Party at Coogee
Coogee Bay Hotel are putting on the ultimate Aussie backyard BBQ inspired by ‘lambassador’ Sam Kekovich, counting down Triple J’s Hottest 100 and blasting DJ tunes from their balcony bar. For those who enjoy a bit of competition you can battle it out with prizes to be one in the table tennis comp.
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee
Phone: (02) 9665 0000
Details: coogeebayhotel.com.au

Shake it Afro-Cuban Style
As part of the Sydney Festival, pop-up Keystone Festival Bar is bringing Pedrito Martinez and his band to town. Normally you have to travel to NYC to see these world-class musicians, but on Australia Day you can see them in the surrounds of Hyde Park Barracks.
Where: Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Corner Macquarie Street and Prince Albert Road
Tickets: (02) 8239 2311
Info: sydneyfestival.org.au

Green Beats Summer Festival

Beats. Bowls. Beers. What more do you need to celebrate Australia day, other than your mates? There will be dub, reggae, funk, soul, electro and more, so you can dance yourself silly while bowling like a boss. Just remember to slip, slop, slap!
Where: Coogee Bowling Club, Dolphin St
Phone: (02) 9665 5782
Info: greenbeats.com.au

Red Dog at Open Air Cinema
How about watching one of the best new Australian movies under the stars with a view of the harbour? Red Dog is based on a true story about a canine that became a hero in Pilbara mining country. The film has humour, heartbreak—and in true Aussie style—mateship. A limited number of tickets are available on the door, so get there when the gates open at 6.15pm and enjoy a drink or three.
Where: Mrs Macquaries Road, The Domain
Info: stgeorgeopenair.com.au

Australia Day on The Island
The Island and Barrio Chino are putting on a waterside bash. $90 will get you a return water taxi ticket to the island with a cocktail on arrival. There’ll be $5 Barrio Chino Tacos all day and jugs of Barrio Chino’s famous Margaritas.
Where: Water taxis leave from Rose Bay every 20 minutes from 1pm.
Details: theislandsydney.com.au