Is there honestly a more exciting day in on the calendar than Australia Day? It’s the one day of the year where both our citizens and visitors come together as one to celebrate the beauty of our great land girt by sea, the warm summer air is filled with the smell of BBQs sizzling, families and friends kicking up their feet with a bev in hand (the true Aussie way) and of course, Triple J’s Hottest 100 soundtracking the day.
There are always so many events that are happening around our nation’s favourite day-off, whether it be on Aussie Day Eve or on the grand day itself, it can almost be a little overwhelming to know what to do with yourself. That’s why we decided to piece together our guide to the parties that are happening around the country over the long weekend, because why wouldn’t you want to dig music in the sun with your pals?
Dig Unreal Live Music & Play Some Bowls In St. Kilda
Where? St. Kilda Bowls Club, 66 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne
When? 11:00am, Monday 26th January
Why? Unquestionably the best party in Melbourne this Australia Day, the infamous Bowled Over returns for it’s fifth instalment with a cracking lineup of musical talent. This year’s event will see the likes of Remi, Bad//Dreems and Twinsy perform with Channel V on the ground to film all the action (plus the addition of a special guest host!). Against the backdrop of Triple J’s Hottest 100, which will be live on the dial all day long, punters this year can be treated to their very own private oasis at the new ‘Secret Garden’, fitted with deckchairs, bars and delicious Aussie bites on the BBQ, courtesy of Sweetwater Inn. The more active punters can head to the Bowling Green for a chance to earn themselves the coveted ‘Levi’s® Cup’, and when the summer sun gets too much, the air-conditioned Club House awaits.
Entry & Info: $20.00 www.facebook.com & http://bowledover.com.au/
Party @ Reverence Hotel w/ Frenzal Rhomb, Saskwatch And More
Where? Reverence Hotel, 28 Napier Street, Footscray, Melbourne
When? 3:00pm, Sunday 25th January
Why? Okay Melbournians, here’s your first stop-off for a killer long weekend of live music. The west’s hub of live music is hosting an absolute ripper of an Aussie Eve party, featuring a stunning list of performances including: Frenzal Rhomb, Saskwatch, Hoodlum Shouts, Hawaiian Islands, Outright, Scul Hazards, Have/Hold, De Nada, Kissing Booth, Initials, Robert Muinos, Tyre Swans, Ben David & Craig Coburn. Aside from the lineup, what makes this event so special is that it’s a fundraiser,”raging against the negative attitudes and behaviours so often (unfortunately) exhibited on our national day, fighting ignorance, acknowledging our country’s true beginnings and celebrating diversity.” All profits go directly to The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, The Refugee Council and Oxfam to assist in their vital work. This truly is what Australia Day is about.
Appreciate Beer, Music And Australia Day At Keg & Brew
Where? Keg & Brew, 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
When? 11:00am, Monday 26th January
Why? Now this is what we are talking about. The guys at Keg & Brew have most definitely got one of the best Australia Day parties sorted, broadcasting not only the Hottest 100 (as they should) but also joining other pubs in the great Hottest Craft Beer 100, as well as the Top 10 Craft Beers on tap. To make things even better, there’ll be rad prize giveaways (we guess…beer?). If you love beer and love music and will be in Sydney for the long weekend – there’s no where else you should be.
Tickets & Info: www.kegandbrew.com.au
Ring In Aus Day With Ariel Pink, The Clean & How To Dress Well
Where? The Brightside, 27 Warner St, Brisbane
When? 4:00pm, Sunday 25th January
Why? Let us open by saying that this lineup is epic. Headlined by a multitude of acts both international and local, any lucky punter in Brisbane has the opportunity to ring in Australia Day in the presence of some of the finest musical talent the world has to offer. One only needs to look at the psych-pop meets experimental guru Ariel Pink, who’s killer record Pom Pom received critical acclaim late last year, or New Zealand’s original king of cool, The Clean, who told Tone Deaf that these Australian performances would be their last. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday night, especially when you’ve got Australia Day waiting for on Monday.
Tickets & Info: $71.40, www.facebook.com & http://thebrightsidebrisbane.oztix.com.au
Chill At Hotel Rottnest’s Unreal Hottest 100 Party
Where? Hotel Rottnest, 1 Bedford Avenue, Rottnest Island
When? 9:00am, Monday 26th January
Why? What could be more Aussie than spending our national holiday in one of Australia’s most iconic and beautiful destinations, Rottnest Island? Nuthin’, and in just a couple of weeks time you’re invited to come to Western Australia’s favourite holiday playground. Bask in the sun and enjoy the extra bars and extra food offerings this Australia Day while listening to Australia’s most popular countdown. On top of this, there’ll be live music too, with bands still to be announced.
Tickets & Info: www.hotelrottnest.com.au
The Triffid Hottest 100 Party Ft. Millions
Where? The Triffid, 9 Stratton Street, Newstead, Brisbane
When? 10.00am, Monday 26th January
Why? Keen to have a few froths and listen to Triple J’s Hottest 100 but don’t want to have all of drunk people at your house? Don’t worry, Brisbane’s super sweet new venue The Triffid has got your back and are throwing a listening party. On top of this, local four-piece Millions will be performing too, and all this day and night of musical fun is going to cost you is a mere $10.00 on entry. Don’t worry about the awful epic Aussie Day cleanup, pop ’round to The Triffid and let them worry.
Entry & Info: $10.00, http://thetriffid.com.au
Rosemount Hotel Ft. Magnus Danger Magnus & DJ Aslan
Where? Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
When? 9:00am, Monday 26th January
Why? People of Perth, the Rosemount Hotel will deliver once again this Australia Day, hosting a free party all day and all night in their main room. Naturally, the day will be centred around the Hottest 100, with Magnus Danger Magnus playing games with punters and DJ Aslan will be turning up the party vibes from 5.00pm when the countdown really begins to peak. Of course, the show will go on long into the night. Round up all your pals and make your way to North Perth this Australia Day.
Entry & Info: Free Event, http://rosemounthotel.com.au
Decibels Records Hottest 100 Shindig
Where? Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote, Melbourne
When? 12:00pm, Monday 26th January
Why? If you’re planning your Australia Day in the northern suburbs we’ve got you sorted. The guys at Decibels Records are hosting a free, that’s right free party at the Northcote Town Hall. Naturally, Triple J shall be broadcast for all to hear, but on top of that they’re be a bar, BBQ, Hottest 100 bingo, giant sized jenga as well as banana lounges to kick your feet up on.
Entry & Info: Free Event, www.facebook.com
Gasworks Plaza Free Day Of Relaxation
Where? Gasworks Plaza, Skyring Terrace, Newstead, Brisbane
When? 10.00am, Monday 26th January
Why? How does a Pop Up Bar by Hatch & Co, free entertainment and rides including jumping castles, bean bags to crash in whilst the Hottest 100 plays in the background all for free sound to you? Pretty damn good, we know. For the lucky folk of Brizzy, The Gasworks Plaza are hosting this event and encouraging any and all to come down for a free day of relaxation and appreciation the mega of music that was 2014.
Tickets & Info: Free Event, www.gasworksplaza.com.au
