanted one…). They’ve set up a craft beer garden for January which will be serving up this ale of goodness on Australia Day, as well as Aussie/German snags. Win win I say.

Four Pillars

Another idea is to get out of town for the day and check out the new Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healsville. Fancy Hanks food truck will be there to serve you the perfect piece of meat, Sam Ng will be behind the bar to serve you the perfect Aussie Day cocktail (a twist on your classic breakfast Martini) to accompany your food and of course the hottest 100 will be playing all day! We went along, as soon as it opened, and can promise you the bevvies are amazing (if you love Negroni’s wow wee!) and the venue itself is just gorgeous.

Have fun in the sun Melbourne! Be safe, have a beer and slap on some delicious smelling coconut sun cream.

And if you’re looking to keep the party going all week, find out what’s made it On The List this week.